Tom Lynch defines art in three ways: "1. Pictures; 2. Paintings; and 3. Works of art. Pictures are copies of reference material made for the sake of preserving an image. Paintings are enhancements of reference material, created with an understanding of the fundamentals of color, shape, contrast, focal area, unity, theme or mood, and with a subtle insight that ties all these elements together. A work of art is a painting in which the effect rises above those fundamentals."
Art is a language. Actually, the very first language. Therefore when I view a painting or other piece of art work, I want to feel what the artist wanted to communicate with the piece. It's usually evident. A few days ago I judged an art show in Crescent City, California. There was one painting that spoke loud and clear! The technique was young, but I kept returning for another look. It made me laugh; the artist's point and passion about the subject were very well presented. I felt it earned an award for such a strong communication element.
Keep your brush wet!
