Artistic expressions

Art is about so many things. Impressions/interpretation of the artist. And that of the experiencer. A message/thought/idea that needs to be conveyed/experienced. Emotions. Expressing what isn't "there." Or what "is." So many things go into a painting, a song, the written word, the oral story. And it goes on. Home furnishings, building design, car design, etc. We are surrounded with our artistic desires and expressions.

When I paint for myself, I push. Beyond the appearance of something in front of me. I paint with all kinds of feelings about my subject. I'm sensitive. I've been told I have a minimalistic sense of design. Some think I don't push enough, others think too much. Or that my textures are wrong, colors too saturated, form not accurate. Have heard it all. My response? GO PICK UP A BRUSH!

Once you do, the critiques diminish. And truth is experienced. The sane and insane approach you have toward a blank canvas staring you in the face translates into anxiety, fear and courage. For me, blank canvases are not the problem. I'm almost manic with designs and ideas. My books are full. I am a romantic, minimalistic painter, trying to find her voice. Not anyone else's.

The challenge. You see, my job is to paint for other people. That is how I earn my living. And so, I have the ability to adapt to the request. I actually enjoy the challenge. However, in the process, I have lost the direction of my own personal work. Is this bad? Nope. I know this and I have direction because of it.

I think the general public gets turned on when they see realistic work because they marvel at the accuracy required to replicate. Me? I say, easy stuff. But what about it's soul? What about the movement? Texture? How does it make you FEEL? Another thing? When you look at a painting and you see something missing, or not defined, or defined, whatever. If it bugs you, don't think the painter was wrong or didn't do something right. Trust me. It's all intentional. For me? I leave stuff out to get down to the bones of the subject matter. The feelings, the truth I wish to convey...as I see it or experience it. Know my friendly experiencers, that each brush stroke has great intention behind it. Nothing has been missed. It's all purposeful. And is the case for most artists.

I am not about details. Never have been. Global thinker. Big picture. I haven't the patience to get busy with the minute. It's not important to me. (ask my ex-boyfriends!) I mean, I was trained in the '70's and early '80's. Impressionism, abstract realism, surrealism, etc. were on the agenda. It influenced me. Pollack, Escher, Dali, Turner, Whistler, my father.

Eh, I'm just griping. It's been a rough week.

Okay. Rambling. Point is. I'm out there, I have talent. Stretching boundaries. And I've only been painting for 8 years.

What more can I ask of myself? It's up to the viewer of my work to get the most they can out of it; they are 50% of the experience. It's a relationship. Art. And, I'm happy to be a partner.