Lesson 23
1. Thought
"As is probably the case with most painterly realists,
I'm strongly influenced by the improvisational aspects of abstract
expressionism. In my work, the figure provides the inspiration
-- and much of the context -- for the painting, but there is so
much about color, surface, inflection, and mood that I want to
explore that I'm constantly manipulating it. For me, the representative
form is a jumping-off point for more expressive concerns such
as paint surface and color." Daniel Ludwig, American Artists
July 92 p. 32.
2. Words:
Painterly: Appearing free in style or technique with more use
of mass than of line; having the effect of spontaneous, expert
paint application. North Light Dictionary of Art Terms
This term was used frequently by my early art teachers and, when
used about my work, was a term of approval. Generally, I took
it (and take it) to mean: has a concern with the application of
the paint. Applies the paint so that part of the focus of the
viewer is on the surface of the painting rather than just on the
subject matter. Uses the paint in a masterly fashion. Inflection
is usually associated with grammar. generally, I think here he
means the modulation or change in form on the painting. Mood is
also a grammar term. As used here it could mean the "mental
state" or "distinction of form to express the manner
in which the action or state it denotes is conceived, whether
as fact, or as a matter of supposal, wish, possibility, etc.
3. Practice: "Learning bears fruit when it is applied."
Finding the message: In this homework assignment, I want
you to do a drawing or painting where you are conscious, not only
of the "reality" of the world around you, but of the
quality of either the paint medium, the forms and composition
of the painting, or your emotion or "message" that you
want to convey. (Note: if you don't have time to do an exercise,
at least observe some art and observe how it differs from what
was "there" and what the artist may be trying to communicate
by doing this.
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