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Old 05-29-2002, 12:37 PM   #81
Jim Riley Jim Riley is offline
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Joined: Jul 2001
Location: Lancaster, PA
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Well maybe the ability to draw doesn't justify Picasso's later success but draughtsman or not he and his work became icons of modern art. And though many seem to have a conspiracy theories regarding the popularity of modern art, the young middle class couples down the street from me enjoy these art forms free from the influence of anyone else's judgement or "overrating" by the Art community.

I have heard the comment many times that the artist had good drawing skills before his turn to "Modern Art" but would argue that this is done mostly in response to those that assume artists depart from classic realism because they have no skill, discipline, or ability. Usually followed with thoughtful, intelligent and insightful comments like "it's ugly", "it's not art", "I just don't like it", etc. I recently commented on my annoyance to hear Tom Wolfe say in front of the American Portrait Society that "Picasso could not draw". You can't have it both ways.

In the meantime I will watch the forum closely for the many drawings and paintings that exceed his run-of-the-mill 19th century academic training.
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Jim Riley
Lancaster Pa. Portrait Artist
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