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Rob Sullivan · 02-12-2006, 02:42 PM

I voted "no."

Some of Tom's reasons mirror mine exactly, so I won't repeat them.

As regards boldness: If I walk out of my door naked, I get arrested. If I paint a nude self portrait, I am bold. Another take is this: Consider how much more "bold" or "honest" Alice Neel's nude self-portrait at 80 would be if it were totally realistic, and not a caricature...

Anyway, I first saw Neel's work in a book of portrait art that my grandmother gave to me at age 11. I had already decided a few years prior that I was going to be an artist. So when I saw the work, and that it was on a technical level equal to mine at age 11, I dismissed it. Now 24 years later, as an adult artist I understand the rationale behind her style, it still doesn't justify (to me) the lack of (or intentional leaving off of) technical skill.

02-12-2006, 02:42 PM	#19
Rob Sullivan Juried Member Joined: Dec 2003 Location: Portland, ME Posts: 197	I voted "no." Some of Tom's reasons mirror mine exactly, so I won't repeat them. As regards boldness: If I walk out of my door naked, I get arrested. If I paint a nude self portrait, I am bold. Another take is this: Consider how much more "bold" or "honest" Alice Neel's nude self-portrait at 80 would be if it were totally realistic, and not a caricature... Anyway, I first saw Neel's work in a book of portrait art that my grandmother gave to me at age 11. I had already decided a few years prior that I was going to be an artist. So when I saw the work, and that it was on a technical level equal to mine at age 11, I dismissed it. Now 24 years later, as an adult artist I understand the rationale behind her style, it still doesn't justify (to me) the lack of (or intentional leaving off of) technical skill. __________________ "All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." - J.R.R. Tolkien [COLOR=Green]Sl