Blake Gopnik trashes official portraits in Washington Post article - Page 4

Michele Rushworth · 06-10-2005, 09:40 AM

Quote:

...abstract art in the mid-20th Century was the invention of a handful of critics and painters in NYC.

It's truly amazing how many lives (directly and indirectly, so many years later) that Clement Greenberg was able to impact.

Thomas Nash · 06-10-2005, 10:48 AM

"This article is already lining birdcages. "

Almost makes me wish I owned a bird. I do have a neighbor who is trying to train a new puppy though! There is a use for everything,

Thomas Nash · 06-18-2005, 10:05 AM

I finally put some photos taken during my sessions with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, on my web site. Many of them are the ones already posted here but some are different.

Because of the W.P. article I chose this portrait to feature as the first in a new section I call "Making the Portrait". The link is:
http://www.thomasnash.com/making.html or just go to www.thomasnash.com. Cynthia also has me linked here.

I am just starting to develop the site, it will change greatly in the next few weeks.

Mikael Melbye · 06-18-2005, 12:50 PM

I've read the whole story with great interest, and intensifying disgust of critics. I have been an international opera singer for more then twenty five years, and have naturally had to endure the ups and downs of these persons that usually have no clue about whatever they are criticizing. The key word here being "criticizing", not "reviewing" as it should be. In music I found that that a constructive critique was so seldom that I sometimes had the urge to clip it out and post it somewhere.
Anyway, it seems absolutely clear to me, that this man has no idea whatsoever of what he is talking, and I wish that the demonstration of professionalism and method that you put on display for us here in the forum, would be something that he could see and hopefully blush in shame over.

We have a saying in the music world that goes: don't worry about it, tomorrow they will wrap fish in it!

Or as my fellow Dane Hans Christian Andersen once said when given one of many harsh critiques: "One would only wish that it was written on softer paper more suitable for the destination of it!"

All the best and God bless

Mikael

Michele Rushworth · 06-18-2005, 12:57 PM

Thanks for posting this, Tom.

Looking at your paintings again, I'm particularly struck by how well done the hands are!

Thomas Nash · 06-18-2005, 05:42 PM

Thanks Mikael,

I've been admiring your work. It's seems that the artists, dancers, and actors you have painted made interesting subjects and you have done a great job of painting them. I particularly like the one of artist Tage Anderson and the colorful portrait of actress Ghita Norby.

Thank you too Michele, I do try to put almost as much care into the posing and painting of the hands as I do the head. They may not always be an important focal point, but if they're bad, they can spoil the rest of the painting.

Mikael Melbye · 06-19-2005, 10:10 AM

Thanks. It makes for good portrait when you have the help of big and interesting personalties to paint. At least one will not have that excuse to fail. I have yet to paint any politicians, but I'm curious to See whether my general mistrust of them will come out in the portrait when I do.

All the best

Mikael

Juan Martinez · 06-19-2005, 10:46 AM

Tom,

It is appalling what that buffoon, Gopnik, has wrought! I was so furious when I read your post today. You see, Blake Gopnik's ignorance of art was for a long time, infecting Canada's "The Globe and Mail" newspaper. Then, a few years ago he was lured away by the, apparently, even more culturally simple-minded, "Washington Post". I am sorry that you in the US will now have to bear his peurile, irrelevant rantings. He had a habit, which seems to persist, to say almost anything at all, so long as it hasn't an iota of solid knowledge about the thing he derides. For example, he once criticised a painter here in Toronto, who had been living and studying Old Masters in Germany for a few years, for not showing us "innovative new brush techniques" in his latest work. I was given to wonder if Mr. Gopnik could explain such an asinine phrase. I mean, are there even any innovative new brush techniques after some 5000+ years of trying? If so, who would care? It's absurd, but it's just the sort of meaningless artspeak that is his stock-and-trade. I'm glad that you brought that article to our attention, though, but as you and others have pointed out, what he says doesn't really affect you or your profession. It will all fade away in a heartbeat.

All the best.

Juan

Chris Saper · 06-19-2005, 11:30 AM

Tom,

I have just visited your site's "The Making of Newt Gingrich's Portrait."

What a fabulous description of the various and thoughtful elements in this painting. I appreciate this excellent portrait even more so, having some insight into all that you put into it.

I can see you at the bottom!

Claudemir Bonfim · 06-25-2005, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas Nash

I finally put some photos taken during my sessions with former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, on my web site. Many of them are the ones already posted here but some are different.

Because of the W.P. article I chose this portrait to feature as the first in a new section I call "Making the Portrait". The link is:
http://www.thomasnash.com/making.html or just go to www.thomasnash.com. Cynthia also has me linked here.

I am just starting to develop the site, it will change greatly in the next few weeks.

I have just visited your website and it's very, very beautiful!
The portrait of Jenny is simply wonderful! I loved teh pose, lighting, background, everything!