Photorealism - what's your opinion?

[Linda Brandon]

[QUOTE=Steven Sweeney]I personally want to be privy to some information or insight that I couldn

[Steven Sweeney]

Originally Posted by Linda Brandon

Some of the things artists do to distinguish themselves from other artists seem gimmicky to me.

I agree absolutely, and though I won't open the can of worms by naming names, some of the best-known contemporary artists being feted and deified have signature habits and quirks that I find extremely annoying, when encountered over and over -- as if they couldn't think of a different way to say something. I do realize that from a marketing perspective, consistency is important, but it also has that well-know hobgoblin quality. And there's a line, worth honoring, I think, between an artist's saying, "Look, here's the way I saw this subject," on the one hand, and, on the other, "Look at me!"

There's more than enough room in the world for both, but I'm not getting any younger, so I'm getting more particular. (Not unlike Bear Claw, in "Jeremiah Johnson," who when asked if he'd grown particular, responded, "Not about feedin', just the company I keep.")

And yes, Pema Chodron's advice -- her work has taken me to places I've barely glimpsed until now. I can't recommend her too highly.

[Richard Monro]

The work is stunning and it takes talent to produce such a great PR painting. BUT why not just blow up a really good photo and save all the time and effort.

To me, realistic painting is about having the artist bringing something extra to the party. Interpretation, technique, viewpoint or even the artist's particular quirks in style (think Van Gogh) that goes beyond the obvious and clearly identifies the painting as unique and ART.

[Steven Sweeney]

Originally Posted by Linda Brandon

Steven, does this mean you want to see an artist's "point of view", for lack of a better word?

Yes, in a sense. But I usually don't care for completely self-referential work -- not because it's bad or unworthy, but because I don't have any idea what the artist is on about, so there's no communication and, so, less "fun." I enjoy seeing "an artist at work." (Thomas Beuchner's work comes to mind at the moment.)

I can imagine it being something akin to a play on an old bit of bumper sticker marginalia, to read: "If you were accused of being an artist, would your work provide enough evidence to convict?" I think it may well be that some very talented "reproducers" might get off scot free.