Select what’s important

I think poetry is a good comparison to painting. The limits of both art forms do not permit either the artist or poet to describe in detail the minutia of their subject. In fact, the more selective the artist, the more powerful the work. The challenge is to determine what conveys the message most clearly.

I enjoy thinking about which features or gestures best express how I feel about my model. Is the model bold, shy, wise, funny? I try to consider if I need to blur an eye, accent a cheek bone, use strong pure color or pastel tones, etc. This can’t help but bring my own preconceived ideas into play. Consequently, I learn as much about myself as I do about whomever I’m painting. On a good day, the visual image becomes secondary to the emotional expression.

This is the part of art I especially love. It’s also the part of art I think is the most often overlooked. Capturing the visual likeness is seductive. Manipulating technical skills is also seductive. But like the sirens of old, we may find it wise to look beyond their beautiful song to find a more personal direction.

Cheers
Lynn Powers