A composer creating a memorable razzledazzle. A writer developing a dynamic plot, not just a parade of characters. An artist painting an inspiringly designed work, not just well-drawn.
A work of art can go "flat" without a good design, no matter how well painted. It doesn't have to be a flamboyant composition. Take the simplicity of Girl with a Pearl Earring, or more complex like The Lady of Shalott. I discovered this basic principle by studying works of art over the centuries, from my mentors and from my own years of developing. This is the importance of design.
The Moment
When painting or drawing, I've never thought of the image created on canvas or paper as a "freeze frame." To me, it is a moment of time when the subject is about to do something. In fact, as we look at the portrayal, we can imagine what might happen within the next moment. The person in that painting is alive and this is how the artist feels while developing the work. There's life before and during and after that portrayal. I'll add that it could be a leaping horse with a cowboy on top.
We imagine that cowboy holding tight with the horse and about to land. Or a portrait of someone looking over at me and then turning back to continue reading her book.
Simple, Basic
In a drawing or painting, if something is off, it gets attention. Like a perfect rendition of a song except hitting a bad note in the middle. Not that we want the painting to be perfect for other people. We're painting for ourselves throughout the work; and we want the completed piece to inspire us from top to bottom. I often put my work away for a few days and then come back to give it a fresh look. I might see a color too strong, a shadow too dark, a hand that seems unnatural.
This story is from the Master at Work edition of International Artist.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Master at Work edition of International Artist.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Intrigue in the ordinary
I've \"'ve never had any formal training always had a strong attraction to the arts and the practice of painting
Paper Textures
John Lovett guides us through the varying properties of different watercolor surfaces
Creating Ambiance
Mona Parker Weidner selects colors palettes and light sources that emphasize the mood of her interior scenes
Visual Depth
Blending and smoothing with solvents, Holly Siniscal creates painterly portraits in colored pencil
Sharp Precision
Working with craft blades and tattoo needles, Conor Smith etches realistic renderings of wildlife
The architecture of water
When Then I moved from Toronto to a tiny community in Nova Scotia, I became fascinated by the ocean, its reflections and endlessly shifting patterns of color and light
Saturated World
Emphasizing the beauty of nature, Joe A. Oakes paints landscapes with warm colors and imaginative compositions
Pure Bliss
Working alla prima, Andreas Liss takes on a loose, unbridled approach in his artwork
Sculpting the Paint
Using a palette knife allows oil painter Maria Iva to create clean colors and rich textures
Forwad MOMENTUM
Artist Lisa Gleim shares the evolution of her career and how she grew into her preferred medium of pastels