Thank you for that! I’m at that point in my painting journey where I want to make meaningful work rather than copies of photos. You articulated what I couldn’t put my finger on. I love your writings. So helpful.
In a few online painting groups that welcome critiques, I've read arguments about whether it's appropriate to ask artists about their intent before you give a critique.
Several people cited art-school instructors who told their classes that paintings must stand on their own, without explanations to support them.
That may be true for many finished works that are shown publicly. (Though many nonrepresentational works of contemporary art are impossible to understand without a written statement of the artist's intent. Tom Wolfe's book The Painted Word [1975] addresses this topic in depth.)
I think it's dead wrong to critique an unfinished work before you've asked about the artist's intent-- especially when the artist is hoping to learn and grow from your comments.
Until you know the painter's intent, you can't focus on elements that would be most helpful to the painter. You may comment instead on something the painter didn't care about, or that's beyond the painter's level of understanding. Then you've wasted a good opportunity for teaching and learning.
Sometimes, as you noted, your questions about the artist's intent help the painter understand that they should always have an intent in mind, even if it's just to play or experiment.
I appreciate your insightful comments, David and agree with all you've noted. I do feel like an in-progress work is a different thing from a finished piece on public display. It's still so full of potential and a critic's fresh eyes might push into an exciting and more focused direction.
What a great summary Ingrid of how to make meaningful work! I need to remember to ask myself why I want to paint something. It’s a fascinating topic! Thanks!
This is a good reminder to start asking
Thank you for that! I’m at that point in my painting journey where I want to make meaningful work rather than copies of photos. You articulated what I couldn’t put my finger on. I love your writings. So helpful.
That's terrific! I'm glad this came at the right time, Shelly
This is a welcome article, Ingrid.
In a few online painting groups that welcome critiques, I've read arguments about whether it's appropriate to ask artists about their intent before you give a critique.
Several people cited art-school instructors who told their classes that paintings must stand on their own, without explanations to support them.
That may be true for many finished works that are shown publicly. (Though many nonrepresentational works of contemporary art are impossible to understand without a written statement of the artist's intent. Tom Wolfe's book The Painted Word [1975] addresses this topic in depth.)
I think it's dead wrong to critique an unfinished work before you've asked about the artist's intent-- especially when the artist is hoping to learn and grow from your comments.
Until you know the painter's intent, you can't focus on elements that would be most helpful to the painter. You may comment instead on something the painter didn't care about, or that's beyond the painter's level of understanding. Then you've wasted a good opportunity for teaching and learning.
Sometimes, as you noted, your questions about the artist's intent help the painter understand that they should always have an intent in mind, even if it's just to play or experiment.
I appreciate your insightful comments, David and agree with all you've noted. I do feel like an in-progress work is a different thing from a finished piece on public display. It's still so full of potential and a critic's fresh eyes might push into an exciting and more focused direction.
I'm going to check out Tom Wolfe's book!
Lovely words with most inspiring thoughts! Thank you!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Beth!
What a great summary Ingrid of how to make meaningful work! I need to remember to ask myself why I want to paint something. It’s a fascinating topic! Thanks!
I’m glad this resonated with you, Sandra! Thanks for reading my newsletter:)
Thank you Ingrid!
You’re welcome, Barbara! It’s my pleasure:)