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Message
Posted
I have a brother who does understand painting - doesn't paint, but buys pictures: many years ago, I was working on a piece and couldn't work out what was wrong with it; brother took a look, and saw the problem I was just too close to and so couldn't recognize.
He may cavil at the term "nearest and dearest", but - he earned my gratitude that day. A friend, on the other hand, has twice caused me to make alterations which have been mildly disastrous: so now, I smile sweetly, express my gratitude, and carry on doing what I'd intended to do. A while ago, he made a useful point about painting paths and roads as the only way into a scene - I say "useful", because it does help to be aware of the trap; but at the same time if it weren't for the path or road, I couldn't have got to the scene in the first place. He also does my least favourite thing - asks where a scene is: well, half the time I don't remember, or I've just made it up: "Ah, so it's a lie then!", he crows in triumph. "I prefer to call it a symbolic representation" I reply: with a certain chilliness.
A favourite story, told by another friend: she was painting en plein air - or out in th'open; she were oop North - and a couple stopped behind her. Mother said "ooh, I don't think much to that..."; husband replied "Don't be silly mother, t'girl's only just started; t'picture hasn't got its make-up on yet!".
Posted
Personally speaking, I think it a bit rude not to acknowledge any comments Sandra. I like truthful comments as opposed to just being kind and appreciative, but I like to think I'm my own fiercest critic if I'm not happy. My paper recycling bin tends to agree. (-:I quite agree and always made a point of acknowledging (when I was posting something to be commented on). If there are many comments I think it is sensible to do what a number of artists do and group the acknowledgements. However my original post actually referred to making comments in the first place, not acknowledging other people's. I find it difficult to find something useful to say sometimes but still want to express appreciation of a work. Opinions?
Posted
I don’t t think it’s necessary to go into great detail when commenting on a painting, unless your making a specific recommendation etc. I sometimes just put I like it simply because I do like it. As to thanking people I do often but notice that some people never do that’s their choice , it doesn’t stop me commenting again on their work if I like it enough.
Edited
by Paul (Dixie) Dean
Posted
This is a good thread, Jim. As an abstract painter, nobody understands how my brain works..present company accepted though. I think if someone told me it looked like a photo I’d be devastated. I think people generally want to know, especially in my case, “what is it”. I don’t mind that as it starts a conversation. I’ve sold quite a few and I’m always over the moon when someone has bought it.
I always answer comments on my work posted on the gallery, apologies if I’ve missed a few. I think to get another artist’s appreciation makes me feel I’m doing okay.
Posted
Good thread Jim, prompted some interesting discussion. Paul thank-you for answering my question, you've made me feel more confident about commenting. Ellen as another abstract painter I can relate to your comment. I've occasionally had friends all see something different, and different from what I see, which is quite intriguing. The husband of a friend said that one of my earlier and poorly executed attempts to use a new medium looked like sheep guts! Not quite what I had in mind.