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What makes a painting good?
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Well I'm not afraid to say that I don't understand them - so obviously I don't think I will become an abstract painter any time soon! Having so many differing opinions on the same topic is what makes the forum so interesting Margaret but, like you, I like to be able to recognize a subject.
Art is a wonderful thing. I've just read through this thread and the real skeleton in the cupboard is that we know very little about the artists here to judge anything on except basic info ,so it's very hard to pass any real opinions. Age, capabilities, time in lives available to practise, partners who don't share the same interests, people with children etc, etc. Some are just young babes (come on, it's a universal truth that at sixteen we all knew all there was to know about everything), some, like myself remember Methusala being a lad. We surely have to allow that skill levels vary widely and ability is a gift that some never get to unwrap. It surely doesn't mean that we have to take exams and get scout and brownie badges before being able to share our humble efforts with fellow artists, does it? Nor surely does it mean a word or two of encouragement can go much astray? I'm being honest in saying that whilst I comment favourably on some work, I can look at other things by the same artists and not like them or even think they are not so good. I simply don't comment at all in such cases, why do we need to? I certainly never want to become elitist and judge others work from a tall horse, just ain't me.
As to the subject of looseness, it's a personal thing but one advocated mainly by many talented watercolour artists. There are no rules carved in stone about anything in art. How do you judge the greatness or ability of a Van Gogh sunflower against a Caravaggio work, or a Gaugain against Rembrandt's Anatomy Lesson, or a Turner or Monet impression against Constable? If you hope to make a living from art you'll soon find what others thinks if you're paying your bills or not. For the rest, like me, it's just one of life's pleasures. I'm sure I've managed to muddy the waters a little more, so I'll end here. 😆
Jim.
But the question was "What makes a painting good?". Perhaps the answer is that it is good, if someone likes it or is moved by it ,or if it has the intended effect.
It can even be good if no one in the world likes it or is moved by it with the exception of the artist himself. If the act of painting it was therapeutic to the artist and/or gave the artist pleasure and/or enjoyment then the painting served its purpose and who is anyone to criticise?
Spot on Sylvia said he ducking a very long brush handle. Constructive criticism sensitively given is one thing but gratuitous put downs are something else.
Sometimes I wish I could draw like a kid - as Picasso is supposed to have said 'I soon learnt how to draw but it took a lifetime learning to draw like a child'
AG says that he wouldn't put any work of his on the Gallery if it was not good enough, but this site isn't just open to "good" painters but to all painters with their differing styles of painting. It is also good for us to look back on our gallery to see how we have progressed over time.
I had to take a look Marjorie and you are right, lovely. I was also drawn to Lucy Grinchik's two Edinburgh paintings which I would call fairly loose but beautiful.
I've looked at Guy Marrett's work and I to me it's not too 'loose' and I can see exactly what it is supposed to be and I like it. As for Lucy's work, I wouldn't call that loose at all, Lucy is a very good artist and has done some wonderful work.
Oh dear! I think we should put this thread to bed now and all agree to disagree, then maybe I can come out of the bunker and promise not to shoot any more bullets;):blush:
I think the idea is that the looser it is the more spontaneous and therefore the movements and consequent marks have a closer connection to your subconscious
