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Message
Posted
The reason there are new topics are because someone posted ^^ when there is as little activity as here anything is noticeable. I guess both the gallery traffic and here benefits from new blood but its whether they stick around, not everyone is of equally amicable and charismatic character :P.
Posted
I don't think it's your imagination Splosh, there has been some stunning new work in the gallery lately...very inspirational. I've been with the Pol site from November last year, I was impressed by the quality from the start, a few people I was watching early in my four months haven't posted recently, so maybe they've moved on. But the new influx has more than compensated. As for the forum, much of it is technical (which I value), I've never been into the technical stuff, so I don't have anything to offer because I tend to bumble along in my own way. So I read most of the forums, and just stick my nose in occasionally. I like those about art in general, or work in progress, and leave the technical stuff to others. All this has been a boon to me, because I don't get out and about as much as I used to.
Posted
I think that yes, the quality of the work on the Gallery is about as high now as it's ever been - I welcome that, though it's a challenge to keep up: if your work isn't up to the standard you desire just yet (and you won't be alone, we all want to get better) still post anyway - it's always been a strength of the gallery that it doesn't exercise 'quality control': we get the amateurs showing with professionals, the very accomplished showing with the learners, and that's how it was intended to be, I believe. It's certainly one of the things I most like about it.
There is more life on the forum, plus one or two more headings - Sylvia's right, though, it does go through its ups and downs. And sometimes people fight - which, so long as they stick to issues and don't get personal, is OK too I would have thought; as a former political colleague of mine once said about a rather overly-excitable conference, 'there's not much life in a graveyard, is there?'. It always helps though if people don't leave their sense of humour at the door, but rather bring it in with them: I name no names, but see where my eyes rest.....
Posted
I'm a bit like Lew, I read nearly all the forum threads - and learn a lot from them - but quite often don't really have anything to offer, not being as knowledgeable as many of the rest of you. But POL is my first port of call when I log in in the mornings or do a last check before going to bed.
Posted
I can't say that I've noticed any difference in the gallery. There is always a decent selection of stuff to interest me. Albeit, I'm talking minutes rather than hours. There is some interesting stuff that never gets a comment, where the artist has obviously put their heart and soul into it, expressive work normally and a bit unrefined perhaps, these I always try and comment on.
There does seem just lately, to be a rather large input of copies of either ageing rock stars, supposed film stars and the like. These don't interest me one bit and I see absolutely no point in them, unless of course they are done for practice, but I would prefer to see a good, honest attempt at a self portrait if you can't find a sitter. Even if that SP is a bit ragged round the edges, it's better (in my opinion) than an exact copy from a photo. I think we've been here before!.
Posted
Alan, you've been on the site longer than I have. I wasn't saying it's better, I haven't been here long enough to make such a judgement. A few artists whose work I enjoyed haven't posted recently, and I'm pleased to see some new faces (or maybe they're old faces I wasn't aware of.) I'm less impressed with straight copies of the famous, than I am with original work. I admire landscape art, although I don't do it myself. The site is full of brilliant landscape art, there are some that are new to me recently...several posts in what I'd call Art Deco style, Karen Charman's work is a delight (perhaps also an art deco influence??), from her gallery she's been around a while...I hadn't seen it until recently, or maybe I've just missed it. There are numerous others. Also we've had a few works in fantasy/surreal style...great to see that. The work that excites me is that where the artist has put their own stamp on it. I guess I'm saying the gallery is in good health, with something for everybody. I like looking at art, it's a sure fire way to get inspiration.
Posted
Nice sketching Lesley I love the fairy holding the lantern :)
are there ever any challenges set by admins?
i I know there's a forum named competitions but it'd be great to have some challenges set for members, say a topic or subject then give members a week or 2 to see what we all come up with.
because I know sometimes people new to art even seasoned artists struggle with ideas of what to paint, I myself get blocks often.