Thanks for this article. It was an inspiration for me. Like you, I’ve downsized to a small intimate format. Small is quiet, concentrated and personal. I’ve jettisoned the “bigger is better” and in your face sizes to a more intense personal statement. The abstraction of what is viewed is also very personal….an interpretation, not a parroting of what a camera can do miracles with. The creative play with the shapes and elements is the reason to create beauty, and only beauty. The message should stand above all negativity and only reflect the wonder of life.
“I think an art education should include a rigorous discipline and interest in observational drawing, painting, or sculpting, but all of this has to fit within plenty of experience of design and abstraction.” YES!!
Thanks Harry for these always amazing insights. I always look forward to your newsletter and re read it many times. I m trying to move from observational drawing and add more of the emotional/feel elements, but really struggle, the work feels dead when I Don t have something in front of me. I think I need to work faster for one thing..but I might miss other tricks.
Thanks so much for looking at my work… all still under much change as it should be I guess. When I understood my imaginative/ children stuff was shaped by market, I went back to nature to find a more authentic expression..still on the works eheh
Loved this newsletter! Such thoughtful insights that are very helpful. I am currently lost in a painting where I’m literally just trying out color shapes to see what is attractive and feels good. I usually panic in this mode. But your letter makes me realize this is part of a process that is valuable. Thank you. 😊
Sue, yes, it’s helpful to keep in mind that the real magic of the piece will always happen as a result of how all the parts come together. Parts always have to be sacrificed to the whole.
Thanks so much for this. You are saying pretty much what I say to my students over and over and over again. This is a wonderful reiteration with excellent demonstrations. I feel affirmed. Thanks again.
One of your most interesting and stimulating essays. Thank you.
Thanks, Ann!
Thank you! Fascinating. I can learn so much from you.
Thanks, Kathy!
Thanks for this article. It was an inspiration for me. Like you, I’ve downsized to a small intimate format. Small is quiet, concentrated and personal. I’ve jettisoned the “bigger is better” and in your face sizes to a more intense personal statement. The abstraction of what is viewed is also very personal….an interpretation, not a parroting of what a camera can do miracles with. The creative play with the shapes and elements is the reason to create beauty, and only beauty. The message should stand above all negativity and only reflect the wonder of life.
….thank you…wonderful thoughts!
This is a wonderful description of thinking/feeling your way through a painting.
You summed it up so well with your insightful comment ……”visual complexity asks to be culled down”.
So very perceptive!!!!
Thank you.
Thank you, Dale!
So insightful! These are some of your best work. Many artists tip towards the abstracted image as they age…I do. It’s a fascinating subject.
Thank you, Genie!
It article really resonated with me. Excellent explanation. Thank you
Thanks, Diane!
“I think an art education should include a rigorous discipline and interest in observational drawing, painting, or sculpting, but all of this has to fit within plenty of experience of design and abstraction.” YES!!
Really admire your work and deeply appreciate how you describe your process.
Both inspirational. Thank you! 🙏
Thank you, BillyBob!
Thanks Harry for these always amazing insights. I always look forward to your newsletter and re read it many times. I m trying to move from observational drawing and add more of the emotional/feel elements, but really struggle, the work feels dead when I Don t have something in front of me. I think I need to work faster for one thing..but I might miss other tricks.
Thank you so much, Lucia! I looked at your beautiful webpage and also at a few things on your YouTube….all wonderful things! :)
Thanks so much for looking at my work… all still under much change as it should be I guess. When I understood my imaginative/ children stuff was shaped by market, I went back to nature to find a more authentic expression..still on the works eheh
Yes, I enjoyed looking at all your things… :)
I love this essay Harry! It mirrors my friend's essay on 'Monday Motivator: Paintings about thinking and seeing! (https://marion.scot/monday-motivator-paintings-about-thinking-and-seeing/)
I've been feeling that I want to paint more...but have no clue in what direction...Now I know! Thank you, Harry!
Thanks, Jeannine…glad it helped!
Loved this newsletter! Such thoughtful insights that are very helpful. I am currently lost in a painting where I’m literally just trying out color shapes to see what is attractive and feels good. I usually panic in this mode. But your letter makes me realize this is part of a process that is valuable. Thank you. 😊
It’s really helpful to not know, strange as that might sound.
Interesting way to start a painting. Thank you. Sometimes I get tripped up with composition in a way that thwarts the representational aspects.
Sue, yes, it’s helpful to keep in mind that the real magic of the piece will always happen as a result of how all the parts come together. Parts always have to be sacrificed to the whole.
Another enjoyable and helpful post - thank you!
Thanks, Georgina!
Wonderful teaching, thank you.
Thank you, Frankie!
YES! Your thoughts and process reflect my understanding of art making. Thankyou.
Thanks, Robin!
Thanks so much for this. You are saying pretty much what I say to my students over and over and over again. This is a wonderful reiteration with excellent demonstrations. I feel affirmed. Thanks again.
Thank you, Lori!