Thoughts On the Kinship of Artists
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| Fish Sheds and Schooner 63.5 x 76.2 cm Oil on canvas, 1898 William Merritt Chase 1890 ~ 1916 |
William Merritt Chase, American Impressionist painter, is a favorite of mine for his landscapes of the Shinnecock Hills of Long Island, New York. Those land and seascapes remind me of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Favorite artists are about how the heart feels when I see one of their paintings. It only takes one. Other artwork is for studying that artist's style. In doing so, I believe we can discover things about our own art.
The above photograph, for example, I see blocks of color without enough definition for my mind to embrace the painting. My transition from the darker foreground to the sunshine above feels more like escaping instead of flowing via the composition.
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| Fish Sheds 63.5 x 76.2 oil on canvas, 1900 - 1902 John Henry Twachtman 1853 ~ 1902 |
The impressionism style of another American Impressionist, John Henry Twachtman of a similar subject, (above) has enough definition for me to settle in with what I expect, as well as prefer for the subject matter. If the weather was foggy, then my impressions of both paintings would change as well.
What does is all mean?
Well, for me, studying the art of other artist, especially a painting subject matter that I want to paint, helps me understand where I want my brush strokes to be.
Positive goals are good. I think they create the incentive to reach into whatever talent we may have. Painting in the style of is a challenge. It also decreases the aloneness of painting.
Viewing art in person, I have to see the actual brush strokes in the painting. At the Middlebury College Museum of Art years ago, viewing an exhibit, I happen to see bold brush strokes close up. I forget the painter's name, and even the subject of the artwork. I remember that epiphany connection in a way that gave me a sense of validation, a kinship with the artist.
When I paint this summer, be it the Atlantic Ocean or Lake Champlain, my enjoyment factor will be heightened by what I know about the art of Chase and Twachtman. I can connect with them through my own brush strokes.
Interesting musing about your approach to painting.
ReplyDeleteBoth these works are very much influenced by the 19th century discovery of the Japanese woodblock print. Lovely composition, which locks together so well. I'm less interested in the narrative of painting.
Liz,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the information. I haven't read about either artist's lives, influences and such. It is interesting that Chase was influenced by Japanese art.
One of life's pleasures is seeing the brushstrokes on a painting centuries oldm
ReplyDeleteSo true, William
ReplyDeleteThose brush strokes are like fossil hand prints. Inside that paint, there rested the air the artist breathed.
Aloneness of painting. I hadn’t thought of it but so true!
ReplyDeleteMarie,
ReplyDeleteCreating art including needle work, mudic, and such is an in the zone experience.
'Aloneness of painting' struck a cord with me because everything I create, whether it be knitting, crocheting, embroidery or, more recently, fabric landscapes has been done alone. I've learned from books and from experimenting but never had much in the way of formal guidance. I did take 'folk art' classes years ago but they were strictly paint by formula and the teacher definitely didn't encourage any individuality, even when it came to the colours used. She and I butted heads when I wanted to change certain colours to suit my likes and she didn't like it. Nor was she happy when I took her painting a carved loon class and promptly went off into trying to paint with more realism than the folk art style. Needless to say we parted ways.
ReplyDeleteMaryanne,
ReplyDeleteYour work shows good talent. Sorry you had a teacher like that. It boggles the mind why any teacher doesn't in some positive way, encourage creativity.
That's wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Hena
ReplyDeleteStudying how we view art is enjoyable.
A lovely post-so well said. I loved reading all the comments too. Something I definitely need to do is study other artists that I admire. I have yet to make master copies. I know I would be helped by doing that.
ReplyDeleteDebra,
ReplyDeleteThank you. Comments are one of the best parts about blogging.
Every spring, I think this is the summer I will study other artists by reading and going to galleries and museums. This summer, I am committed to painting more by studying me.
I love this, May. I love what you "see" and how you see and use it in your own work. I think we all relate to art in different ways. I see what you mean about the Chase painting, although initially I liked it -- and then realized part of it looked hurried, I guess. I think water is SO hard.
ReplyDeleteJeanie,
ReplyDeleteThe transition in the Chase painting isn't an easy flow. It gives the viewer something to think about.
You made me take second looks at both paintings - noticing what I didn't the first time I looked. Your thoughts are interesting and well stated, May. Have you been an art teacher? I think you would make a very good one.
ReplyDeleteBecki,
ReplyDeleteThank you. I am flattered.
Being mainly self taught, in a way, I am teacher to myself.
Yesterday I thought future such posts about landscapes will be nice to post my own artwork sometimes. I'm planning one about the lake pictures.