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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.
