Gold Lining: Plein air painting © Talya Johnson 2010
In reading, observing, and listening to the many artists I admire there seem to be two opposing views regarding self expression. On the one side (and in the representational crowd I believe these are in the minority) there are those that assert that rendering or draftsmanship is simply the starting point, or springboard to self expression.
“Mastering the essential tool of rendering is somewhat like learning to drive a car. The whole purpose of learning to drive a car isn’t about the car; it’s about going on a journey. And so it is with arts. Once you’ve learned the basic fundamentals, you can do more than just keep the car on the road00you can go on an adventure.” From A Proven Strategy for Creating Great Art by Dan McCaw
On the other side are the artists that believe that correct draftsmanship will naturally result in self expression—that the artist’s voice can’t help but make itself known.
“Expressing one’s self is a form of self-aggrandizment, and is a personal activity. Its rewards are purely self-centered and are society’s rewards: the fame, fortune and the subtler forms of self-esteem or societal esteem reaped by the painter. The painter is society’s child. Therefore, being personal, the desire to express one’s self is anathema to art.”
“…Learning to paint consists of not only understanding technical problems but also … acquiring taste. Not making personal choices, but being sensitive to the remarkable significance of life. Distinguishing between the temporal (personal) and the essential (universal).” From An Artist Teaches, Reflections on the Art of Panting by David A Leffel.
A quick snapshot I took of the scene before beginning on my painting © Talya Johnson 2010
Or maybe they are saying the same thing? In the above painting, I was simply trying to paint what I saw—to nail down the shapes, value, colour, and edges as accurately as I could. And yet, it was only when I consigned myself destined to utter failure, therefore might as well just enjoy the quality of the paint that this image appeared. At first I didn’t like it much and set it aside for many weeks. But as it has rested there on my shelves, I have come to appreciate it more and more, and decided not only to let the painting live, but work my nerve up to share my failure.
Tali's an Alaskan artist and graphic designer. She's influenced by the light, color and brushwork of the impressionists; as well as the depth, luminosity and draftsmanship of the old masters and academic artists. Her works can be found in numerous private collections throughout the globe. Her original paintings and giclee prints are available at Artic Rose Gallery in Anchorage, Alaska. Talya paints from her home studio in Wasilla, Alaska.
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All content © 2012 by Forget-Me-Not Fine Art, Portraiture, and Design by Talya Johnson
LOVE this one
So glad you shared it!
Breathtaking photo, thank you for sharing
I am the Very Proud owner of the this painting. I love it Talya, it is hanging on the wall at home.
Thank you Kurt, your purchase meant so much to me. It is a hopeful, almost magic little painting that has provided me with a very important lesson. If it is hung where there is good reflective light, its color and mood shift right along with the light. Karen and I enjoyed watching the subtle shifts throughout the weekend.