It’s been a week full of family, painting, and this afternoon, a little fishing! So I’m behind, but with no apologies because like the Lao Tzu quote says, it’s the path that counts. And, we came home with enough fresh fish for dinner! But I do feel guilty for not giving this the time that I would like to, this week. So… To make up for it, I’m going to share a couple of minutes from the Demo 1, Segment 3 video with you. The paid subscribers will receive the full 10 minute version of Segment 3. If you’re interested in seeing more videos like this one, please consider subscribing. As a paid subscriber you’ll receive all the video demos that I produce, in full, and other information and thoughts about painting each week. If not, thank you for continuing to receive Crayolas Set Me Free.
Hans Hofmann, seeing no evidence of still life set ups or models in Pollock’s studio, asked him, “Do you work from nature?” To which Pollock responded: “I am nature.”
I’ve always loved this quote. Whether or not you’re a fan of Jackson Pollock’s work, it’s a quote that says all that needs to be said about being an artist.
Here’s another one that says about all one needs to be told about being a painter…
“A work of art should be based on a single idea. The test of an artist is the ability to carry that idea through, to enrich it, expand it, but never lose sight of it. Never include anything, however seductive it is, that is not ultimately subordinate to the first main conception.” - Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot
A book recommendation for you this week is Kenneth Clarks’, Landscape Into Art. A historical look at the beginnings of landscape painting, up to the mid 20th Century. “Landscape painting marks the stages in our conception of nature. It’s rise and development since the middle ages is part of a cycle in which the human spirit attempted once more to create a harmony with it’s environment.” It’s a great series of lectures he gave about why landscape painting arose from a society that feared the outdoors, and why it’s so important to our human civilization. Many of you have probably read it since it’s been around for almost 75 years or so. It’s a book that I like to grab from the shelf and read again from time to time.
I hope that you are all enjoying a fresh, cleansing Spring this year. Stay safe and happy painting.
Cheers,
Marc
A little treat...