My Artist Statement

Recently, I decided to rewrite my artist statement for use in an arts grant proposal. I thought it might be good to share it in this blog.

I have always enjoyed drawing and painting people. Whether I am working specifically on a portrait, trying to convey a message or telling a story, people are the main focus of my image making. I also like to look at things in an idealistic way. To celebrate the beauty of creation and the human form. I know we live in an imperfect, fallen world, but I choose to dwell on what is good and right and noble.

Recently, I have varied somewhat from the above statement. As I reflected on my place in our culture, I realized that I often feel caught in the middle of some unpleasant discourse. There are many raising their voices in vitriolic shouting, usually labeling anyone who disagrees with them as a bigot or worse. As Paul Theroux put it, “Americans as a people I believe to be easygoing, compassionate, not looking for a fight. But surely I am not the only one who has noticed that we are ruder, more offhand, readier to take offense, a nation of shouters and blamers.” Yes, Paul, I have noticed. At around the same time as Mr. Theroux was making his statement, I was nearing completion of a painting titled “Hustle and Flow.” It illustrates many people shouting through megaphones, but nobody listening. They are headed down the rapids in boats without paddles. I have included it above. (Click the image to see it larger)

So I may venture more frequently in critical analysis of our culture through art, but I’ll always cling to hope and return to the positive. I believe that we can choose to refrain from communication that denigrates and choose to encourage and uplift our friends and neighbors through our actions and our speech. That doesn’t mean that I will ignore painful truths, but I will seek to find truth in an attitude of humility, not arrogance. I hope to be a positive influence on our community through my art work and any dialog surrounding it.

Trying a different online store

I haven't sold anything for a while at cafepress. I'm going to give Zazzle a try. I just turned The Young Guitarist drawing into 2 different posters and a greeting card. The link is below.

buy unique gifts at Zazzle

Back to Drawing

I decided to get back to my roots after hearing many comments following a 2-month showing of my work at a local bookstore. I have been doing much more oil painting, in recent years, instead of drawings. Most of the positive feedback came from people who really liked my drawings (both color and graphite). With some research, I found the Colored Pencil Society of America and entered this work in their April competition. I am now waiting to hear if it is accepted into the show.

This work pays homage to the famous work by Picasso, The Old Guitarist. I have always liked the composition of the work, but found it sad. Music is such a positive part of my life and the life of my family that I just had to put a more positive spin with The Young Guitarist. This work contrasts the original in many ways.

More Sketching

This sketch was easier to accomplish than the dancer. To begin with, I used a larger sheet size (18" x 24" instead of 11" x 14" for the dancer). I think the luxury of space helped a lot. I also chose an easier subject. For the figure, I should probably sketch isolated areas to get started or perhaps do a few quick gestural drawings to loosen up first. At any rate, I just need to keep drawing something, anything.

Painting Samples

I was trying to add a slide show to my gadgets but couldn't accomplish it. So I'm adding it here.

Daily Disciplines Are Important

I convicted myself with my first post. I realized that I haven't been drawing much (if at all) lately. So I left the computer and spent time drawing. One of my favorite subjects is dancers. They illustrate the discipline point. They have the discipline to train every day, yet when they perform they seem effortless and full of grace. As they seem to have the freedom to fly, they must have the foundation of constant practice. I've included a scan of the rough sketch I just did to motivate myself to get back to the discipline of drawing more frequently. I should notice the trained eye returning as I draw more. Look for improvements in future sketches. You can click on the image to see it larger.

Praise for The Creative Habit

This blog site pays homage to Twyla Tharp and her book The Creative Habit. I am just beginning to read and work through this book but am already finding myself agreeing with her ideas. So many view creativity as some sort of magic. Tharp challenges us to be disciplined in our approach to our creative work. The quote below from the introduction gives a good summary:

I will keep stressing the point about creativity being augmented by routine and habit. Get used to it. In these pages a philosophical tug of war will periodically rear its head. It is the perennial debate, born in the Romantic era, between the beliefs that all creative acts are born of (a) some transcendent, inexplicable Dionysian act of inspiration, a kiss from God on your brow that allows you to give the world The Magic Flute, or (b) hard work.

If it isn't obvious already, I come down on the side of hard work. That's why the book is called The Creative Habit. Creativity is a habit, and the best creativity is a result of good work habits.

I believe that trying to exercise creativity without the discipline of good work habits will not bring the best results. In my area of the visual arts, my best work comes from a foundation of many hours of drawing and painting. It is only with that foundation of skill that I have the freedom to explore new possibilities.

The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life