"Why I Appreciate Art!"

The most important things I've learned this semester all mostly revolved around putting myself in the artist's shoes. I can imagine many artists do a bit of reflecting before painting, etching, drawing, sculpting, etc....I think it is important to ask the question "Why" when looking at a piece of art. Why did he choose oil paints over water colors? Why did he paint the sky purple and exclude shadowing? Why are their faces void of all emotions? By asking these questions, we allow ourselves to step out of our little non-artsy speculative boxes and into a world full of wondrous opportunity and deep appreciation and admiration for artists and their masterpieces. I have definitley caught myself staring at paintings much longer than I used to, but more importantly I catch myself looking at the world around me with a whole new set of artsy glasses! I catch myself wondering how an artist would paint my emotions, or what shading and where they would use to incorporate the sunset into a picture of my children while they're playing at the park. I definitley plan on enrolling in a studio art class before the next year is over! I can't wait to get my hands dirty!!

What is an Artist?

My goodness, what a deep question-especially after taking a class such as this. To me, an artist is someone who is passionate about something and allows their creativity to take charge in order to exude that passion through some form of art. Artists express who they are through their art. This is how we end up with so many different gorgeous and sometimes quirky styles of art to admire. You must do more than make art, however, to be a real artist. Charles Baudelaire said, "An artist is only an artist on condition that he neglects no aspect of his dual nature. This dualism is the power of being oneself and someone else at one and the same time." He wasn't only a French poet...he was an art critic too. Sometimes, an artist may create an artistic piece without regard for whom may see it. Other times, he or she may create a piece with hopes to share his passion with the rest of the world. It takes much more than skill to be an artist and to be accepted by the community of artists. One must be more concerned with the message and the integrity of the art and less concerned with how much of a profit he or she might be making. (Sorry, Mr. Kinkade) In a capitalist society, this mindset is difficult to maintain. Hence, an artis must have a very high level of commitment and dedication to his work. Artist's character traits can be seen through each piece he or she creates. The originality and style all their own helps interpret the art for normal people like me. In short, talent doesn't make an artist. Passion does.