Monday, July 19, 2010

Painting Is A Dialogue and Conversation



This post might seem "heady" at first reading... that's how my wife described it. "Too metaphysical for me!" she said. She's right in a sense. It certainly comes out of my head and thought... and it does address the process of painting from an unlikely perspective. But "I" most certainly am not under the influence of any illicit drug... and my mind's ... fairly lucid.


It is neither my wish to make anyone uncomfortable... nor to impress with my "ideas and knowledge in these posts. "I" merely offer an opportunity.. a forum where all can share and discuss differences in process and problem-solving and interest... so that all may gain from the "conversation" we agree to take part in.



"I" have always been drawn to seek out answers about how the process of creation works in others ... as well as in my own particular case. "I" have spent an entire teaching career watching how children create and actively taking part with them as they moved through the development of their own unique creative capacities. "I" fear that despite this lengthy interest and study of the subject... it still remains virtually a mystery to "Me". Nonetheless... "I" have made observations that perhaps others might find interesting... and useful in their own journeys.



The act of making a painting is in fact... a "conversation" and a "dialogue"... from beginning to end. From the moment we select a subject... whether in the outdoors, or in the studio... we "converse" with our subject. Silently... most of the time... we face each other... study... measure and reveal our essences and feelings to the other... in unheard voices.


As with a conversation between two individuals, the painting process... or "conversation" begins with a preliminary physical attraction to the subject... or "recognition" by the artist that seems to proceed to a kind of two way communication. The "conversation" usually lasts as long as each of the artist receives... is responsive and finds satisfaction in the event. When all avenues of interest and points for discussion have been aired to the satisfaction of the artist... the two way communication is abandoned... and the artist returns to his/her original plane of existence.


As with human discussions and conversations... there are those occasions when the artist will re-engage in that same "conversation"... or theme and continue to respond to the subject that continues to "speak" ... motivate and provide further "ideas"that result in entirely new extensions of the original "discussion".


This amicable parting is not necessarily the final outcome in dialogues and conversations between two people. Neither is it so with the conversationalists.... artist-subject relationship in the painting process. Often, one will try to overpower or control the "conversation"... or cause affront to the other's sensibilities... causing an impasse or "block" that often leads to the other withdrawing angrily out of frustration at the lack of "understanding".... or the "capacity" to finish. All of us... in our individual painting lives have experienced this very uncomfortable situation... when the "conversation" seems... for the lack of a better expression... "one-sided"... and our role in the "conversation" being diminished by the overpowering "voice" of the other.


To quote Ben Shahn , the famous American Social Realist painter and photographer:


"One must say that painting is both creative and responsive. It is an intimately communicative affair between the painter and his [her] painting, a conversation back and forth, the painting telling the painter even as it receives shape and form."


Shahn's comment supports my own belief that all artists... no matter their particular discipline are born with a compulsion to "speak"... "in conversation" with and to describe the world they live in. As well... they carry on an ongoing "dialogue" out of this strange and ongoing egocentric fascination and compulsion with the Self... using their preferred "voice" or medium/language.


This "communication" between the two cannot be viewed as a "hobby"... anymore than speaking with others could be interpreted such. It is purely out of a strongly driven inward need in artists to express themselves... to examine... and to "play" within boundaries of the worlds they find themselves in. One does not "speak"... except to be listened to... and "heard".


The last part of this conversation.. or dialogue requires another participant. The dialogue now becomes a "conversation" between the viewer... and the painting. Or should that read between the viewer and the artist? "I" wonder.... what do "You" think?


Get back to "Me"...


"I" would love to offer "You" an opportunity to join the "conversation".... about the contents of the post and the image... Mill Pond Residents, Ayr, Ontario... a first in a series of paintings "I" will be creating for the upcoming group show that "I' will be sharing with other gallery artists at Ayrspace.


The show opens Friday, August 6th, 6:00 to 8:00 pm... with a day long event for interested... and courageous gallery artists to paint in the small picturesque, rural village of Ayr... appropriately entitled: Plein Ayr... and that's a big YUP!... "I" will be there... joyfully... en plein Ayr!


Good Painting to All!

20 comments:

  1. Hmmmm...
    I'm afraid that I'm more at the stage of really trying to 1. Decide what attracts me to a scene and then 2. Trying to use my skills and imagination to translate that attractive thing onto the support. It doesn't always happen for me...
    I read often that one should be SAYING something with a painting.... I guess all I'd like to do is convey my sense of wonder about a scene... No real conversation...

    Good luck on your upcoming show!!!

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  2. Hi. been a while since I checked up on you and see you are heavy into it.
    It can be a real soul serching endeavor to express what we are trying to achieve on a personal level. I myself just have this compelling desire to create my impression of what I have befor me. It is out of love for the subject and that desire to communicate it to others. I only hope they get some sort of the same feeling I had for the subject.

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  3. Bruce, I must say that this is one of my favorites thus far (since finding your blog, that is). I am not sure why I am so drawn into this painting. Maybe because I would love to have a house like this along the water. Maybe because it is a country home...maybe the trees...the water...I don't know, but I sure love it!

    As to the words? I get a tad distracted by the "quote" marks, which interrupt the flow of my reading somewhat. LOL I appear to not be able to focus so well these days...

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  4. Hi Bruce,

    Yes, I agree with AutumnLeaves. This is also one of my favorites. I love the reflection of the trees and the house. Your colors and tones are exceptional. I also agree with Gary, just a compelling desire to create an impression of what is before me. We are all so fortunate to have this wonderful God given gift, our passion for art.

    Excellent work Bruce. All the best to you.

    Joan

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  5. Hi Marian!.... Thanks again... for visiting and for leaving such personal and insightful comments about your own goals and experiences as a working artist.

    The purpose of my blog is indeed to create a forum for open ... honest... and hopefully encouraging "conversation" or "dialogue" between artists who share similar values and goals to continue growing.

    Your participation is always that and I always come away from our "conversations"... as brief as they are... with a feeling of encouragement and belonging.

    "I" am indeed fortunate to have regular followers and much enjoy our back n' forth visits...chats... and sharing!

    Good luck Marian as "You" continue to paint... to grow... and to move to the next stage in your artistic journey!I'll be aboard... and cheering "You" on!

    Good painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  6. Hi Gary!... Good to hear from you again!Like "You" my Friend... we're always "heavy in to it"... either doing it... researching it... thinking it. We never seem to stop being involved somehow do we?

    "I" do share your aspirations and your feelings about process Gary. Each of us choose our own paths... but there's always room for look n' slide to either side to gain new views from our sometimes linear paths.

    I must say that "You" achieve those goals you speak of with much eloquence and beauty. Your work bears the "touch" of your deeply-held respect and love for what you paint Gary!

    Good painting!... and... "Happy Trails to You"!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  7. Hi Autumn!... Good to hear from You my Friend!

    Thank You ever so much for your encouragement and compliments regarding the new piece.

    As for the words... no need to apologize. The too heavy use of quotations in my writing style???... I use them simply to denote the Self or spiritual entity... and it does cause confusion for the reader at times. Sorry for that!

    Notice I haven't made use of it here.... just for You Autumn! HAHA!!

    Sorry to hear of the life storm that you have been weathering. Things will settle down... and truly... there is a necessary reason for these things/changes that you can't understand or appreciate at this time.

    The Universe works in mysterious ways... and will continue to unveil new opportunities to over ride disappointment and loss.

    I'll be thinking about you... praying for an opportunity for you and your husband!

    Good Painting! Stay the course!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  8. Hi Friend Joan!.... thank you for the compliments re: Mill Pond Residents. I truly enjoyed making this painting... start to finish!

    Yes Joan... we artists who live and work.."beside still waters"... are indeed truly blessed!

    We are also truly blessed to be able to freely share our ideas... our feelings and our joys and sadnesses... with "Others" who travel the same road! Thank You for sharing!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    bruce

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  9. Hi Bruce,

    I think this may be my favorite. The palette, the reflections of the water give a tranquil feeling to me. As for the painting process, I love to paint animals and want to portray wildlife in a positive manner. That is what speaks to me. All the best to you Bruce!!

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  10. Hi again Sue!.... Glad to hear from "You"! Thank you for the compliments on the painting... it seems to "speak" to a lot of people! HAHA!!

    I guess what "I" was trying to say in this post... is that if "You" paint from "within"... and for your own reasons... it is then truly your "Voice". Voice can be based upon style as well... but it is more the emotional feeling that stirs the viewer... and engages them (I'd say in a conversation)... to respond in one way or another!

    Your animal subjests "Speak" to "Me" of your profound love... respect... and knowledge of your furry people!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards Sue,
    Bruce

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  11. Just paint what I feel maybe that is why my paintings are nothing like half as good as yours.

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  12. Hi Ralph!.... Thanks for stopping by! Your comment curiously underscores the basic problem that you may have in creating your own work.

    I visited your site and found that you were "playing" with a new medium... pencil crayons... were having fun... and were excited by the process. I noted a very significant improvement in your second effort... and your own words indicated that you were applying new learning in the second. Great stuff!

    However... I do note that you continually compare your work to that of others who have been at work with a medium a very long time... and are more skilled than you because of that fact alone.

    You might try focussing more on your own process and product... and avoid "putting your Self down" so much as you seem to. I think that it'll result in a lot more growth and personal satisfaction.Hope this doesn't discourage you!

    Just one person's thought!

    Good Painting... and playing! Enjoy!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  13. Bruce- thanks for stopping by my blog and your kind comments. I am enjoying your blog as well. This latest piece is indeed beautiful and makes me want to be there. I actually live on a lake, but nothing so pretty as this. It is not peaceful like this scene, rather it is surrounded by homes, and we are "packed in like sardines" is my feeling! I am generally not one to want to live on a lake (this is my husband's home), I would rather be in the country, but your painting has the peaceful feeling I strive for both in my paintings and in my life.
    I am like Gary with my art- I have a total and lifelong love of nature and wild things, and I try to convey that love and a sense of the peace it makes me feel to the viewer. I must say- I often don't feel like it is as much a dialog between me and my painting as I am the student, my painting is the teacher. Each one teaches me more of how to communicate my feelings to others (well, maybe not always! Sometimes the teacher is not such a good communicator- or perhaps the student isn't listening! Ha!)

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  14. Hi Carol!... Thank "You" for taking the time to respond so eloquently and honestly to the last post.It is refreshing to share ideas and common feelings with other artists... who perhaps search in their own way... and on separate journeys... but nontheless "run in parallel" with a host of others.

    The whole reason to make art is to express your own innermost feelings... to release them to the outside world... to be shared. Your work very strongly accomplishes that... so "You" succeed in communicating it to others like my Self!

    Despite having had a nearly thirty year classroom experience... "I" always felt my Self an equal partner and "learner" in each of the environments I shared with many young people during those years.

    In my own art quest... "I" am still that. Each and every day... in each and every painting experience... in every book that I read... in every mistake (learning opportunity) I make... and in every new Friend like your Self that "I" meet... "I" am exposed... as a student to new opportunities for learning.

    Learning is a lifelong process... and not a destination. Have "You" heard that before?HAHA!!!

    Continued Good Painting... and learning!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  15. I love your reflections in this piece. Beautiful!

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  16. Thank "You" Susan!... The reflections were what attracted my attention... a mirror image really... and the "resident" swan really helped me to create a passage through the middle ground that took it away from being... too perfect.

    Thank "You" for dropping by and for leaving such an encouraging comment!

    Good painting!
    Warmest rtegards,
    Bruce

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  17. Hi Bruce great blog! It is very interesting to read your thoughts on the creative process. My own creative process is very much a journey into settling into the highlands of Scotland over thirty years ago. I made Scotland my home and it moved me emotionally to take up painting in order to capture the atmospheric weather that I love to paint. I always felt drawn to certain subjects and this would involve walking, writing about my experience and then sketching and painting it. However recently I believe more than this happened to me creatively. I had not been able to really enjoy my painting back in the beginning of June this year I had rented a studio for a week by the sea here in Moray yet when faced with a blank canvas I became aware that I had nothing to say in paint! I soon realised after walking away most of the week and doing little painting that I needed to paint differently and that way was to paint from an idea only, from an abstract image either from a photograph or drawing where I would focus on only one area of the image. Then something truely exciting happened, once painting the paint just flowed out onto the canvas and suddenly I was visiting past journeys through winter when I first arrived in Scotland all those thirty years ago. Mountains and valleys and rivers would appear and of course my usual love of big stormy skies. This was all a first time for me to let go of a 'plan' of painting and to simply allow all I had learned as painterly techniques to come out automatically onto the canvas while my memory recalled past images and thus projected them onto my canvas. I must say it was and is such a wonderful way to paint and it does fill me with inspiration. I don't think my artwork has necessary improved by painting this way, I notice folk seem to be instantly attracted by the paintings or will honestly say they cannot connect with the painting. I think that is good that my paintings are exciting to me to produce and to some of the folk who view them. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my artistic journey with you.

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  18. Hi Caroline!... Thank "You" for visiting... and for very openly sharing your ideas... feelings and process!

    It is often only from contacting or being introduced to the works and "ideas" of "others"... that we derive our own new ideas and directions in our own journeys and work.

    I think that what "You" learned about your Self and your prior painting interests before Moray... could only have come to "You" through experiencing a new situation that was not familiar... or "comfortable." So DEFINITELY not a wasted week!

    I think that we both share the notion the before serious painting can commence... an artist must "feel" something resonate between the subject and the Self. That means that the initial impetus for the interest that begins comes from a "thought/idea" that an outward stimulus triggers.

    Whether one continues to view... or to work with the subject/idea in an abstract sense is dependent only upon the artist's preference or "feeling".

    Visiting Scotland in June for eight days with watercolours and ink vs comfy oils made "Me" work... and even "see" in another fashion. The single large work that I have produced since that experience really is very different... and visually pleasing to "Me". I will most certainly push ahead further with that direction... when my time is my own again shortly.

    Thank "You" Caroline for the insights offered... and now gained by "Me". Sharing is always... a two way street!

    Good Painting!... and a more sun shiny Summer!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  19. Thank you Bruce. I look forward to seeing the Scottish holiday paintings in watercolours. I will look back on your blog to see if you posted some then. Happy painting!

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  20. Hi Carol!... Glad that we have connected and now can share more ideas... and Scottish subjects!

    Look for early July posts for the watercolours that I posted to record my own Scottish Adventure!Strangely... Allison and I lucked out on the weather. We enjoyed the first fortnight I was told of consecutive sunny days in 36 years. It was a beautiful week to be out and touring/sketching around!

    Good painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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