A tiny portrait of my grandfather, on his sunporch after a swim in the pool, ready for a barbecue & a cocktail.
I listened to a podcast in the studio this week from a creative person talking about painting and drawing, and she said that images (paintings & drawings) should speak for themselves, and shouldn’t be muddled with a lot of words on blogs. I thought about that, especially in relationship to my tendency to blab a lot here. Is my yaddah-yaddah bothersome? Does it clutter the art? And then I thought how that advice could be a Ray of Hope to artists that want to paint, and MIGHT start a blog, but they’re too shy to write anything. So, my conclusion is there must be room for both in the blogosphere: the chatter boxes like me, and the quiet painters out there who haven’t started posting yet. Is that you? Too shy to type, but really cozy with a paint brush? Hmmm? If so, please post something.
This #linklove post (where I share artists’ blogs, web sites, podcasts or videos) is a real treat for the eyes. Watch this video of Elizabeth Tyler painting pattern on pattern for a lovely and mesmerizing floral still life. Her precise affect methods are full of tips too. Here’s another one, with her groovy tip for applying masking fluid. (You can see previous posts featuring other artists by searching this blog for the tag linklove.)
Thanks for visiting, and leave a comment with a link if you know an artist we should all take a look at.
Creativity is sacred, and it is not sacred. What we make matters enormously, and it doesn’t matter at all. We toil alone, and we are accompanied by spirits. We are terrified, and we are brave. Art is a crushing chore and a wonderful privilege. The work wants to be made, and it wants to be made through you. ~Elizabeth Gilbert
I agree with everything that has been written here. I really love hearing about your inspiration and techniques. All your work tells a story even if you don’t blog about it. Your paintings are so rich in life and detail and they are fascinating to study. I say don’t change a thing! Your openness is very charming and encouraging to all artists.
Those who don’t want the words don’t have to read them. There’s room for everyone.
Thanks, Mary Ellen. 🙂
Your paintings and prints are richly detailed, even in the smallest sizes, and your narrative reflects those details, too. Your words don’t detract from the art. I find them to be generous in history, technique and inspiration.
Thanks, for that, my friend. This blog is a teeny window from my studio to the outside world, and I totally appreciate your encouragement.
Heartily agree with all the above comments. Never have I found your comments accompanying your work too wordy, far from it! You speak from the heart and that allows viewers to connect even more to your lovely paintings. Your demos are also exquisite. Thank you!
What a kind reply, Gayle. Thanks for taking the time to write with such a generous compliment. 🙂
Your words make your Grandfather looking charming.
I agree, there is room for both. However, sometimes no text feels snobbish as opposed to shy. Posting thoughts creates a friendly atmosphere, and I feel, enhances the beauty y of the artwork.
Hi May – My grandfather was a rascal of a charmer; brash and funny, always quipping puns and jokes. Thanks for your compliments and encouragement on my blabbing here in blogland.:)
I definitely think there’s room for both kinds of blogs, but personally I’m disappointed by artists who only post images of their work. I want to know what inspired the artist, or what their process was, what they are thinking about or struggling with. In fact, I visit your blog on a regular basis because of your yaddah yaddah-ing! Plus you manage to find the best art quotes.
Hi Gabrielle, Thanks for adding to the opinions chiming in here. Its all very interesting to see preferences for less words or more words on art blogs, and you and I agree fully that a good quote about art & creativity is always lovely. 🙂
An interesting post Belinda. I think art needs to speak for itself – as in it needs to resonate in some way without relying on words. But also, I think it is perfectly fine to add words to elaborate upon the image. The portrait of your Grandfather speaks very eloquently for itself of a man who is happy and relaxed on a hot day, but your words have made the painting more complete (I can smell the chlorine in the pool now!), making for a more enriching appreciation of the picture. I always like to hear the story behind a painting. I think that story-telling is so primal to being human. Having said all that, I also enjoy blogs that don’t necessarily go into so much detail.
So to answer your question – does your yaddah yaddah clutter your art? Not at all, and I agree with your conclusion that there is room for both.
Thanks, Wendy. I love to hear the background details on a drawing or painting, and I think it adds enormously to the enjoyment of the art, but I know there are many tastes out there, and my preferences might be in the minority. I come from a family of talkers, so I appreciate your pep talk to keep on blabbing away here on the art. 🙂