request for opinions on my art please

BlueFox, I'm just trying to learn. The reason I cited the three different sources, along with yours, is that they all seem to vary. You imply that Van Gogh was a successfull artist, and just as art, that is in the eye of the beholder.

Apparently Van Gogh's entire life is one of controversity and speculation. No one will ever know the entire truth. One controverstiy is over this "last" patining, Wheat Field with Crows. There is a symbolic Interpretation saying it was his last painting and others who dismiss that.

The point I originally was trying to make about the anger in the posters painting can be described by a quote from Van Gogh's letter number 649-

"and I did not need to go out of my way to try to express sadness and extreme loneliness. I hope you will see them soon--for I hope to bring them to you in Paris as soon as possible, since I almost think that these canvases WILL TELL YOU WHAT I CANNOT SAY IN WORDS."

Point being that many or most times art is an emotional outlet for creative people to express themselves. In the black and whie paintings of the women's faces, I see anger.

While I agree about art being about the art- in this case- it is about the viewer- if they don't like it- it won't sell or make it into stores- which is the goal in this situation.

How did you get the idea from the poster that "selling his art" is the
primary reason he wants to market to galleries. I dont think selling art is all that fuels the creative spirit and I also think with new (young) artists that validation of sorts unconnected to monetary gain is more the motivation.

Well, correct me if I am wrong- but aren't art galleries in it to make money and to sell the art they show? I see this is what you do. You sell art. Am I wrong here? Would you fill your gallery with a bunch of pieces you thought were sub-par?

You have some nice work I might add...

Well, correct me if I am wrong- but aren't art galleries in it to make money and to sell the art they show? I see this is what you do. You sell art. Am I wrong here? Would you fill your gallery with a bunch of pieces you thought were sub-par?

You have some nice work I might add...

Thank you for the compliment BlueFox181.😀

and yes some commercial galleries are in business for the bottom line only with proven artists. but I was making the point that the the poster could have been looking for validation and not just in monetary means by asking did anyone like his art. I for one see some strong points with his art and I also see his work is not mainstream-commercial type (thank goodness) and I also believe that his type of art gets crucified in a tradtional art class environment because it isnt following "the rules" , so to say he needs to go back and take classes was unkind -unfair- and incorrect ....IMO

Thank you for the compliment BlueFox181.😀

and yes some commercial galleries are in business for the bottom line only with proven artists. but I was making the point that the the poster could have been looking for validation and not just in monetary means by asking did anyone like his art. I for one see some strong points with his art and I also see his work is not mainstream-commercial type (thank goodness) and I also believe that his type of art gets crucified in a tradtional art class environment because it isnt following "the rules" , so to say he needs to go back and take classes was unkind -unfair- and incorrect ....IMO

He- is a she. And my whole thought was that she was trying to show in galleries- which would be why I said something- because- it would get flamed- no need to go through that. Like you said- not saying she "has" to take classes- but I think it would help her if she's trying to show in galleries. I'm not being unkind- I think I am being quite honest. I'd rather someone tell me the truth than lie to me any day.
That's what a critique is all about, no?
This isn't harsh at all- we used to have the sensitive kids running out of class crying every day. If you can't take the heat- get out of the kitchen! You will always have people that like and dislike your work- and you have to be able to deal with it.

He- is a she. And my whole thought was that she was trying to show in galleries- which would be why I said something- because- it would get flamed- no need to go through that. Like you said- not saying she "has" to take classes- but I think it would help her if she's trying to show in galleries. I'm not being unkind- I think I am being quite honest. I'd rather someone tell me the truth than lie to me any day.
That's what a critique is all about, no?
This isn't harsh at all- we used to have the sensitive kids running out of class crying every day. If you can't take the heat- get out of the kitchen! You will always have people that like and dislike your work- and you have to be able to deal with it.

Yes HER work would get thrashed in a typical mainstream commercial gallery, but there are many many other galleries that show and sell other kinds of art.
and a word about the "sensitive kids" and being able to "deal with it" when your artwork isnt something-something---is being judged by that particular professor and students of the class....thats one teacher and 20+ students--that is not a fair critique....thats an OPINION, and there are millions of people in this world who just might resonate on the same frequency as the artist and really be moved by his or her expressions of creativity

I agree it's an opinion- as is everything you are saying right now.

That's all these forums are- bunches of opinions- yet everyone flames eveyone for theirs. That's just how life is. And I do think you should be able to deal with it. Like right now- I have dealt with the fact that we have opposing views.

Art has always been controversial. The one question that used to get a rise out of everyone was always- "what is art?" No one ever agrees. Then there's the debate of is arts and crafts really art? I could go on for days...

I agree it's an opinion- as is everything you are saying right now.

That's all these forums are- bunches of opinions- yet everyone flames eveyone for theirs. That's just how life is. And I do think you should be able to deal with it. Like right now- I have dealt with the fact that we have opposing views.

Art has always been controversial. The one question that used to get a rise out of everyone was always- "what is art?" No one ever agrees. Then there's the debate of is arts and crafts really art? I could go on for days...

So true....I think an important point to any artist asking the question
"do you like my art"....is......dont, unless you can take the feedback....positive or negitive for what it is, an opinion.

I went through countless critiques in my art training, some very brutal, some indifferent, and some positive. I think it was the best thing that ever happened to me, not as an "artist", but as a person. It's when you are able to get perspective on your own work, while removing the ego, then you can really move forward. Some people don't respond to this as well. One must have a tough skin to make it in the arts, and you must challenge yourself to reach for the next plateau. I don't see that struggle in the works in question. I see a fun afternoon with colored pencils.

I know Woodie and others have done well with the "outsider" or "naive" style of painting. They certainly have their place. But does it concern you all that we might be devaluing rigor and study in the art culture here. I wouldn't hire an electrician who was untrained, or just "winging it".

We all love the romantic idea of the tortured artist/genius, who is a conduit for passion and madness. The fact is that this type of thing makes for great cinema, but is not sustainable to the hard-working artist. I want an art that engages the culture, speaks to specific things and experiences.

Capitalism turns Van Gogh paintings into coffee mugs and umbrellas. It co-opts that which was vital and dangerous at the time.

I could on for days and days. somebody stop me...

I went through countless critiques in my art training, some very brutal, some indifferent, and some positive. I think it was the best thing that ever happened to me, not as an "artist", but as a person. It's when you are able to get perspective on your own work, while removing the ego, then you can really move forward. Some people don't respond to this as well. One must have a tough skin to make it in the arts, and you must challenge yourself to reach for the next plateau. I don't see that struggle in the works in question. I see a fun afternoon with colored pencils.

I know Woodie and others have done well with the "outsider" or "naive" style of painting. They certainly have their place. But does it concern you all that we might be devaluing rigor and study in the art culture here. I wouldn't hire an electrician who was untrained, or just "winging it".

We all love the romantic idea of the tortured artist/genius, who is a conduit for passion and madness. The fact is that this type of thing makes for great cinema, but is not sustainable to the hard-working artist. I want an art that engages the culture, speaks to specific things and experiences.

Capitalism turns Van Gogh paintings into coffee mugs and umbrellas. It co-opts that which was vital and dangerous at the time.

I could on for days and days. somebody stop me...

:wub: I would never!

It's all in the eyes of the beholder 😀 😀 I just think it's grayt you're gettin' it out there if that's what you wanna do. :cool: :clap: :bow: Right on!

. And my whole thought was that she was trying to show in galleries- which would be why I said something- because- it would get flamed- no need to go through that. Like you said- not saying she "has" to take classes- but I think it would help her if she's trying to show in galleries. I'm not being unkind- I think I am being quite honest. I'd rather someone tell me the truth than lie to me any day.
That's what a critique is all about, no?
This isn't harsh at all- we used to have the sensitive kids running out of class crying every day. If you can't take the heat- get out of the kitchen! You will always have people that like and dislike your work- and you have to be able to deal with it.

I disagree. You state that you are saving this person from being flamed at a gallery, yet you flame her art here. To get positive results from a critique, the critique should not be filled with the negatives. It should be focused on the good elements. This is not to be confused with saying that bad work is good, in order to pamper people. If you find only one good thing about the art, focus on that, and let the artist explore. Artists in particular tend to be extremely self-critical, so she will eventually eliminate the bad. I encourage to reread Van Gogh's history. What if Van Gogh would have listened to his brother who put down Vincent's art? Vincent's brother was smart enough to introduce Vincent to other talented artists, and this is when he blossomed, in the mind of most art historians. It was the nurturing which helped him blossom.

I disagree. You state that you are saving this person from being flamed at a gallery, yet you flame her art here. To get positive results from a critique, the critique should not be filled with the negatives. It should be focused on the good elements. This is not to be confused with saying that bad work is good, in order to pamper people. If you find only one good thing about the art, focus on that, and let the artist explore. Artists in particular tend to be extremely self-critical, so she will eventually eliminate the bad. I encourage to reread Van Gogh's history. What if Van Gogh would have listened to his brother who put down Vincent's art? Vincent's brother was smart enough to introduce Vincent to other talented artists, and this is when he blossomed, in the mind of most art historians. It was the nurturing which helped him blossom.

Then you learn nothing. Good luck with life if you want to go through it only hearing the positive aspects... you'll be disppointed in the long run.

P.S. I have felt a ton of negative response from people regarding various topics on this board. You're turning this into a personal attack. "Go re-read those books."
Why don't you flame theother 15 ppl who have said the same 'negative' thing in this forum?
Don't take it so personally Joe- did you miss the part were we agreed these are all opinions?