I heard the "c" word (cartoony) a few times again tonight. I'm never sure if people are being complimentary or backhanded with that. There's this one old, ZZ Top lookin' dude who shows up with an easel and oil paints, and splats out these faceless torsos at 15 minutes per. Awful color. Proportions are all fucked up. Zero sense of depth. But since he's doing it on canvas, it goes on the wall without anyone questioning it. I'd like to saunter up to these types and say, "I admire your courage for coming out and doing this in public." or better yet "Hey, have you seen? There's a beautiful girl up there on the stage."
I know, I know...judge not lest ye be judged. (Dickweeds.)
8 comments:
Agreed. Work looks great.
Your style is awesome! I think that usually people see "cartoony" and think it means it's easy. I think it's hard to have a good "cartoony" style (that makes the figures actually have a personality and attitude)
I'm with you Paul. I think your stuff looks great. Let them keep their paint spattered dreck. It could perhaps be the beard. Maybe his beard has some eldritch sway over everyone. Perhaps it sneaks brain control tendrils into people while they aren't looking to make them see glorious visions of awesome figures in the vague painty blotches. Or maybe he's reached that level of suck that is so unbelievable where people think they must be missing something and act like it's brilliant so as not to appear unsophisticated (see emperor's new clothes?). Anyway, keep up the good work, you are an inspiration!
As a caricature artist who studies "fine art" and can do a realist portrait better then most I feel your pain. "Wow, that's a great cartoon! Do you do real art?" Realism is about knowing your edges and how light works and then just putting in lots of time. Really boring compared to making something that looks alive like your stuff. Art is about improving and editing what you see, not copying it. A camera will always kick your ass at copying.
That said there is something valuable to be gained by doing highly realistic stuff and applying that knowledge to your invented and exaggerated work.
"I admire your courage for coming out and doing this in public."
I did caricatures for 7 years and I used to hear the "do you do real art" comment too. Pisses you off until you realize were it's coming from... douche bags... all douche bags. Your sketches rock! Keep'em coming!
You stuff rocks socks, Richards - but why not show up with your own canvas-n-paints and try it 'his way' a couple of times?
They all get to take a flying leap - and you get to practice a different style for a few; could be a nice learning experience for everyone involved.
having gone through a many a life drawing courses and seeing the gamut of skill levels, styles, and overall attitudes of those in said classes, i've come to this conclusion...
if you get the point across in a visually appealing way that you are satisfied with, then that is all that matters. everyone is in that course for different reasons but it's your exploration of gestural form that most people take for granted and sweep under the rug. skills and practice like this is what got you where you are today my friend. don't get me started on joe the painter.......... happy little trees doesn't mean you can paint
on a personal note, critiquing something as "cartoony" is insulting and is ultimately coming from naive and ignorant minds that wouldn't know a bus if it hit them, much less be able to critique a spoon... lewd gestures abound.
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