Wednesday, November 26, 2008

They're Watching Me


I was quietly working in my studio today when I felt as if someone was looking at me. It was kind of creepy until I looked up and realized it was only my subjects who never got farther than these walls. I guess they need to hang around and keep an eye on me. I wish they could give me some feedback. Who knows what they are thinking? And that leads me to what I want to discuss today........



It makes me crazy when I can't remember something, and it happens quite often, but that doesn't really worry me because it seems that all my friends have the same problem. But what I can't remember now is a snippet of a poem I saw on someone's blog this morning and now can't find. It was ' something something heart, but is it really art?' Is it really art? I've even thought that while standing in internationally renowned museums. I ask myself that question when viewing other artists' work, but do I ask myself about my own work? Of course, I think all of my work is art. Until I get a notion to veer off my path of realism and go with what ever inner voices are guiding me at the moment. For the past few days I've given in to this, well, I guess you'd have to say, kindergarten voice. It's a joyous little voice with no inhibitions. It tells me to close my eyes and think of fun shapes and colors. So this is one of my paintings, and I love it. But is it art? I would love to hear from you. What do you honestly think about this painting?


11 comments:

Alice Thompson said...

We are watching you Deborah and to answer your question, it is art.
I absolutely love it as well. Many artist get trapped into close representation which is an essential skill to have but allowing it to dominate all your work is not a good thing. You've allowed your hands and mind to be free to pursue the creative element many artist have lacking in their work. A+++

Paula Villanova said...

I think it's beautiful and fun...and I love the colors. But the important thing is, do YOU love it???

Art By Erika said...

It's by all means art Deb! It's creative and it seems to tell a story. But I know exactly how you feel. If you check my rendition of this week's DSDF, I happen to think it's a little on the abstract side which I think is a little different from how I would expected myself to execute it. But I am pleased with the outcome and it was how I responded to the inspiration.

Alice is right, you need to let the curious artist in you play and throw all cares out the window and just say, I like it!

Your portraits are beautiful!

Anonymous said...

Deb - That was my blog that had the poem on it. Here it is...

And the first rude sketch that the world had seen was joy to his mighty heart; till the devil whispered behind the leaves... "it's pretty, but is it art?" by Rudyard Kipling

Thanks for the e-mail. I'll add you to my favorites. Maybe we can meet sometime!

Uta said...

Deborah, I love this piece. Its very joyous and your mark making is great to look at. The colours and the line work are really gorgeous. I'm not going to answer "is it art". Thats something for your own heart to work out. Firstly you have to ask yourself what is art. Well done!

Unknown said...

You are all so kind!!Thank you so much for encouraging me, I really did love painting this and I have a few more. It makes me feel so free, I feel like singing! And Paula, you have been a source of inspiration for more bold colors in my work. Uta, Erika and Alice, thanks for giving me such positive feedback. And MissM....the poem! I searched high and low for that!

Anita said...

Deborah - thank you for commenting on my blog. I can imagine that having all those people watching you can be quite unnerving! The abstract is wonderful - I wish I could do work like this, its much more me!

Was this what you were looking for:-

"From the start, From my heart, Thats really art!"
Randy Vanlandingham

Am adding you to my blog list.

Carol Schiff Daily Painting said...

Oh yes, it is definately art. Not only art, but, very creative art. Thanks for joining my blog, and I will be watching yours also.

sandy said...

Well I think this is really cool!!

Very visually appealing. I like your blog.

Dana Cooper said...

As a former children's art teacher I love your expression...'kindergarten voice'...it's so descriptive!
Of course it's art and it's beautiful...it's your voice. Please check out Robert Burridge's blog. He pushes creativity to a new level. And if you ever have the opportunity to take a workshop from him, you won't regret it.

Dean Grey said...

I love this painting, Deborah!

Whimsical and lively and colorful.

What could be wrong with that?

-Dean