Someone posted those paintings of women. There was no attribution, so forgive me for not giving credit where it is surely due. I'm posting these images here because I want to try this stylized, vibrantly colored approach with some paintings of my own, a series depicting woman of many different colors and ethnicities. The reason I didn't become an artist, even though I started out as a studio art major in college, is that I considered my inspiration to be too derivative of other people's vision, but now I wonder, is most inspiration derivative of another's brilliance, maybe something we saw in passing that imprinted on us, that we take in a new direction and make our own? Or do true genius artists pluck inspiration from some deep ancestral source, if not from the very air?
I would love to see some of your paintings. And yes- isn't all art derivative in some way? I mean, eventually it goes back to what we see and hear and feel and smell and experience in the world, spun through and interpreted by our own minds?
ReplyDeleteThat's a great question. I have always wondered about this as I struggled for many years to find my own style as an artist. I hope you post some of your work, I would love to see it!
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely that you are painting and have found an approach that you are excited about trying.
ReplyDeleteI know my handcrafts are not the same as paintings, yet they still rely on creativity -- which I really don't have. I can copy most anything but can't come up with ideas myself. I don't care anymore. The process brings me joy and that's enough.
I don't know but I think that in the beginning we might copy people we admire until we develop our own style. I see photos that I love and will try to replicate but it still comes down to me and what I find beautiful. Everyone has a different way of seeing the world. I love portraits but when it comes time, I still prefer to take photos of landscapes, especially trees. It's my thing.
ReplyDeleteThose paintings are beautiful.
And thank you for your comment. I ended up emailing my daughter because I would just cry on the phone. I told her how much I love her and support her.
I think art is an inspiration from many sources, some internal original spark, some from what we sense with our sensory perceptions, some a combination of all of the above.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth Gilbert's take on artistic inspiration was one I'd never heard of before: that the muse is always around and shows itself when we consistently "show up" at our desk, worktable, studio, etc. We don't have to be genius; we just have to make ourselves available. -Kate
ReplyDeleteIntriguing images, striking colors. Now show us your response.
ReplyDeleteMixing what is seen in the art of others definitely has influence. How could it not? My artistic talent is very limited. I can copy but nothing is original nor particularly unique. Art that I especially like is done by Audrey Bechler. She produces scenes in nature that seem alive on the canvas. Just amazing. Susan
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