Artist at Work Painting Over Their Work →

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When an artist paints over their existing work, this is called a "pentimento," an Italian word meaning "to repent.” This refers to an artist altering a painting by covering up parts of the original composition with new paint layers, sometimes revealing traces of the earlier work underneath if the new paint becomes slightly transparent over time. 

Art is never finished, it is just abandoned.” - Leonardo da Vinci

This quote suggests that artists may stop working on a piece, even if they could keep making changes. It implies that art is a process, and there's always something more that could be done.

“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.” – Aristotle.

This profound insight encourages us to look beyond the surface of art and delve into the rich layers of meaning it can convey.

Aristotle believed that art is the process of transforming our emotions into something tangible and beautiful. He also believed that art has the power to present reality from a perspective that's different from our everyday lives, offering us a fresh and unique way of seeing the world. 

Does art reach out to the artist or result from reaching in to find it? →

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Art has the power to change, inspire, and offer us a fresh perspective on the world. Each work of art, a product of the individual artist's unique journey, reflects a specific period, context, or stage in their life. As a result, the artist's works of art become a visual diary, allowing us to witness the evolution of their identity over time, fostering a sense of connection and empathy.

Art, in its essence, is a form of Philosophy, as it mirrors a desired and cherished perception. Wisdom and truth, rather than being discovered externally, are perceived and understood because of our love and desire for them. It is our responsibility to cultivate the vision to recognize them, empowering us to actively seek and appreciate wisdom and truth in art.

Neighborhood Art Matters and Local Art Critics Matter →

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Art criticism is a crucial aspect of the art world, serving as a means of interpreting and evaluating the significance of specific works of art. Art critics, whether esteemed national figures or relatively unknown local voices, play a critical role in helping viewers to perceive, analyze, and form judgments about works of art.

While critics tend to focus on modern and contemporary art from cultures close to their own, it is essential to recognize that they may need to included valuable insights from other cultures and historical periods. By expanding their horizons and exploring art from diverse sources, critics can gain a broader perspective and enrich their understanding of the art world.

Moreover, when we critique the work of others, we not only offer helpful feedback and suggestions, but we also learn to identify effective problem-solving strategies that can be applied to our creative endeavors. By examining other artists' approaches and evaluating their solutions' effectiveness, we can improve our artistic skills and grow as artists.

Overall, art criticism is an essential element of the art world, facilitating a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse and complex works of art that shape our cultural landscape. Whether you are an artist, a critic, or simply an art enthusiast, engaging with the critiques offered by others can help you to expand your horizons and develop a more nuanced understanding of the world of art.

MORE NEIGHBORHOOD ART

Age and Wisdom Embodied with Strength in a Stranger's Face →

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Age and wisdom embodied with strength in a stranger’s face, no artist identified, no name for the man, identified and named by texture, color, and layers of paint- each conveying meaning.

The painting started showing with the first brown sketched layer the empty face of a man. Just an uninteresting mystery alone without the colors of paint.

Color filled the space, the second layer showing light, darkness, pain, stress, and wisdom. The shadows are purple with white borders suggesting strength.

Eyes and wrinkles, behind glasses, and strength are both present.  Three layers likely and maybe six to tell the story. 

Age and wisdom are embodied with strength.