-By Howard Lyon

I am not particularly fed by Duchamp's Fountain. I like my art with a little more skill and less urine stains.





Above is a Godward painting titled "A Grecian Lovely". This is not one of my favorite paintings by him but I chose it because I think it is a piece that doesn't have a big concept behind it, but lives essentially on the merits of how skillfully it is painted. I am not aware of any great symbolism here, or underlying motif, just a well painted "lovely". While I admire this painting, I do find myself wanting a little more from art.





I think that as artists, and especially illustrators, we are inclined to appreciate paintings that exhibit technical skill. We can appreciate the effort that went into the painting, even if it doesn't connect to us. I also find that most artists wince a little at the feedback of "this looks like a photograph!" I enjoy any compliment, my ego loves a good meal, but I think my most successful paintings are those that connect with the viewer through the concept or meaning first and then the technique.





Skills and Ideas

Art should not exhibit:

1. Skill

2. Emotion





For me, a moving and powerful painting exhibiting skill and technique.

The Captive Slave by John Philip Simpson

"Theory has no place in an artist's basic education. It is the eye and the hand that should be exercised during the impressionable years of youth. It is always possible to later acquire the accessory knowledge involved in the production of a work of art, but never -- and I want to stress that point -- never can the will, perseverance, and tenacity of a mature man make up for insufficient practice. And can there be such anguish compared to that felt by the artist who sees the realization of his dream compromised by weak execution?"





Detail of The Captive Slave

image courtesy of Juan J. Ramirez

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