POLL. What art style(s) do you aim for?

[DrBrad]

I mean this to be different from Diane's questions ;-) I mean 'painterly' versus 'photorealist', etc. rather than the technical approach you use.

I would say my goals are to paint realistic but not photo- or hyper-realist subjects. In other words, I want them to look like paintings, not photographs, but at the same time I want them to be accurate in terms of proportion and volume. Basically this seems to mean getting things in place and getting the values right. The colors can go much wilder.

I tremendously admire photo/hyper realistic work-- but even if I could do it-- it's not the sort of thing that calls to me artistically. On the other hand, when a painting goes to far the other way-- (intentionally) disregarding volume and placement-- while often very interesting-- I don't feel drawn to that style either.

These are just personal choices-- am trying to put into words what I'm after in a portrait or whatever as my skills (I HOPE) increase. I know many people strive for totally different goals-- true photo-realism, super-expressionism, etc. so curious to hear thoughts. (And if you do it all, pick your favorite for the poll ;-)

[dlake]

Brad, never ever change your style!! Your paintings are so good.
As for style, I am cursed with an illustrative style and long and dream for a realistic style. I fight with myself all the time because my natural style is so at odds with my wished for style.
diane

[khourianya]

If I wanted photo-realistic - I have a really good camera. I really prefer a very painterly style and I think it suits me. I can still get likenesses across in pet portraits and my landscapes still give a really good impression of the scene. I'd rather be somewhat unique and painterly so when people look at it, they can say "That HAS to be a Cori Nicholls original!" lol. Not that they're saying it YET...but give them time.

[Bringer]

Hi,

I went for painterly, which I interpreted as realistic.
But I also want to be abble to do photorealistic stuff and inter-act (sp?) with painterly. To create trompe l'oeils, for insteance.

Regards,

José

[dlake]

Cori, you are so funny. I just laugh. But, you are so good that your style is perfect for you. It's a lovely style

Brad, Just wanted to say "what a nice thing to have a companion thread to one. Great idea. something people can do with other threads. Like an offshoot to a lively discussion.
d

[aszurblue]

I too have a Illustration style, but now I don't fight against it so much any more. Diane, have you ever seen the works of W.T. Benda, Henry Clive or Mabel Rollins Harris? You may find yourself in love with your illustration style again.
Azure

[PeggyB]

Well now I really do have a problem with chosing just one! Sometimes I'm
Photorealist: A Treat for Tiger


Sometimes Impressionist: Serenity


Sometimes Expressionist: Seeing Red


Sometimes Abstract: Hawaiian Rain


But I'm never bored!

So how do I vote Brad...
Peggy

[DrBrad]

Vote early vote often! Seriously, hmmm, if they art gods restricted you to one style for the rest of time it would be...???

[PeggyB]

Originally Posted by DrBrad

Vote early vote often! Seriously, hmmm, if they art gods restricted you to one style for the rest of time it would be...???

Seriously? I'd shrivel up and die of boredom. About the only style I'll most likely never repeat is the photorealism. I did that painting just to prove to myself that I could, but I really didn't enjoy what I felt was restrictive. Guess that leaves only three identities. LOL

Peggy

[Paula Ford]

I went with Painterly (Realistic but still clearly a painting/drawing). That's just how my style turns out.

Paula

[DrBrad]

Peggy, the art gods have accepted your response! Some day I'm going to try to torture myself with something photo-realistic as well just to see if I can carry it off. You obviously proved you could with flying colors.

[dlake]

boredom is a dreaded condition!! lol It something that would indeed make me looney and not just the illlusion of it like now. haha.
I do dream of doing a realism thing but, I think if I succeed in beating away my illustration tendencies I will end up with a painterly style. Hey!!Won't that be perfect for plein air and isn't that sorta like the impressionist?? cool. be like renior, monet, manet, degas, ect. hmmmmmm
diane

[Trilby]

I admire the photo realists greatly. It seems to take such talent, such a good eye for accurate values and proportions, but I will never achieve photo realty and find I'm working more towards a looser feel in my work. I guess I work more in an impresionistic representational style, or want to. I have seen some abstracts which I can truly admire, but can't get excited about working in that style. The remarks about a recent piece I've completed were along the lines of boy that's really a riot of color, are you in your Van Gough mood. I hadn't thought of it as at all Van Goughish, just loose and impressionistic but still very true to realty. I don't put too much thought into " what style do I want to achieve when I do this painting" I just respond to the subject and filter it's interpretation through my own emotional experience and hope to tell the story that resonated with me.
TJ

[Pat Isaac]

I guess I am a realist with a painterly style. I did take an oil painting class this fall with a person who does sharp focus realism. I enjoyed the class, but there was not enough time to finish a piece, just time to learn the technique. I know I couldn't work like this, too time consuming and I take long enought to finish a painting as it is. So what about the 7 unfinished pieces? I'm going to finish them up with my OPs. lol

Pat

[KJSCL]

Well yet another realist with a painterly style. One of these days though I swear I'm just going to literally throw some acrylic paint at a canvas and see what sticks!