There are a lot of highly competent realist painters working today. Many can render incredibly complex subjects with astounding detail and clarity. But most of their work is too mannered, it has an artificial or stilted quality. Much of my early work fits this category - it lacks lyricism. Defined by the dictionary lyricism is an exuberance of style or feeling. One can't artificially inject this quality into a painting - it has to appear naturally.
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Female Nude, oil on linen, 8" X 10", 2007
Collection of Amy Satterthwaite |
There is nothing like working from a live nude to force an exuberant approach to painting. Regardless of the subject I now work a canvas with a more direct and aggressive style. Urgent but disciplined brush strokes individually and collectively can convey an excitement and flair with the best efforts achieving a delightful lyricism.
This is a really good post Bruce! I envy any artist that can achieve a state of lyricism in their work and capture a magical moment on the fly. But don't dismiss the other side of the spectrum too quickly. I find great satisfaction in the process of creating a well thought-out, intelligently designed, multi-staged painting.
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