Simple Beauty, 12x9, oil on linen panelHi All.
OK, so I've been told my those in "the know", that I should never paint those things that are obviously beautiful. That it's like throwing an underhand softball pitch to Hank Aaron (I'm definitely not Hank Aaron in this analogy). It's waaay too easy. To which, I respectfully say....Fooey! Why not paint beautiful subjects? These kinds of picturesque scenes are the very essence of what makes the west, and, the landscape, so alluring. That argument is like saying, don't listen to beautiful music, because it's too easy, there's no challenge in the listening. It all comes down to why you listen to the music, or why you look at art. For me, it's always been about the way it makes me feel....the enjoyment. Personally, I would much rather look at a painting of fall aspens than a city alley. And I believe most people would too.
I've just learned that "Simple Beauty" is to be included in the February 2010 issue of Southwest Art's column "Art Views".
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6 comments:
And it is beautiful, very nice.
This is stunning, the light is simply gorgeous! I admire your brushwork and control :)
I agree with you 100%. Without appreciation for the beauty around us how do we stay balanced in a world that is constantly showing us the ugly and scary stuff. It's like saying only negative emotions are valid because they are so challenging, but without the balance of love, joy and kindness we would all jump off buildings!
Thank you James, Teresa and Michelle. Let the naysayers squawk, we'll keep painting where we find beauty!
James, I like your avatar. Very fun!
Teresa, thank you for that! I work hard to make it look like it comes easily.
Michelle, you are so right. There are so many people who can't sleep at night because they fill their heads with scary images. Isn't it so much better to surround yourself with kindness and light?
Give me a clear Rocky Mountain morning and a grove of aspens anytime! Maybe throw in a nice trout stream with a few elk milling about and paradise is found. Why not paint it? Great job Steve.
Couldn't agree more! This is stunning, and worth looking at again and again and...
glad to have found your blog. best regards, Liz
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