"The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined
by praise than saved by criticism."
~ Norman Vincent Peale
_____
Sunshine on My Shoulder
"Sunshine on My Shoulder" 6x6" oil on gesso panel
Critiques in the Key of Life
While in art school, I was so intent on getting accepted into the
design program and becoming a worthy graphic designer, that it wasn't
until many years after graduating from art school that I realized what
I really got was an education in how to live life well.
When I was a collegiate art student, the majority of my class time was
spent in critiques. Although art is subjective, core principles exist
that can be used to determine the success of any work of art regardless
of media or genre (realism, impressionist, abstract). Those core
principles include things such as composition, draftsmanship, use of
color and value, balance, rhythm, to name a few. Although the
application of those core principles were the focus of our critiques in
design class, there were so many more lessons, important lessons,
lessons for a life well lived.
Objective critiques can be tough. Tough to give and tough to take. Yet,
critique is a way of life. It's how we improve at our craft, and
improvement makes it reaffirming. As art students, we not only learned
how to evaluate artwork, but how to offer up our assessment in a
positive and helpful manner. We were encouraged to use the sandwich
method by putting the "what needs improvement" between "here's what is
working" before and after. This bit of wisdom made all the difference
in conducting a successful class with engaged and productive students.
You are My Sunshine
"You are My Sunshine" 10x8" oil on linen panel; painted en plein air
In reflecting on my adult life, I've come to appreciate the wisdom of
that sandwich tactic and that it applies to more than just art. How
much more any of us appreciate learning what we need to improve upon
when we also understand that the critic recognizes those things that we
do well. And it works in almost every scenario whether art, business,
sports or spouse.
As an Associate member of Oil Painters of America (OPA), I can request
a critique of my work by one of their Signature members.
I recently requested and received an OPA critique of ten paintings I
submitted for review. Thankfully, the reviewing artist also believes in
using the sandwich method, and her assessment left me feeling very
encouraged.
In a most helpful way, she offered up suggestions for each painting.
She also reminded me that as the artist, it is my choice what advice I
will implement. Some of the paintings I submitted I considered complete
and these I will not go back into. Others I will definitely do as she
suggested. The most valuable piece for me was looking at the collective
feedback as a whole, and seeing trends that I need to keep in mind for
future paintings. With her generous guidance, I know where I need to
focus to continue improving my craft. As you're probably aware, artists
never believe they are "good enough"; there's always something new to
learn or do better. I'm so thankful, and so excited to have this
expert, objective input! Watch out art world because here I come!
One of my goals for 2019 is to get "jiggy" with painting flowers. The
city sunflower fields near my studio provided a fabulous opportunity to
practice painting flowers in the landscape. And in late July, the
weather even cooperated with a nice cool front that made it pleasant to
be outdoors.
The Sound of Sunshine
"The Sound of Sunshine" 8X10" oil on linen panel; painted en plein air
For details about the paintings in this newsletter and all available
work, please visit bbargerart.com.
Show News
"CSX Freight House" was juried into 311 Gallery's National Landscape
and Seascape Exhibition running September 5 - 28, 2019. Join us for the
reception during First Night Friday on Sept 6 from 7 - 9pm.
CSX Freight House
"CSX Freight House" 18x24" oil on linen
Three of my paintings are on display in the 8 By Exhibition at Cape
Fear Studios July 26 through August 20. All entries are 8" in at least
one dimension.
An Art Muse Named Violet
"An Art Muse Named Violet" 8x10" oil on linen
"Tart's Grocery" was juried into a six month landscape show at Rex
Heart and Vascular Center in Raleigh, NC. Ongoing.
Tarts Grocery
"Tart's Grocery" 16x20" oil on linen
As a painter who recently became a full time artist, my practice
depends on word of mouth. If you enjoy my newsletter, I would be ever
so grateful if you shared it with others.
_____
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