I'm Getting Engaged

I'm getting engaged in a discussion with you--or, a guide to quality critiquing.

I have said before that every painting for me is a lesson. Like all good lessons, each painting is worth a conversation.

I have a workshop coming up, and one of the things that will happen is a discussion or critique about the work that is created.

I Think Good Critiquing Is:

“Critique” and “critical” have the same root word that means “I judge.” In practical terms, in today’s society, I think of them as very different.

Without a Google or dictionary assist, I think of critique as a way to discuss and improve upon something.

For me, a good critique is:

• a way to see things I have not seen from my close vantage point

• a way for someone to say if they think I am on the track I want to be on

• an assist in possible technical barriers

• comments about how colors, values, and composition are or are not working in somebody else’s view. (Remember, the creator can accept or decline other views.)

• the feelings or moods a piece of work brings up for someone

I Think Critiquing Is Not:

• making excuses beforehand. This is a big no-no in my book. I suggest that you never poison your own well.

• saying “I like it” or “I don’t like it” with no other direction. A bad example might be something like, “I like your first attempt, but the other one, just throw it away and start over.”

• pointing out only negatives. Real support and encouragement are important.

Benefits of a Good Critique

• The viewer gets to explore their vision and vocabulary in a creation they are not tied to. You’ve heard it said that teaching is a good way to learn. Yes, I think being able to look at another’s work and express thoughts about it is beneficial to the viewer.

• The creator gets feedback that they may choose to accept or ignore.

• The creator may get an idea sparked by someone else’s insight.

Critiques Are Only Opinions

When I think of critiques, I also think of something I see online on almost a daily basis. People ask, “What is your favorite? Fill in the blank.” For me, I like too many things in movies, songs, and foods to pick any one thing.

I think some people, at times, go too far and make opinion statements as if they are facts. “That is the best song ever” may be true for that person, while others may have differing opinions.

What Do You Think?

Do critiques work for you? Do you welcome and enjoy them? What’s the worst thing that ever happened to you during a critique? What’s the most pleasing thing someone said to you?

On The Studio Front

I have picked out and wired up my Atlanta show paintings. The show totals 33 pieces, which is way different than when I have shows with 75-100 pieces.

I still have to figure out how to make each piece for sale as an individual piece on Venmo, with a QR code.

For no reason in particular, I have been painting mostly with knives and large brushes. The past week or so, I have been using very large brushes. Every time I shift gears like this, I think, “Why have I not been doing this all along?”

25286 Street Vibes, 14x14 oil on canvas. Available $196 at my gallery

25287 Walking With A Purpose, or Rock n Roll Rebel, 16x20 oil on canvas. $320 Available at my gallery