Artistic Appreciation.
Art. What does it mean to you? One of the great things about life is opinion. Art is one of those areas where application of what you like can define your sense of statement and style.
An appreciation of art can range from the old masters’ technical ability to create in dazzling reality everyday objects to the then captured historical and biblical scenes. Certain examples of this are so precise in detail that one’s breath can truly be taken away. Although two dimensional the pictures have depth and can be awe-inspiring lifescapes of individuals or scenes caught in dramatic pose for all to admire. Moments frozen in time! They can make you think, evoke emotion and stir the soul.
Historically artists have pursued individual ways of representing their view of artistic impressions on life, loves and literature. Whatever the form, sculpture, painting or sketch I like art that is more than just a photo-like representation. I need the picture to stir my emotions or make me think, for example imaginary concepts can intrigue… If I see something that can get me thinking but does not need the artist to have to explain what it is, then for me, that is the kind of art that has achieved a thought provoking aim.
The shock element can revile or restore interest depending on who you are. I am not a keen observer of the revolting carnage that could stimulate nightmares, although I do remember a poignant painting of vivid potential revenge. The female artist had the misfortune to have her virginity violently taken from her and this left a pent-up loathing and fury at the opposite sex. The picture portrayed vividly her emotions and the terror of impending final retribution on the face of the victim held by one hand and the glinting sharp blade of justice in the other hand. How oddly reminiscent this was to me of an example in that of the statue depicting an individual dispensing justice over the law courts of London. A formidable blindfolded lady with two symbols of legal justice held in each hand.
Some of the most enjoyable pictures for many have hidden gems of wit and humour, for example a most distinguished very rich lady had a consuming passion for her grand mansion to be painted by a person thought to be a rascal but at the same time an extremely talented artist. At first the artist refused all offers of financial reward, he however had a mischievous plan and demanded a more personal payment. On completion of the work of art without first viewing it herself, the wealthy lady, arranged a public showing of it. Not only was this intended for her husband but for all the gentry and locals. Soon a sharp eyed local voiced the question of why there was a ladder standing at the open bedroom window of the Ladyship.
On a visit to a stately home I was admiring the scenes depicting riders and horses but was surprised to see all the horses did not have hooves but cows feet. On inquiry it was explained the tapestry makers usually worked on depicting cows and that explained the lack of symbolic hooves.
Appreciation of art obviously is something personal but sometimes you can find a new twist to a repeated theme. Optical illusions are well known but what catches my attention are instances when they are integrated as part of a regular picture. In this case two faces of an elderly couple facing each other and in between there is a vase. Of course if you see the faces then you do not see the vase and when you see the vase you lose the two faces.
Another interesting optical twist on a picture clearly shows a bowl of flowers standing on a shelf which is fine until following the edge of the shelf it is then obvious that the dimension you think it is in is an impossibility, the joining of the shelf holds the key to the impracticality of the vision you may think you see. Does it make you think? If it does, then artistic appreciation may only be the beginning of what art can do for you.
An appreciation of art can range from the old masters’ technical ability to create in dazzling reality everyday objects to the then captured historical and biblical scenes. Certain examples of this are so precise in detail that one’s breath can truly be taken away. Although two dimensional the pictures have depth and can be awe-inspiring lifescapes of individuals or scenes caught in dramatic pose for all to admire. Moments frozen in time! They can make you think, evoke emotion and stir the soul.
Historically artists have pursued individual ways of representing their view of artistic impressions on life, loves and literature. Whatever the form, sculpture, painting or sketch I like art that is more than just a photo-like representation. I need the picture to stir my emotions or make me think, for example imaginary concepts can intrigue… If I see something that can get me thinking but does not need the artist to have to explain what it is, then for me, that is the kind of art that has achieved a thought provoking aim.
The shock element can revile or restore interest depending on who you are. I am not a keen observer of the revolting carnage that could stimulate nightmares, although I do remember a poignant painting of vivid potential revenge. The female artist had the misfortune to have her virginity violently taken from her and this left a pent-up loathing and fury at the opposite sex. The picture portrayed vividly her emotions and the terror of impending final retribution on the face of the victim held by one hand and the glinting sharp blade of justice in the other hand. How oddly reminiscent this was to me of an example in that of the statue depicting an individual dispensing justice over the law courts of London. A formidable blindfolded lady with two symbols of legal justice held in each hand.
Some of the most enjoyable pictures for many have hidden gems of wit and humour, for example a most distinguished very rich lady had a consuming passion for her grand mansion to be painted by a person thought to be a rascal but at the same time an extremely talented artist. At first the artist refused all offers of financial reward, he however had a mischievous plan and demanded a more personal payment. On completion of the work of art without first viewing it herself, the wealthy lady, arranged a public showing of it. Not only was this intended for her husband but for all the gentry and locals. Soon a sharp eyed local voiced the question of why there was a ladder standing at the open bedroom window of the Ladyship.
On a visit to a stately home I was admiring the scenes depicting riders and horses but was surprised to see all the horses did not have hooves but cows feet. On inquiry it was explained the tapestry makers usually worked on depicting cows and that explained the lack of symbolic hooves.
Appreciation of art obviously is something personal but sometimes you can find a new twist to a repeated theme. Optical illusions are well known but what catches my attention are instances when they are integrated as part of a regular picture. In this case two faces of an elderly couple facing each other and in between there is a vase. Of course if you see the faces then you do not see the vase and when you see the vase you lose the two faces.
Another interesting optical twist on a picture clearly shows a bowl of flowers standing on a shelf which is fine until following the edge of the shelf it is then obvious that the dimension you think it is in is an impossibility, the joining of the shelf holds the key to the impracticality of the vision you may think you see. Does it make you think? If it does, then artistic appreciation may only be the beginning of what art can do for you.
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