As an artist...It boggles my mind how another supposed artist could walk past someone doing plein air and not smile and feel happy seeing art being made!!
100%! I also resent this critics assessment that everyone needs to create their own style, how silly is that when there are Millions of images in that style that have yet to be painted? Also why would you want to retire such a beautiful style? It would be a great lose to art if the dreamy style of impressionism was just gone suddenly it's also just very illogical.
I could be wrong, but I think that guy was genuinely trying to help him. It just didn't come off the right way. He likely tried to make a career as an artist himself but was unsuccessful because he wasn't unique enough. I think he was trying to give advice on how he can sell his work and become a renowned painter, because that used to be the only way to make it as an artist (before the world of streaming, RU-vid, etc.) It seemed like he was saying "I tried that, and it didn't work. Everyone told me I wasn't original enough" so he wanted to pass it on, since he failed attempting the same thing. Again, I could be totally wrong and he was just being rude for no reason.
I´m an plein air painter too and I suffer from social anxiety, I paint in natural environments. One of my biggest fears is to encounter someone like that guy. I wish I could start painting urban plain air too I just need to overcome that fear. Thank you for addressing the issue with your video. People approaching artists at work should be respectful and if possible stay silent. They don't know how many fears and insecurities the artists have to deal with before planting the easel somewhere in the view of everyone and start painting.
That painting is beautiful! And unless another artist stood in that exact same spot and painted that exact same composition with those same exact colors and brush strokes, no, it hasn’t been done before. And if they did, who cares? “Real art” means something different to each person. I get overjoyed spotting artists in the “wild.” Keep up the great work!
I've heard that the definition of art is "something created, that evokes a reaction or emotion" and I'm pretty sure that's exactly why he came to comment on it in the first place. I'd say you hit the nail on its head in that regard! 😅 And also, thank you! I enjoyed your art a lot!
So, in other words, if it hasn't been done before - it is Art? Btw, have you ever heard of Art being copied and imitated to the point that even the experts can't tell the difference? And yet, you're claiming here that no one can paint exactly what this wannabe artist daubed on his canvas "in a minute"? Wow... may I ask what makes you think that "Real art" doesn't have any real criteria? Don't tell me your insight is based on what the art dealers are promoting under the pretences of "the Modern Art" - we all have seen - literally, excrements and urine being called Art by them. If you're an art lover, then you're doing it a disservice by promoting the idea that painting is something that anyone can do without sweating it out like the musicians, ballet dancers or opera singers.
@@Eagle608 A slur can also evoke a reaction or emotion. Sometimes, it can stir emotions more profound than Leonardo Da Vinci's work 😬 Whoever promotes that as the only criteria of Art is trying to lower its standards so that virtually anything can be called art. It definitely suits the art dealers but not the Art left to us by the geniuses of the past.
The old guy is from the “painting is dead” generation of artists. Authentic “style” develops organically through long term commitment to work. Your work is lovely. You are fortunate to not have had people like him as your professors; they were abundant in art schools when I was in school. I think that attitude is dying down now as students seek out genuine skill acquisition from their mentors
Thanks for the kind words and thank you for supporting the channel Angela. I had a number of professors who shared his philosophy in art school as well. You really hit the nail on the head with your comments. My current work is a product of a twenty year commitment to finding my artistic voice. My art is ever changing and will most certainly look different two decades from now.
@@WoodieWebber I am so happy you are sticking with it. It takes a lifetime. When people see me painting and tell me that they want to learn; I always tell them it is learnable, but it is a life long commitment to learning. The old guy most likely gave up on himself; he V wasn’t speaking from a position of confidence
At least you’re out there, doing it! The rest of us are just inside watching RU-vid videos and buying all the new and amazing art supplies, collecting them all... but not making art! Just because the guy was old, doesn’t make him wise. Subscriber #397 🤗🤗🤗
Hahaha thanks for the comments. I was once one of those You Tube watchers/art supply collectors you are talking about. Then I discovered that going out and painting is a lot more fun than just thinking about it😉
Maybe I like doing art in my studio most of the time…but I don’t paint in the big city…I go out to Mother Nature where the birds criticize my work and crap on it.
@@jackstrada5263 actually I don’t question his wisdom, however you don’t have to follow that advice to be a successful artist nor do art that you actually love.
Tell me…what “style” has yet NOT been done that would be enjoyable? What I mean is he brought up Impressionism and invent something new that does not belong to any group…so what can you do that would start something new? Nothing. You will always fit within some group. Otherwise I’m with Moody Thomas, “every artist got a style of her/his own”…”like one’s signature…”. You do what you want to do. In fact, we are all Abractionists and Impressionists way before Realists, etc., because we take a Concept and begin abstraction with every stroke of the brush putting it all together in our own way until it reaches whatever form we want it. Put 50 skilled artists in 1 room with one subject and no two paintings will be the same. It won’t even happen with 50 students who are told to do it in a specific way. It may be cliche but it will still be their own.
I feel he has something of value to say and he didn’t mean to offend he just wasn’t able to communicate it properly. But anyways, the art is beautiful, very inspiring.
I kind of think so too. Coming from someone who speak 2 languages, and that english isn't my native tongue..it is quite hard to try to translate words and phrases while your talking. He might have meant well, it just came out wrong. Just my opinion.😉
@@chopin65 most opinions in life are unsolicited what do you want to gate keep them all? He was allowed to express his opinion, the problem is people are right cause language translates differently, he seemed a bit pushy, but he had every right to express his opinion. The painter never said he wasn't allowed it.
He is talking about being relevant and making something to be known. But I guess the stranger do not see the possibility to do art for other purposes than this. Art can be very therapeutic and healing for people. If it's not you goal to be relevant or make some sort of business out of it, do what every you like and love doing 🌟
In my opinion he is saying the opposite. He's trying to explain that you will have much more self satisfaction from creating something that is unique to your inner self. Being known or getting paid has nothing to do with it.
@@drybizcuit1914 true - but these paintings are what we artists call " pot boilers " . The masses love them and they sell. The "deep meaningfull" work we do in the studio....and unless you are well known, you will starve ...
I paint for myself. A local artist -- excuse me, she called herself a colorist -- told me I'd never be an artist because I didn't go to art school. That same week, a fine arts teacher at a prestigious art school saw my art and said, "Wow, you could sell these for a LOT of money." Go figure.
@@arachosia and which “Art School” did you go to? A general college? Or did you attend an Actual school of Art or some great artist that teaches whatever your interested in?
These kinds of people exist everywhere, they always want to tell you what you can't do. At first my strategy was to prove them wrong. But after years of successfully proving them wrong I simply realized that I am subjectively "right" and I just hold my course steady and follow my vision. If I ask for critique now, it's about how I can better express my own vision. Likewise I don't criticise someone else's work, for the simple fact that someone else may like it more than I dislike it.
@@csabo1725 And it probably didn't make it unique or innovative, either. I bet someone in the history of time did it before. The Mayans, the cave men....?
Quite a few years ago I had two very large charcoal drawings at an art exhibition. An artist came up to me and said "What's the point?" Which really hurt me at the time, until I found out her art was making spiders crawl across soot covered panes of glass....!! I realized someone probably said 'what's the point' to her and she was just projecting it. 'The point' is I can't even remember her name now, that's how 'relevant' she was to me and my art. Keep on creating!
The "point" is to satisfy the personal need to create. There doesn't need to be a "point" beyond that. What bitter people tonsay those things to someone!
Or even attempt to draw or paint anything after what was on cave walls. It's a slippery slope. Wonder if the man is familiar with Zeno's Paradox? Thanks for watching🙂
No contemporary artist can sample any music from any other artist. No innovative musicians should have a single melody or harmony copied from classical music. Lol.
False. What the old man said is correct. That man has seen enough of what the rest of us with discerning eyes have seen. He saw someone standing trying to copy what was no longer there. Too many artists try and live their journey through some artist they admire.
In this matter you cannot compare a musician with a painter. This painting style is maybe like to listen a playbackshow of BB King performed by someone else
@@samiebah5302 you mean like listen to something called a cover? I mean i think is just appriciation of the style and the will to do a version in your way like It is to do a painting in a specific style.
i do not search a new style, i will find my self and know more about my self and my surroundings, in doing paintings. Take it as a spoken gift to you. your welcome. there are so many who do not want to deal with themselves because this is the more exhausting way. better then deal with the impressionists or others so hard to forget yourself.
At this point I can't even say how many times, people who are not even artists have criticised what I do... Just do what you want... Art is about being yourself, and not caring about trends, and stuff... Keep it up you're doing some wonderful stuff!!!
I started art school about a year and a half ago, and you run in to so much of this mode of thought that because the art in question is more traditional, it is written off as mundane, or just "craft" and of no real importance. I personally feel that a great deal of modern art is hyped up to cover for the lack of real technical skill in involved. Not trying to say what style of art is better, but not everyone feels the need to "paint the news", or try to break some new ground with a profound statement. Dismissing art like yours as irrelevant is just plain effete snobbery.
What's wrong with craft? As in arts & crafts? Are you saying what you do is above the people who buy books to cut out stuff and use their Crikuts or decoupage and other neat crafts and gesso to put on their walls isn't as respectable?
Really, don’t listen to that guy. There is a Renaissance right now of new Impressionism and plein air, representational artists. He grew up with the doctrine that all art needs to be conceptual and different. That archaic way of thinking is fortunately changing as artists embrace the way things were for centuries. New Impressionism is snubbed by some the same way old Impressionism was, and that turned out pretty good for the artists. 😊 Your work is wonderful. Subbed.
@@WoodieWebber Definitely. It really riles me up when people say the sort of stuff that guy did. It’s very narrow in scope. New Impressionism builds on the same concepts the old masters explored, but is quite different in its own right. It’s often more graphic and brighter, or more moody and tonalist… it’s quite exciting really. I am personally very excited to be among this exciting group of artists who are exploring representational art and plein air painting. What you’re doing is different and you definitely have your own style; it’s evident in your body of work. Kudos to you for continuing to finish your painting. I’d have probably been too rattled!
Aha. Great comment. I love watching these videos because I too like to paint outdoors and capture what I see. I did not realise I was part of a renaissance of outdoor painting but I now understand it is so and think it is great. It is so simple and such fun to paint like this. This comment has helped me understand what the old gentleman was saying too. I do not think he is wrong about being unique - but that comes anyway doesn't it? I think if you have to work too hard at something artificial you are on the wrong track. Thanks for the great videos.
That "critic" thinks that impressionist art just happened.. when in fact it was an evolution of the way things are depicted, the fact that nowadays many artists still do it, it's because is an immediate visual language that suits a plain air artist... So what if it has been done before?... I would've like to have seen HIS breakthrough art... ALL ART HAS BEEN DONE BEFORE, we're just building on what we have learned. PERIOD
Its really not hard to understand why that older german fella has those views. Thats literally what he was taught in the bauhaus. German art in the 40's through the 90's was all about finding something new, deeply personal within yourself and they rejected all forms of imitation and even education. I wouldnt take it so personally if i was this artist because chances are any older german artist would say the same thing if they saw someone painting impressionist paintings. Its just the way that guy was raised and taught.
@UCnJC5OaZEzm6Vx6qpD2lfbw that old guy kept saying "you must do it your own way" but he IS! This us what Woodie likes coz he chose to paint this way... Imagine being so far up your own asshole you decide for another person whether they are true to themselves or not..
LOLOLOL Now all people are CRITICS of the CRITIC who KNOWS best because he has more years of experience than the drama guy crying because someone dare to talk to him and express his view!!! LOLOLOLOLOL
@@lolitabonita08 "Critics" are wusses full of ego without the courage to create art themselves. They live in the shadow of actual artists who do the work and live vicariously through them. "Art critics" have a job thanks to artists. If that isn't one of the most parasitic careers ever.
The old man's one insult was "... Otherwise you're just wasting your time." The best thing he had to say was "enjoy your self". He didn't insult the painting or praise it. He was talking about what it takes to be a famous, notable artist. Not every artist is out to be famous, innovative and groundbreaking. Your painting is beautiful. I love the colors and the effect of lighting.. continue to paint because you love doing it and it has meaning for you. Not because you'll become famous for doing it.
Send him to Norway. Here an "artist" was recently granted about $7.000.000 (yes, millions) for shoving paint up the Hudson and discharging the whole mess on a canvas - and also throwing it on his "well-educated" audience. This guy would be sipping his red wine and having the time of his life.
One thing I've learned from my art journey is that if someone criticize your art in a negative way then you're doing something right! You're on to something! This is 2021, everything has already been done...
Right, reminds me of an old saying, from American WWII B-17 bomber pilots, with missions over Germany: "If you are catching a lot of flak, that means you are over the target"! ;D
I was in Italy and saw one man painting with oil paints,I stood there a while and watched him and after a few minutes I asked him if I could sit with him while he paints. He was so nice and said the tourists only stare at him but don't talk to him,he kindly gifted me a small piece and thank me for my company☺
I just subscribed to your channel after watching this video. There’s great lessons to be learned here. The man with the advice assumed he knew what your intent was. He assumed you were trying to be like the old impressionistic masters. He has no idea what any artist’s intent is. Also if every person who picked up a paint brush was to invent their own original style, we would have run out of styles years ago. If one is experienced enough they can tell the difference between a Pizarro and a Manet. As they’re be able to tell the difference between me and the guy down the road. Every person has a different brush stroke and no two paintings are ever two of the same no matter how hard one tries. Keep doing what you’re doing. I think you’ve captured a beautiful likeness and it does not look like an irrelevant style.
Thank you for watching! Great comments as well. There's no need to reinvent the wheel every time we wish to travel. There are infinite number of ways to arrive at a chosen destination. Welcome to the channel Matthew!
What’s weird is that he could be an old master and have all the secrets but he was having a bad day and came off as a curmudgeon. I would’ve asked the old man for his contact information so that I could get more life advice and coaching and perhaps painting lessons from him. They have to call people out on their BS. the ironic thing is that the old man could’ve actually known what he was talking about but just came off in a horrible way. He might’ve been on a walk, getting out of his own studio after a day of struggling painting. So many mixed messages. Somebody’s got to recognize the guy -wouldn’t be so hard to track him down. It would be hilarious if he had a bunch of really awesome paintings. But I doubt it, because he sounds like a postmodernist. He probably thinks that anything goes, except for drawing from life and copying and re-presenting nature.
lol Yeah, even though he was so out of place and rude to say what he did, he actually sounded interesting to talk to. I probably would not have agreed with a lot of what he said, but so what? It does not mean he would be less interesting to hash ideas around with and debate. But his initial rude comment does suggest that he might end up being a rather difficult person at the end of the day...
I don't really think it's ironic. He gave mixed messages. "You should be doing art for the purpose of being current", then 30 seconds later "That's what I'm saying, do it because you enjoy it"
@@ryanoconnor7957 He said "That's what I'm saying, do it because you enjoy it" in defence because the painter cut him off (which was rude af) to tell a new stranger a poorly summed-up version of what the man was saying ("He thinks I'm wasting my time doing this"), which is a narcissistic tactic (minimizing the gravity of one's mistake).
One of them was being rude. I'm not sure it was the critic, tbh. There was no need to say anything as the guy walked away. But It's clear that he'd hit a nerve. The video just becomes awkward beyond that point. With the artist dragging those who are genuinely interested and enjoying his work into his vocalised insecurities.
When we defend, we are often defending our own ego. But we could choose to listen to what the other has to say, regardless of whether we like it or agree with it. I think he paid you respect by stopping and commenting and trying to share some knowledge or experience with you. Your painting is excellent and you've captured the scene and feeling very well. I think his critique was aimed at challenging you to look at it a different way. Instead of trying to get support from other passers-by, you could have engaged with him more to find out why he thinks that way.
Yes, the stupidity of the CANCEL culture is going to far specially with the 35's and under...if one is not saying what they want to hear u became a menace, rude, idiot, ignorant, and so for...they can not handle the truth LOLOLOL so they live in lululand thinking that they are perfect and no one have the right to tell them what they do not want to hear...
@@WoodieWebber have you experienced this style of communication and gaslighting at from your teachers? I have received much harsher criticism at the Atelier i attended on the west coast.
I think we’re at a point in art history where so much has been done that art can be considered derivative when you weren’t really trying to emulate anyone. Anyway It doesn’t exactly look like a Pissarro or a Monet. I doubt you were even thinking about those artists. But that’s okay. The impressionists were heavily criticized for being too different. Then by the time Picasso came into the scene, Monet was criticized for hanging on to the old style. But Monet just wanted to do what felt true to him.
Artists can't win. No matter what we do, either it's weird or too derivative. Either we have too many unrelated works or we do the same thing too much. Either our work is too hard to understand or not deep enough. Either we are doing basic boring stuff or we are pandering to the elite. Either our work isn't realistic enough or it's boring because we are just copying. Every artist gets criticism, and sometimes it's helpful critique and sometimes it's just a put down. I think the old man thought he was being helpful. I've held the same views before. I thought you had to do something totally new and unique to be a successful artist. Now I know that you can't avoid being yourself even if you try. Even if you do copy other artists, eventually your own style will start to diverge. It's not worth worrying about. But I have to say I've been in a rut artistically foe for a few weeks and the old man got me fired up again. I felt like he could be talking to me and in defending my own art, I feel like doing it again. So maybe we need curmudgeons like him lol.
This can be applied to anything really - to art, writing, directing movies. In the end tho it doesnt matter what story you tell but how you tell it. Its virtually impossible to create smt that is 100% original. There will always be inspirations and parallels to other works, because guess what - art cant be created in a vacuum lol. Most people have just no idea what theyre talking about and it makes me so angry that people still have this warped view of what art as a craft actually is.... (oh yeah, I totally didnt get there by hard work, it was all because of my natural talent lmfao)
I find it ironic that the Impressionists broke from tradition to express nature, yet this guy wants the artist to paint nature in a different way...He's too smart for his own good. Using the techniques of others to express yourself is not copying. The painting will still be yours. It's beautiful BTW, so who really cares what the critic says?
the fact that he named a half dozen impressionist painters and was trying to make the argument that you need to be unique is all I need to hear. Clearly he is confused. Great artwork!
That man's arguments were definitely not coming from someone who is a professional painter! Any professional painter knows that plein-air painting is not as much an end in itself as it is a means of learning! Studying from life, observing and capturing what you see is THE most important means of learning about light, colours, harmony, of getting skilled and fast with the brush etc. Even if your signature style of painting is something else, even as an abstract painter you still learns TONS by doing plein-air. And whilst he's there up on his horse lecturing you and boasting about knowing all those names, someone should tell him that plein-air or impressionistic painting was not copyrighted by Monet and Matisse. No one put a lock on how many times and in how many different ways one can capture the beauty of nature or of a human face. If he thinks Impressionism is over, he doesn't know what Impressionism is to begin with. If that guy is an artist, all the bs he said about "you have to find your own style", "be different", "create something that is you" etc. as being the only things that matter in art, only shows that he's after fame and recognition, the "Look at me I'm so special" kind of artist, and not after capturing beauty or imagining beauty and COMMUNICATING it to the people. A real artist spends a lot of time honing his skills so that he may be able to do exactly that: to COMMUNICATE something to any individual, weather he's a pompous art collector or a simple passer by. If you think being different and unique is the purpose of art, you are putting yourself on a pedestal to be admired, you're not putting beauty on a pedestal to be admired and to inspire feelings in people... True artists don't think of themselves like that dudes said you shouls, they care about people, about sharing the beauty they see of imagine and doing something that is of value to people, and they are as happy weather they are famous or not... He kept talking about copying Van Gogh and Monet, but for crying out loud, you were painting from life! He said "study from nature" and you were doing EXACTLY that! Wow...
I agree. Intention is everything. As I told the man, I just want to have fun and enjoy painting outside in the open air. If my goal was to become a famous artist, such a pursuit would leave very little time to actually create;) Thanks for your comments!
I think a unique art style can stand out and create a stronger communication since it doesn't get drowned out in the sea of art communication. It opens the door to better self expression as we all have unique perspectives and see the world differently, and fostering that will result in your own voice that makes it more effective to convey a message. I think its somewhat easy, we all just fall into more accessible categories. Lets say a person is obsessed with dogs... they could paint a world covered in dog hair textures and convey that life is dogs very effectively. We all have our weird obsessions. I love nebula and electromagnetic fields. I am working to create art that combines the micro with the macro and forms a representational object like a tree. Its not because no one does it, or that im trying to gain attention, its because I think technology and nature are the same thing, as is the upper and lower realities of scale. An atom is a galaxy and forms nature between and our understanding of these relationships has made humanity much much much better these last 100 years. That is a message I want to convey and no one is doing it because they don't have my perspective. Its good to practice, we all will be doing it forever, but when you hear critique, there generally is substance in everyone's perspective. The OP also has perspective that doing art to get famous is obviously futile, there is no expression in it, so I agree, but I don't think the old guy in the video was being rude, I think he was trying to open a dialogue with the artist as he was intrigued, and felt he could guide him a bit in his future to move into more ambitious means of communication, as he felt the painter was clearly skilled enough to do quality impressionism, but could miss the opportunity to more effectively communicate the artists experiences if he remained mimicking the impressionists. I would take it as a compliment that the old man suggested you've move passed impressionism and its now a tool you can use in the artists arsenal to be more effective in a ever more loud world of messages. When the artist feels they want to convey a specific message, if thats even a thing the artist wants to do, the old man is right, you gotta diverge into a unique message. If you just want to paint to make yourself feel good or to paint happy clouds, cool, do that until you are board and want to convey something that could change the world. Perhaps the world needs more happy clouds, people could certainly be nicer in general, but conveying change needed to the world, to help humans evolve into higher thinking requires inspiration from artists.
@@Reach3DPrinters I understand what you mean and actually your point of view is not contradictory to mine, because you're creating something out of a desire to communicate something, an idea, a concept, a feeling etc. I haven't seen your work, i can't comment on it, but as long as you're not after a "unique style" as an objective in itself, and you actually have a vision you can articulate, then you are a creator, just like a traditional painter is. But you are working on a different "area", if I can call it that way. My annoyance with the man's argument was caused by his insistence on "that's been done", "find a unique style" etc. As if art is only a race to come up with something that hasn't been done before, regardless of what that is (this is really volatile territory because based on this thinking people have taped bananas to wall and called it art, have put excrements in cans and called it art etc. They've sure come up with pretentious statements about them, but does that make them art?!)
@@elenaciolacu I already love this conversation because it delves into the experience of art and why and meaning and intent, etc... I agree, our views are not all that different. I can definitely see your point, if "that's been done" was his only point, then he missed the entire purpose of art. I wanna give the old man the benefit of the doubt and chalk it up to he has a poor way of communicating to the painter this; that if the painter wants to deliver a powerful message, it will be difficult to be heard with general "impressionism". Which I think everything anyone paints is kinda a form of impressionism, and to categorize in any way shape or form is kinda an injustice to anything that is created, because nothing is actually the same unless its a digital copy. I generally agree, art generally should be an expression that delivers some kind of effect or message preferably, and I don't think a banana taped to a wall offers the necessary context to convey much of anything. Same... in my opinion.... goes for extreme abstract, such as a single dot or a square or a blank canvas... it conveys little to nothing, except to provide a mirror to the viewer. Now art should be a partial reflection of the viewer, but for the artist to be absent, or for the work to require the body of work from the artist to convey the message, ineffective on its own, is poorly conceived art imo. This doesn't suggest it wasn't worth it for the artist, maybe the artist really likes painting a single large square and is therapeutic, which is great, its a happy cloud, but without further message, It won't effect the public and cause change. Different art for different purposes. The Old man, I genuinely feel was trying to help by being a bit counter reaction to norm, and trying to dislodge the artists satisfaction with the painting. He said he wouldn't just go along with everyone else and say its a good painting, instead suggesting to reference nature, which ironically is exactly what the painter was doing, so poor execution by the old man, but I really think he was trying to help the guy by saying you're very skilled, but to have an impact, you want to do something else to effect change in the world to stand out. But yeah, poorly expressed by old guy. lol Im not all that skilled, been honing in on purpose. Carl Sagan says if you want a purpose, find a worthy goal. So ive been trying to determine what the world needs to hear to improve conditions for the average person, and I feel technology has made dramatic improvements across the globe, bringing atrocities to the attention of others and shaping a new ethical expectation of others. Technology is a tool that can also be manipulated, but overall, it has made HUGE positive contributions to the welfare of the world overall. I'm exploring the context of this idea but am just an advanced amateur. Insta: @NateRogersArt Always more to learn, but I really try to look at the perspective of the critique and feel what they are trying to say, and dismiss how they deliver it, cause I feel like 99% of people are genuine and good nature'd and want to help others, just a lot of miscommunication that causes issues before the help is discovered.
This video really caught my interest and the comments from that guy really got my back up! Painting from direct observation of real life in my opinion is the most relevant form of art you can do, no matter what the style. This guy thinks he has it all worked out saying that you have to be original and come up with something nobody else has, which if forced is the recipe for really bad art! The true path to originality is to be doing exactly what you are doing Woodie and that's setting up your easel and responding to what you're seeing in paint. I hope you're not discouraged in any way by this interaction, which I don't think you are so keep going. By the way I think impressionism is the place to get off the train of painting inspiration!
Thanks for the comments! What the man said didn't discourage me in the slightest. I think great art has a lot to do with motives. I'm after honest painting. If I were to base my artistic decisions on trying to become the next BIG THNG by doing something new that's never been done before, the motives wouldn't support honest painting. I'll just keep doing what I'm doing and let the cards fall where they may.
@@devinmichaelroberts9954 Hi Devin, I appreciate this kind of constructive discussion about art as I seem to come across it so rarely. As a realist painter myself I'll admit that I will go in to battle for my team, so to speak and fight for my beliefs about it's relevance. Realist painters are often seen in the art world as being traditional and lacking in original thought compared to the big wide world of conceptual art which is seen as modern and ground breaking. It's frustrating for many realist painters to find that art galleries which once was their domain to be now filled with installations and conceptual art and that painting is seen as an irrelevant dying art. Painting, when done well is a divine language and it's relevance only grows the more artists practice it. So perhaps painters are a bit on the back foot, hence the mud slinging!
@UCnJC5OaZEzm6Vx6qpD2lfbw It's encouraging to hear you say some of those things about the art world and yes I think things are more alive in the world of representation particularly in the U.S. I'm in Melbourne Aus. and even though we consider ourselves the Art capital of Australia, the kind of representational art that is put on a pedestal is often photo-realist (I call them human photocopiers!) and they are the artists that seem to be most represented and that win many of the major art prizes. So I think it's different in the States as I've noticed a whole movement of painters who genuinely seem to understand the language of painting I referred to earlier and not just worship the work that looks most like a photo.
I'll throw in my 2-cents! Imo, any action you do that helps you grow as an artist is worth doing. Just bc impressionism has been done before doesn't mean it's never worth doing again & can't be of value or one can't find their own "style" within impressionistic painting. If that were the case, there'd only be one Impressionist painter, only one surrealist painter, etc. bc it wouldn't have been worth doing again bc someone would've already done it (as that guy said). Criticism is only worth listening to (even if it pisses you off!), if it's actually beneficial to your work...if it gets you thinking about how to improve upon it in some way...or gives you ideas for the future...something to work on or practice. Constructive criticism isn't coming along & telling you your work isn't relevant...and, so that I won't open up an entire can of worms, I won't even point out or go into the irony of it being an old, white man who, (of course) felt the need to stop & tell you your art was irrelevant! Keep painting, keep growing, & most importantly, don't stop!!!🖤
He was just saying that you should focus on being a legend and not a copy artist. But if it makes you happy keep doing it. I don't think he was being negative or insulting at all.
Yeah it makes no sense. Unless you literally live in a cave and for whatever reason have an infinite supply of food and…art supplies…nobody has a style that’s completely their own. We’re influenced by what we see. It’s simply nudged one way or the other.
I'm a photographer and I know LOTS of folks who claim to be photographers who couldn't name ONE photographer who they admire. BTW, their photography is always plain and predictable.
The guy not only made a lot of assumptions about why this painter does art, but went as far as to interrupt his day to offer an unsolicited opinion. You may consider it good advice, but it wasn't given in a tactful or encouraging manner and the context made it inappropriate. Communication is a two-way street... you can't have bad manners and expect to get your point across.
He failed to see that your ‘art’ was more than just the painting.. but your ‘new’ take was sharing the art to the world through RU-vid / social media. The art is now incorporating your own story and engagement in the process.. when previously there was no means to do this for an artist. All your message was on the canvas. Keep up the inspiring work. Peace
I believe that all art is original because it’s always done by someone different. Also I think people’s opinions do matter. They can be positive or negative but it doesn’t mean we have to agree with them. Now when someone says that the artwork is irrelevant that is a personal opinion. It may be irrelevant to that person that thinks it is, but it may not be irrelevant to another person. Art is very subjective. People’ opinions and attitudes are just as subjective. The other guy sums it up the best! “ Do what you love” 👏🏼
Woodie, your style is actually your own and I think I could your paintings out of 100 impressionistic works. Thus guy just wanted to show you he had some knowledge on art. You handled him right 10/10
What you have painted IS original! Nobody else stood in that same spot with light and time as it is then. The man was trying to be helpful but came off as a know it all. Keep doing what you do dude :)
He seemed perfectly friendly and willing to have a conversation. I think he made a good point and was actually trying to help you. He also could have considered your motivations for painting rather than projecting onto you, but that's usually what people do...
I think the old man gets too much hate. Look at the people. Most of them just pass by and don't give a shit. Then you have the standard "it's nice" kind of comments. But then this man actually took the time and had smth to say. Whether the artist likes it or not or what he takes from this comment is up to him. But the man really had a point. And I think it's this type of people and comments that make you think and brings you to the next level. But that's just my opinion :)
What a missed opportunity. That man offered you wisdom and experience regardless of whether you just wants to have some fun painting or not. What an opportunity to be humbled by a voice of experience offered freely and even gently. In the beginning you were open to listening to the older artist but maybe your ego fears got the best of you and you could no longer hear his wisdom. Maybe your fear of being not good enough took precedence and made you become defensive. So you let that precious golden opportunity to grow as an artist slip by. The need to be right took over. The next woman fed your defensiveness and made it all about that. Please consider these words, you are so lucky to live in such a city and paint in a park where wonderful voices of wisdom pass you as you create and offer you freely and with tender care, their help to grow. Dont let your ego get in the way next time. Realise that he probably wouldn't have given you his time if he didn't see greater potential. He offered a gift and you didn't accept. Accept the next gift. You are young, glean the experience of the masters still walking among us. Courage my fellow artist. What i wouldnt give to have experienced that.
@@marymc9601 or maybe have that good conversation and make your own conclusion to whether it’s good for you or not. Your ASSUMING his fears (actually your projecting them where he does not have them because he says he is doing what HE likes and wants. I know many artists who can do it all-they don’t and prefer to do what they like and I hear many of them say, “Don’t get locked into something you don’t like-that is the danger of galleries and commissions. You will get known for what you don’t really want to do…might as well flip burgers at McDonald’s). I’m sure he isn’t “afraid” to do some stupid thing he doesn’t even want to do and call it art worthy of millions and fame. Irregardless of all that HE did not miss anything on his part…in fact HE still wanted the conversation but the man walked on…. So…what’s the next big thing in the Art World? Flying to the moon and taking a crap? No that’s been done…Mars must be next….
I thought he was rude, arrogant and only interested in his own opinion. He wasn't interested in why the artist painted in that style. He wasn't friendly at all. Condescending - yes.
@@marymc9601 I'm sorry but no. The poor artist barely got a word in to defend himself against that guys awful attitude. He wasn't offering a 'gift'. He was just crapping over that guys work. Zero respect. I think we all get the point he was trying to make, but what an A-hole way to go about it.
What baffles me is how he just decided that his comments are welcomed. You were minding your business doing something you love and that in his eyes warranted criticism? I would have offered him a canvas and some paints so he can lead by example instead of pretending to be better than you.
It was refreshing to see how politely you handled that situation. Maybe he thought he was giving you good advice early on, but why on earth would you not paint what you like on a nice day at the park and enjoying doing it? Wish we could see what wildly original untrodden path he has taken with his art.
The older man definitely saw the potential and wanted to expand the young mans mind and give a bit of advice. His un-asked for advice was met with a bit of defensiveness but I understand both parties. As an “artist” and a “crafter” I am in both worlds. There is a joyful peace in creation of all types. I’ve demonstrated in public and some people can be snide. It makes one sensitive to that understandably. If you listen carefully to the older man... that’s fantastic advice. Honestly exactly what I needed in my journey. 🐰 🎨🖼
Yes exactly I don't think he has I'll intention or just to insult but rather he sees potential and I think he wants him to push to the next level of his potential.
You have your own style. Because you’re making your art. The idea that there’s some external measure by which you must be judged is ridiculous. I love your art and your response was just right.
Great comments! I honestly welcome and understand both viewpoints as well. I think motivation is a big part of making art as well. If you truly are doing what you enjoy there's an honesty that comes through. That's what I'm after.
@@WoodieWebber This video was an interesting record of an honest interaction between two people. I think he had some respect for what you were doing (otherwise he wouldn't have bothered stopping to talk). Also he expressed respect for the painters who have inspired you, even though he felt you should move away from them and find 'your own voice'. I think his comments were genuine and he didn't mean to cause any offence, just offer an alternative point of view. (He was a little rude telling you that you are wasting your time, which evidently you are not.) He also suggested that 'the answer' would be found by looking at nature. That is not a radical proposition to say the least! So maybe the two of you were not really so far apart. You handled it very well though. It would have been easy to get upset/angry in this situation.
I think you may be right. Painting the way I do makes me happy. Not sure if the same could be said about whatever he's doing. We all have different goals😉Thanks for watching!🙂
Love the art, love the fact that you're sharing the process in a video like this. Love that you're not letting someone like this get under your skin. What that girl said after that conversation about everything has already been done, she's so right. I love what Elizabeth Gilbert says about this, how she's more interested in authenticity than originality. Just be you and do you. It is amazing when you can just do what feels right to you, with all the pressure culture can produce. I'm just now coming out from underneath that and started to fill a sketchbook with whatever comes up that day that I want to create. I love it.
The old man have a point.. almost all artists including myself (a novice) are struggling to capture their own style. But it takes times and a lot of practice to get there. I think he is a good art critic and knows what hes saying.
This was unsolicited and unnecessary “advice” from an opinionated man who should have minded his own business and allow the painter to continue enjoying being in the “now” of his activity. Glad the painter held his own and still maintained his dignity.
The old guy isn't talking about style, he's talking about movements. He's literally telling him he should come up with his own art movement which is asinine.
I understand where the man was coming from, he wants to see artists reaching within themselves to make art that is true to them. He’s talking about making art that is going to change the world, which, obviously isn’t the only sort of art, but as someone said previously, he probably saw potential in you otherwise he wouldn’t have bothered striking up the conversation. Yes, it was unsolicited, perhaps not articulated well, but I think the tension came from a mutual misunderstanding of intention- this meeting could have turned into an interesting conversation if handled differently on both sides. I expect he was attracted to you as an artist and was interested in a conversation about a specialist area, a good old discussion which can often be hard to come by. Art can serve many purposes and be destined for many places. It can simply be a joyous pastime. It’s lovely to see you painting in the park and it inspires me to do the same. Thanks for sharing your art and the process with us!
Getting «schooled» is the right word, people paint what they want. Do what you love!! The whole word is painting, EVERYTHING we do can’t be totally original and new. Henry Miller (the author) also painted a bit and he made a book with his paintings called: “Paint as You Like and Die Happy” I think that is a very good title… 🤗👍🏼
I think the painting is lovely and Woodie should paint however he wants... But I'll be in the minority and defend the old guy. I think he's just an eccentric New Yorker who might know a thing or two about art. I don't think he intended to offend; I think he wanted to push Woodie beyond what he was already doing. He probably identified real talent, but felt the "impressionism" was a crutch. His opinion, obviously. It's been my experience that artists are often very blunt with each other, and they dole out constructive criticism that might sound negative, but it's because they care. If they didn't care, they'd just smile and say, "Looks great!"
I understood some of then things listed as inaudible. He was saying he wanted woodie to interpret nature differently. But I feel that's not necessary. People don't have to be original to make a difference in someone else's life or to make an impact with their art. Originality is amazing and great, but not the end goal for everybody. I think the old guy was just giving advice to someone, but it turned out badly cause he didn't have tact.
I was an art university student and today I'm a senior designer at a global tech company. It's possible that the old man was an art teacher or an art critic. He definitely was trying to push Woodie. He sounded like some of my best art teachers who pushed us to go further, do better. It's just the some people have to add a little demeaning phrase here and there, and that's a parenting and teaching style I never want to adopt.
I tend to agree 100% with you Eric, I felt somehow that he was educated Teacher/Artist/critic. Woody Webber your painting is good and you are obviously talented, and I think if he didn't see that he wouldn't have even bothered conversing with you. Its been my experience that the ones who have offended me are often the ones who I have learnt the most from. I was a straight A student in high school art until a new teacher came in and crushed me with a 'B'. He let me stew on it for a couple of weeks and sat me down and said I was basically talented but lazy artist and just doing enough to impress, but not reaching in and pushing myself to see what I was made of. I found at art school the teachers who offended or crushed me were the ones I learnt the most from. I have lots of friends who 'love my work' and can make me feel fantastic, but if I want an honest critique they are not the ones I go to. I would love an hour with that guy to see what he had to say, and then choose what I want to take on board and what I want to ignore. But at the end of the day you need to be happy with where you are at, because that is really all that matters. Keep painting!
Yeah, honestly, I always dislike really non-thought out positive... affirmations because it makes me actually feel like they care less. Some people like that (apparently?), but I don't.
I'm a plein air artist; never know what comments you'll get from the public, but most often they are positive...if not envious. The old man didn't say you were "irrelevant." He said to find your own style by looking at and interpreting nature in your own way, not as others have done it in the past. I always say that if I'm satisfied with my art, that's all that matters. That said, it's a beautiful painting. I look forward to watching more of your videos from here in the North Georgia mountains.
This man was put in your life for a good reason. he saw a lot of talent in you. He was struggling to form it into the correct words…. He is an artist and saw something that triggered how he strongly felt about art. He could of not spoken but he was passing on some wisdom to another young artist.. I think he wanted to teach you something..even if it doesn’t seem that way now. please don’t judge I work as an art teacher at the senior homes. I have years of experience working with dementia and Alzheimer’s and They have a different reality then you as age takes a toll. They struggle to explain things in a way many people wouldn’t understand. Be kind. I feel you were lucky to have run into this man. It sparked something in both of you ❤️
That older gentleman is part of the park too. Art is visual, emotional, phycological. Being in a space is about absorbing all aspects of that space. I like how you ‘opened’ the viewer up to his commentary. In an odd way, the video itself is now a “plein air” work.
When you paint plein air from nature right before your eyes I don’t know how anybody can say you’re copying someone else. The painting came really lovely.
@@impossible_error I don’t think he’s copying anyone’s style. Almost everyone has some Impressionism in their paintings since we interpret what we see and lay down our impression of that view on canvas. Should we say anyone who ever painted after the first Renascence painter, the first impressionist, the first expressionist, was a fraud and a copy cat? We all learn from the old masters and then adapt our own style to suit us, coincidentally leaning towards areas and styles that we feel best express our emotions. There is no style that hasn’t been done before. We just have to make it our own as we reinvent it. I’m not sure anyone who ever painted can say, I invented this style, even the people attributed to having invented a style. I always wonder if they were the true inventors of that style. Since there were always many people in that same period of time painting that way. There’s always someone else doing something similar or someone in the past that has done something similar. But no one saw it exactly the way he did. No one interpreted the scene the way he did. And no one paints exactly the way he does.
Thanks for sharing your work and this conversation. I'm struggling with this idea too as a beginner painter. I understand the need for self expression, but I'm not sure that I buy the idea that art needs to be all about the artist. I used to study math in college, where it's recognized that everything done today builds upon what came before. Can you imagine a mathematician walking by an engineer using trigonometry and stopping to tell her that she's missing the point of real mathematics? I don't think we all need to be avant garde, producing ground breaking work. Nor do we need to toss out what has come before, especially if we enjoy it. I think there is something incredibly meaningful in making a painting that another person will hang on their wall and look at every day, regardless of who made it or what style it was made in. Not everyone needs to be "serious" or "relevant." There is power in doing what you love no matter what.
There is nothing i hate more then people telling me its a waste of time doing my art, it may not make me enough to pay all my bills or be rich, but my art makes me happy
I Love all art and I have been collecting for at least 56years. I am now retired & I began painting several years ago. Many people really like my paintings & there are also those people that do not ! Some people can be very negative as well as cruel and will say very unkind things about my work/art but I now just let them vent until they are content & they finally feel good about themselves? I “ LOVE “ my Paintings & they give me great Pleasure looking at them! I also enjoyed very much watching your Painting video from beginning to end! Nice Video about a beautiful painting. Good Luck to you! and never ever give up! Best to you, T.J.
How bitter a person has to be ..."oh, there's an artist having fun, I need to tell him something... hey, why are you painting this? It's alreary been done..." u.u
If hes an "artist", he offended the first important rule of art which is that art is subjective. You're welcome to paint anything and call it art because of this rule because if you brought out a feeling, response or emotion from the viewer, you did its purpose. The point is not to make it look like something, the point is to generate emotion from it. So I'm surprised that guys an artist, cause he's an idiot. He defined exactly what art is supposed to do. He saw it. He responded to it.
Well, maybe and no. Calling a painting "art" certainly does not mean it's any good. Unlike empty and in most cases pointless praise he actually engaged in conversation of what makes a better art, but unfortunately his point was lost.
What you’re doing is to be commended. You make your process accessible to hundreds of people every time you paint. Who knows how many budding artists you’ve inspired because you’re out there. Plus, you teach the invaluable skill of making every brush stroke count. In a studio, you might simply toss something aside if it doesn’t quite work. But because of the public nature of your painting, you adopt, adapt, and improve. Bravo!
@@WoodieWebber absolutely! However, there does seem to be a bunch of “babies” in the art world who can’t handle ANY criticism. And it seems to get worse among the entire generation today. Must be a horrible thing for them to be in the boss’s office getting their yearly job performance critic.
Please don’t take his advice personal. He was just trying to be helpful. I understand what he was trying to say. Maybe his approach wasn’t the best but he’s just trying to give tips.
Great to see your painting process and style, great style, different from my style, but that's what makes us unique, well done for keeping your cool, I may not have been so nice to him !
As a fellow artist, I cannot understand this man's 'take' on your work. Your work is unique, strong and truly beautiful. To work from life, or Plein-air is NOT easy! He's in fact really envious of you. Believe in your artistic value, Woodie.
Thanks for the kind words Nick. That's high praise coming from such a talented artist as yourself. Just checked out your website...your water colors are absolutely beautiful! Keep up the good work. If you liked this video there plenty more on my channel as well. Feel free to check it out and if you like what you see there, you can show your support by clicking the subscribe button. This allows others to discover my content. Thanks for watching and happy painting!
Its funny how he said he wants to see the beauty that he sees. Because in a way what draws me to impressionism is that it looks like the world when I don't have my glasses on, it blurs many things, but it also brings out and highlights things that would are lost in the sea of detail.
I'll never forget my first plein air painting sessions in the south of France. I trembled at the unspoken thoughts of those looking over my shoulder. Years later, it doesn't bother me now. I have huge respect for anyone who gets out there and paints, regardless of the skill level. Bravo.
The mere fact that you’re actually put there painting is admirable. On top of that, you have great observation and color skill. I understand that the contemporary art world is on a crusade against technique and merely focuses on conceptual and attention hungry images. Your work is dope and I would love to run into people painting plein air the way you do. Love from Chile!
I think that what old man was trying to say is: As some of you said already, he saw potential in you because your impressionism was good. Because of that he know that you are capable of making something that is you. We can say that we enjoy, love the way we paint now but.. I think that old man was trying to say that, of course you enjoy what you do now and that is the point of making art, but to make something that comes from you and ARE you is different kind of joy you don't already know. To be your self and paint true yourself is the purest joy you can have. That's why he thinks you are wasting your time telling yourself that this what I want while not knowing what is it like to paint something that comes from YOU. And with that comes many things like recognition and other things but that wasn't the core of being yourself, it's just something that come along the way. This was the best advice I have ever heard, just the old man wasn't capable of telling that the way it should be said. I don't try to say that it's bad or irrelevant to paint in the way that someone already painted, but if you seek to be your self no matter in which way, then you need to forget everything that is done already and trie see things from within.
Whit this logic, is the act of painting in it's own right a valid form of artistic expression? Someone in the past has put paint on a brush and applied it to canvas, so that's already been done. Honest question. Its a slippery slope. Thanks for your thoughtful comments!
All the painters that man referenced developed their own styles by doing exactly what you’re doing. Thousands of times, until they tuned into their own nuances and ideas. Everyone’s journey is different, but as painters, we all walk the same road- practice. All art is “real” art. It’s always an abstraction. Choices about how to simplify a subject, whether or not to use a subject, or what kind of brush strokes to use… they’re all decisions about abstraction. Whether you’re painting powerful single stroke statements, spraying a wall in an alley, or making “hotel art,” it’s all real art. It’s all real expression.
I'm a painter and a sculptor and I think that guy made a good point, as difficult as it may be for "us" to hear. Ideally, our work will stand out as something new and fresh - a new way to see or express something.
I won a student art contest and it had the artists mad saying it wasn't art, they couldn't figure why I kept laughing. It was an assignment for art of zen class to not create art but to spend 30 minutes just making something for the fun of making, I spent 2 hours on the project because I was having fun. I only entered the art contest to shut my professor up, picking the least likely things to win and was shocked it won over some great works. I learned to create what makes you happy and don't care what's popular, just make things you enjoy making for the joy of it.
The old man has a point. “By doing stuff that has already been done, you’re depriving the world of something else only you could provide” would be the main message and I agree.
Just doing what makes me happy and trying to share some positivity. I'm sorry this makes the man and others so upset, but I think he's in the minority. Happiness is usually contagious, I see it first hand almost every day. Thanks for watching🙂
The man may have a point, but it is his point, he doesn't respect that Woodie isn't after all those things he mentioned. Depriving others, that would be him staying home and not sharing his love for just getting out. Seems too many are missing the point of doing art for the sake of painting for JOY!
Nice guy he was just saying about great art and a Sunday painter.He got truly excited and started talking.You woke him up and he got the fire going.You got his attention.Bit of a win.
i think you were being a bit overly sensitive. He wasnt being disrespectful but you took it that way which is understandable. He was just saying the way you paint is good ofc...but has already been done. He was suggesting that you attempt to take things a bit further to form your own signature or to improve on the style to make it relevant to the time period you live in ...which i think is great advice and what most artists aim to achieve. If thats not what youre atfer...thats fine as well ....but i dont think the gentleman was being disrespectful to your work in any way.
Part of being an artist is your reaction to criticism, and how you use that to enhance your art. You are a great artist, but you do need some work reacting to and using criticism to your advantage. Never "defend" your art. Your art should speak all it needs without your defense. Keep doing what you are doing, but learn that criticism is part of the process and will only make you a better artist.
But is some random old person coming up to you on the street randomly telling you you’re wasting your time painting in a certain style really fit into the category of valid criticism? There are many reasons why a painter would be painting in any number of styles from the past, and it’s really none of this old mans business. It was rude of him, and being able to separate criticism from BS is a valuable skill too. He was more than patient with this rude old man.
Reminds me of an artist that came up to my booth and told me my ceramic bowls sculpted into various sea animals were not real art, they were hobby crafts, and would never sell. Her paintings, while whimsical and cool imo, barely sold, while my stuff nearly sold out. Hope she liked that humble pie.
Art schools are full of people who say things like this. The irony is that they are saying “be yourself,” but what they actually mean is, ‘be my preconceived idea of what being yourself should look like.’ You already ARE being yourself but they have not taken the time to get to know YOU. Just do what gives you joy and you will find your people.
You: painting with joy in your heart, warmed by the sun and your interactions with others while you pursue your bliss..... Along comes an anal old man thinks he's Rembrandt: "you are wasting your time" Good for you for defending yourself! Wow! Very sad. Dude your paintings are beautiful and doing what you love is never a waste of time.
He gave you some really good advice but your ego stood in your way… u should look and analyze exactly what and how he is talking and the way you react.
You have a heart of gold my friend……Keep painting whatever style you see fit and let no man judge you by your work especially from a old man who seems to travelled through time and knows everything about impressionism…..his knowledge did impress me some but yeh…you keep doing you mate we got your back…..paint away….🔥💯🔥💯🔥💯……I wouldve told the old man - I didnt know we were back in school??….is this a lesson??…..do I have to sit and listen?….are you a alien? hahahaha…..
Dang, it’s unfortunate that older man was misunderstood. His critique should have been viewed in a more positive and constructive manner. I like and agree with how the video ends at 19:35 but to me, I wouldn’t have guessed that this guy appreciates criticism based on his actions previously. They were extremely defensive, pretty closed minded, and somewhat rude in my opinion.
I'm an artist and all I can say is that I wish I could paint like this guy. We all borrow a little of this and a little of that from other artists and we combine to make our own inspiration and style. And who are we to judge another fellow artists artistic expression?? I love the painting. Well done!! ❤
Your painting is an expression of yourself so how can it be a copy? It’s your own interpretation of what you see. Old men can be incredibly grumpy at times and he’s probably never been successful. The only thing I would criticise is the music but the painting is gorgeous.
He wasn't being rude. He was trying to have an intellectual conversation with the artist, and he was misunderstood. Why? Because the artist had his mind on his painting. It happens.