Fine Art Chat

Rewards

Rewards for creating fine art can obviously vary tremendously from person to person.  My rewards are received in several major ways.  The first occurs in my head in the process of conceptualizing a work of art. Initial ideas and feelings for a new creation can emanate from any source.  The enjoyment is to mentally refine various elements into an image.  My next major reward comes in utilizing all the various tools and materials to bring the new art into its physical form.  The completed work in and of its self is a great satisfaction, if it embodies all that I had anticipated...and sometimes even more.  My greatest reward is for others to receive enjoyment from the existence of the art.  Last on my list, but of importance, is the financial gain.  What is it that brings you the greatest rewards?

Why Do We Create?

What compels a person to create fine art?  For me, the motive begins with a profound appreciation for what is beautiful and meaningful.  The underlying impulse to create is a strong desire to stimulate our senses, to capture a moment, frozen in time, to be appreciated and enjoyed at leisure.  As a fine artist you can add or delete, simplify or embellish to arrive at your objective.  In the process of creating there is a freedom and a responsibility.  Ultimately there are rewards for a job well done.  What is it that compels you to create or to be involved in fine art?  Let me share your thoughts with the world!

Progression and Improvement

Sitting here in the early morning with my cup of coffee, I am giving thought to last nights post on progression in art.  From my perspective, I cannot imagine arriving at a place of total accomplishment.  There always seems room for improvement.  I do feel year by year that the room for improvement is narrowing.  One of my personal goals in art is to become a master in anatomy.  Even if I become successful  in this regard, there remaines so many other elements  in creating a work of art, complete mastery is a life long journey at best.  To mention just a few, there is the perfect composition, handling of texture, patina and of ultimate importance, my message, my story, what I have to say and convey with my art.  When I view other peoples art, I am looking through my lenses, my filters to get a sense of purpose, direction and feeling as to what their art is about.  We are all different and yet all the same as people.  The differences are what makes such diversity.  The sameness is what creates some of the common denominators.  How do you view art and what about art is important to you? 

Presenting Bronzes by Steven L Knight

Words of Strength

     My wife Laurel and I have a number of words we focus on, especially in moments of stress or struggles.  Our three m's, "Masterpieces, Memories and Miracles" - "No Compromise" and "Faith" are all words that help guide us in our art and in our lives.  We recently created a mental picture of our lives, our art and our art business.  We now visualize a very broad and complex foundation, designed and constructed to build a towering skyscraper on.  It remains up to us how high we want to go and what elements are going to be included on each floor.  It has taken decades to build the foundation I am speaking of.  Our foundation is built from lives with many diverse experiences.  When it comes to art, there have been thousands of hours spent in various forms of marketing, in studying and learning our subjects, in conceptualizing and designing, in learning the use of all our tools and how to work our mediums.  We have lived through lifes highs and sometimes very desperate lows.  We have survived and at this point, ultimately prevailed.  The words we live by are an important part of our strength.  What words do you live by that inspire or strengthen you?