That a viewer does not see what the artist intended does not make the composition a failure... In reality all artists speak first to themselves and then to an audience.
Mike SvobPut a symbol, or language of some sort, in a painting and it will be noticed by the viewer whether or not they can read that particular language.
Mike SvobYou have to understand how the human eye behaves when it views a scene for the first time. Work with that knowledge, and your paintings will have more drama and will evoke strong reactions.
Mike SvobThe person viewing your work has no idea what the scene really looked like, nor do they care.
Mike SvobWhen we look at a painting, listen to a piece of music, read a novel, or watch a movie we are taking in the artist's composition. The composition is the totality of the work.
Mike SvobA painting with a message does not happen by accident. It happens when you place elements in their order of importance.
Mike SvobThe wide open nature of any truly creative artistic endeavor is one of its most important virtues, and one of its harshest realities. Only the most determined, hardest working, capable and creative will make their way to earning a good living by their art.
Mike SvobBy merely increasing or decreasing the amount of contrast in any area we can move the observer through the painting.
Mike SvobMonet, Manet, Sisley, Renoir, Van Gogh and others went outside to paint for one simple reason - it looks different outside.
Mike SvobArtists need not meet any standards to practice their craft... Virtually every other occupation requires some sort of license, union membership or something that says you are qualified.
Mike SvobThink of the centre of interest in a painting as you would read it in a novel or see it in a movie. The crisis or climax is that point when you simply can't put the book down or wouldn't dare leave the movie, for whatever reason.
Mike Svob