Intensity and Shadows – A theory of art
September 10, 2008 – 6:21 am
Camellia blossom
The intensity with which a subject is grasped is what makes for beauty in art. A quote from the novel An Empire of Women by Karen Shepard.
I awoke thinking about this statement. At first I agreed completely. Then I began my usual ponderings. Was is intensity that I tried to capture in my photographs or precise documentation? Is that the difference between art and craft? Is it intensity that draws us into a painting? Up until now I always found myself attracted to the emotion of a piece. Without emotion, I find I get bored with it over time and give it away.
Reflections in Lake Francis
At a lecture last night I watched a very talented painter, Dee Beard Dean, interpret a photograph on canvas. Although I am not a painter, I was fascinated by her skill. Recreating her version of the scene, she spoke about the importance of emphasizing shadows. “Everything has shadows when you paint,” she said. “That is what gives a subject life and depth.”
No answers today, just questions. Perhaps you have some thoughts to share….
