Foundations VS Formulas
Art of Painting Blog
Musings and More from Don Sahli…
Painting what you see gives you subtle autumn shadows or brilliant autumn colors.
Autumn Winds 40 x 30, Autumn Atmosphere - Foggy Morning 48 x 36
Today, I have several questions and points of philosophy, about painting and the art there of, for consideration. And so that we are all on the same page, consider these definitions.
Formula n. 1.a prescription or recipe. 2. a prescribed or set form; a fixed or conventional method.
Rule n. 1, a prescribed guide for conduct, action, usage, etc; a regulation; precept.
Foundation n. 1. that upon which anything is founded; base. 2. a body, stock, or ground material upon which anything is built up.
Found v. 1.to set or place on something solid, for support, to ground; establish. 2. to take the first steps in erecting or building up to furnish the material for beginning; originate.
In July, I talked about the three rules associated with Art of Painting – the only three rules I know. Many look for more rules or precise formulas to associate with successful paintings. Maybe they see this as an unproblematic, uncomplicated approach to painting. But I ask: what will be the outcome of this approach? If every painting is “built” the same way, using the same technique over and over, there will be “sameness” to the work.
And can I say, painting is not unproblematic nor is it uncomplicated….When painting, there is the need to be continually seeking to solve problems: what color is sky in relationship to the lake, where is the light source, is it warm or cool; what is the placement of that bowl….
Many people come to me asking for my formulas! Formulas for mixing color, formulas for constructing a painting, formulas for perspective….I say toss these rules and formulas, I promise they can all be disproved and therefore invalid. I say learn to paint what you “see”, not by formula.
Why create a painting from rules that anyone following the rules would lead to a similar, predictable outcome. Shouldn’t a painting be based on a solid foundation? Painting what you “see” – because there is a foundation, an understanding of painting that is based on the solid effort and support of originality.
And for me, the means to having the instinct and knowledge of painting lies in doing the work – painting continually, not for profit; but for the understanding of Art of Painting. I have shared this philosophy with the over 500 students who have studied at Sahli School of Art. I produced DVDs detailing this philosophy. Bring them to your studio; begin the journey, study these simple and honest concepts, learn to paint what you “see” – whatever and wherever it may be.
DS
Musings and More from Don Sahli…
Autumn Winds 40 x 30, Autumn Atmosphere - Foggy Morning 48 x 36
Today, I have several questions and points of philosophy, about painting and the art there of, for consideration. And so that we are all on the same page, consider these definitions.
Formula n. 1.a prescription or recipe. 2. a prescribed or set form; a fixed or conventional method.
Rule n. 1, a prescribed guide for conduct, action, usage, etc; a regulation; precept.
Foundation n. 1. that upon which anything is founded; base. 2. a body, stock, or ground material upon which anything is built up.
Found v. 1.to set or place on something solid, for support, to ground; establish. 2. to take the first steps in erecting or building up to furnish the material for beginning; originate.
In July, I talked about the three rules associated with Art of Painting – the only three rules I know. Many look for more rules or precise formulas to associate with successful paintings. Maybe they see this as an unproblematic, uncomplicated approach to painting. But I ask: what will be the outcome of this approach? If every painting is “built” the same way, using the same technique over and over, there will be “sameness” to the work.
And can I say, painting is not unproblematic nor is it uncomplicated….When painting, there is the need to be continually seeking to solve problems: what color is sky in relationship to the lake, where is the light source, is it warm or cool; what is the placement of that bowl….
Many people come to me asking for my formulas! Formulas for mixing color, formulas for constructing a painting, formulas for perspective….I say toss these rules and formulas, I promise they can all be disproved and therefore invalid. I say learn to paint what you “see”, not by formula.
Why create a painting from rules that anyone following the rules would lead to a similar, predictable outcome. Shouldn’t a painting be based on a solid foundation? Painting what you “see” – because there is a foundation, an understanding of painting that is based on the solid effort and support of originality.
And for me, the means to having the instinct and knowledge of painting lies in doing the work – painting continually, not for profit; but for the understanding of Art of Painting. I have shared this philosophy with the over 500 students who have studied at Sahli School of Art. I produced DVDs detailing this philosophy. Bring them to your studio; begin the journey, study these simple and honest concepts, learn to paint what you “see” – whatever and wherever it may be.
DS
Labels: Art Instruction, Don Sahli, learn to paint, oil painting, philosophy of art, plein air, workshops
posted by Don Sahli at
2:21 PM
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