THE ARTIST'S ROLE
"We are shape makers, symbol collectors and entertainers! Edgar A. Whitney, ANA (often called the "Dean of Aquarellists" ).
SHAPE MAKERS
A painting is a collection of shapes if it is realistic, abstract, or nonobjective art. There are good ones and bad ones. There are only three shapes to avoid: anything that is or will fit into a square, circle or an equilateral triangle.Shapes with variety and dimension are entertaining. Good shapes are bulky; a HUNK of shape as opposed to a long string or worm shape.
1. The shape has two different dimensions- the shapes height is greater than its width or vice versa.
2. Oblique has thrust- the shape is an angle. The angle appearance can be effected by making one end larger, smaller, higher or lower than the other. Horizontal or vertical lines or shapes are static. Oblique shapes are dynamic and interesting to the eye.
3. Shapes with incidents and interlocks.
Incidents at the edges of things protruding from the shape, or space protruding from the shape, or space protruding into it or both. Vary the height, depth and spaces between forms you make on the page. Interlock is a particular type of incident at the edge. This protrusion comes out of the shape at an angle and forms a hook that causes the shape to interlock with the space behind it (these incidents and interlocks are opposite to smooth). This adds dimension.
The photographer has to take many pictures at different angles to get the perfect shot. Where as the artists can take liberties to enhance the picture. This what a painter has over a photographer.
SYMBOL COLLECTORS:
We identify Shapes by Silhouette. The edge of the shape makes the symbol. The interior of the shape is secondary. When we paint we should simplify and symbolize.Simplify- select one thing to say in the painting. Then select a vary few other things in support of the subject.
Symbolize- don't report each object in all its detail, as would a camera.We invent symbols for objects. The painting has a language different from the real land-or seascape, so a translation job must be done. The painting is a lie. It's only paint and paper, but we must convince all that they are looking at a landscape.
ENTERTAINERS:
Every painter is in "show business". We entertain by variety and change. Variation used over and over in the course of producing a painting. Shapes must be varied in size, family, color and value, as well as intervals between them, just like notes in a musical passage.
