Everybody is an art critic – according to American journalist Judith Martin – and yes, I guess we are. But I think we can also remember to be kind.
We are all entitled to our artistic opinion
I 100% believe that everyone is creative in some way.
We may not all be artistic geniuses. But we can all create something that conveys a little bit of who we are to the outside world.
And to me, that is art.
But more importantly, in my opinion, is the fact that creating art should be an enjoyable process.
I can admit to a pang of envy when someone tells me that they have been to art school and studied fine art.
Envy can sneak up on all of us
I am also guilty of listening too much to that little demon of self doubt who makes himself quite comfortable sitting on my shoulder to drip the poison of self doubt into my ear.
Like most of us, there is a constant ‘good enough versus not good enough’ debate inside my head
But I never allow myself to be tainted by negativity too much.
Because, as the old cliché goes I may not be an expert, but when it comes to art, I know what I like.
I like imperfection.
Artistic imperfection appeals to me. I don’t know why, but to me it has an honesty about it.
Two of my favourite artists are Vincent Van Gogh and Lucien Freud.
You can see some of my Van Gogh inspired artwork here
When I look at the jaw dropping artwork created by these men I am moved.
Often moved to tears that I can’t quite explain.
Van Gogh’s work never fails to move me
But I can be just as intensely moved by a piece of work that I see posted on facebook by an amateur artist. Someone who paints for a hobby.
And that is why I get so upset when I see unasked for criticism when someone is brave enough to post their art on social media. And I do think it takes guts to put your work out there.
I’m not asking for sycophantic praise for everything everyone creates.
And of course, one of the best ways we can learn and improve is by being open to constructive criticism.
It is good to keep listening and learning
But even constructive, well meant criticism can be harmful to a person’s self esteem if not asked for.
One of the best artists I know Sue Kerrigan-Harris, is mainly self taught and creates truly beautiful pastel paintings.
Sue is now considered an expert by many people. This expertise w has come about through years of diligent practice, and she is now very much in demand as an art tutor.
Sue has spoken of how well meant criticism hit her so hard some years ago, when she first started painting that she completely lost confidence and put down her pastels for a long time.
Sue Kerrigan-Harris doing what she does best
Luckily for her thousands of students, she eventually put the criticism to one side, and continued to hone her skills.
Sue has put into place one of the best critiquing systems I have seen on her Beginners and Beyond Pastel Facebook Group.
As with all genius ideas, it has simplicity at it’s core.
The system is laid out fully in the group – but basically it is as simple as traffic lights.
Such a simple, but effective idea
Red = meaning be gentle with me
Amber = Yes I’m up for suggestions of a couple of things to change, but please also mention what you like.
Green –= sock it to me
How great is that system?
So I’m not saying don’t criticise, especially art that sells for thousands in art galleries, if you are bold enough to put a price on your art, I think you should absolutely be open to people voicing their views on it.
And I do sincerely believe as professional artists we need a tough skin. We need to be open to criticism and to learning and growing from it.
Maybe we need a slightly tougher skin?
But I do also firmly believe that one of the big hashtags from recent times #bekind needs to be more than just a t shirt slogan – it needs to be something we keep in mind when doling out well meant criticisms on other people’s work that they post on social media simply to express themselves.
Especially during lockdown a whole lot of art has been created by people who are feeling vulnerable, and it is a way of expressing themselves.
I do think there are times when we need to think before we speak, or type.
#bekind
If we can’t manage this, then in the words of another old cliché ‘if you can’t say anything nice, say nothing at all’
And by the way, this blog would come under the green light – I am very open to criticism – but please be gentle with me 🙂
You can find out more about Sue’s amazing work here: www.skhportraits.co.uk Facebook Facebook Pastel for beginners and beyond
