Art by Sharon B. Hawkshawe
On Saturday while at work, I decided to stroll around the
galleries and peruse the 370+ oil paintings that are now adorning the walls at
The Crooked Tree Arts Center. I found myself particularly drawn to the super
realistic pieces, the ones reminiscent of the Flemish still-lifes that
contained teapots, flowers, dishes, ribbons, and memento mori. Some are so
exquisitely conveyed that I believed I could reach into the frame and touch the
depicted tablecloths. Some pieces display more contemporary subject matter
while still retaining the true-to-life quality that I revel at. Other paintings
deviate from realism and strive to convey emotion, power, and transience
through less defined lines, blurred colors, and heavy brushstrokes laden with
oil paint. These too are beautiful; I personally find beauty in both
approaches—the precise, and the implied, impressionistic. After walking the
galleries and seeing each painting, I resituated myself at the front desk.
While seated I overheard our curator professing her like of the impressionistic
pieces, which struck a chord in me. All of these paintings are unique, and
quite amazing, yet each one of us has our preferences for which piece and which
approach is best or most successful. The subjectivity of oil paintings. In this
world we cannot escape subjectivity, especially when it comes to art. To me the
clean lines and realistic paintings are preferable, but to someone else, the
opposite style may seem superior. I wonder, even now, how the juror is going to
select the best piece. How will he decided which is better, realistic or
impressionistic? I am thankful that it is not up to me to decide. And
thankfully I get to enjoy both ends of the oil painting spectrum at my place of
employment. I don’t believe I could say which approach and style is overall
better, or best. Each has its merits and its supporters. Which style do you
prefer?
Article Submitted by Alexandra Dailey
To read more articles written by Alexandra Dailey, visit
http://alexdailey.wordpress.com.
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