When They Say It's F.I.N.E.
"We should always remember that sensitiveness and emotion constitute the real content of a work of art." -Maurice Ravel
I have heard technically GORGEOUS paintings be called "fine" before. When you're in the early learning phases of a new style, type, etc. of painting, that is excellent. You are crushing it! 👏
But what about those who are supposed to be masters of their craft?
Well, I thought about the word fine...and it's become an enlightening acronym for me.
F.I.N.E. - Feelings inside not expressed 🤯
That's when everything clicked. "I mean it's fine; it's pretty" actually means "I don't connect with it."
And you won't have every single viewer connect with your pieces. Some viewers will connect more than others, and other times, they'll connect one day and not the next. That's okay! Emotions have a certain ebb and flow about them, and like waves and the shore, sometimes they'll be a little closer and sometimes a little further away.
One of the ultimate compliments is when a client loves what you've done. But that love is seated not in the paint or the technique. Instead, it is in the subject.
They already know they love the person, pet, place, etc. that they've asked you to paint. It is NOT your job to recreate the memory they had in mind. It IS your job to use the skillset you have to remind them of the pinch of joy, bountiful strength, deep sorrow, or however else they felt.
I can almost guarantee you they won't remember every detail of your painting no matter how often they look at it. They probably won't even truly remember what was said during your interaction.
But what they will remember?
How it makes them feel.
This is why someone that doesn't know the subject can connect with a piece and want a stranger framed on their wall. It's about the emotional experience and path toward healing that it begins.
Hand-painted in Adobe Photoshop CC using the Wacom Intuos Pro and the Wacom Art Pen.
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join the mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from my team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
I hate SPAM. I will never sell your information, for any reason.
