Friday, December 9, 2011

Pursuits.

"Technical skill is not critical to being authentic, although it may help to more easily say what you mean with your artwork. More importantly, I value being comfortable with line, composition and color. The formal elements of all artworks can be a huge distraction when a painter doesn't use them with intention and ease."  Casey Klahn.  Pastel artist and teacher.  
The above statement reflects my personal goal as a painter.  This has been my philosophy since I picked up the brushes again last October.  Shy away from no challenge.  Learn and build from each painting.  Focus is essential when facing a technical challenge. When I reach a level of comfort with my ability I can move forward with freedom and confidence.  No undertaking will be too daunting.


"Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence."
Thoreau

1 comment:

  1. Hi Kevin,
    I tried to write you an email, but the various options wouldn't let me, so here I am anyway.
    I chose to use this post because I love the philosophy and attempt to practice it in my work.
    Thanks for stopping by my blog and not being afraid to let the world know you're actually following! You may have noticed that I've become one of your growing list of followers, as well. I really enjoyed viewing your work and look forward to seeing more in the months and years ahead. Reading your profile reminded me of my own rather colorful path to ending up as a painter. I believe all of our life experiences cannot help but make us, not only better painters, but better people, too.
    All the best to you and your family in the New Year!
    Sincerely,
    Gary.
    PS I was a "golf-aholic" for many years and understand perfectly, your love-hate relationship with the game. I gave up the game a year or so prior to retiring from the navy for a couple or reasons: I wanted to paint and live on my pension without working another job and golf, as you know, is not a poor pensioner's game. The other reason was I just knew I probably wouldn't get any better than I was when I quit playing. Age and the associated infirmities were just around the corner for me and I didn't want to stink-up the course. I decided to give it up on my terms, on a high note.

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