Making Your Art Look Finished ft. Steve Huston

Summary

This insightful video delves into the philosophical and technical aspects of art-making. The speaker explores the concept of unfinished work, emphasizing the importance of conveying truth with each mark, whether in a detailed rendering or a simplified stroke. The process of editing and distilling down to the core message is discussed, highlighting how choices about detail and form serve the artist's deeper truth. The balance between instinct and critical thinking in creating art is explored, with a focus on the artist’s role as a visual philosopher shaping perception and meaning through their work.

Takeaways

• 😀 A stroke in art can feel unfinished if it doesn't blend into the surrounding color field, raising the question of how to make it appear finished.
• 😀 The key to making an unfinished stroke feel complete is ensuring that each mark conveys the truth about the subject matter, such as the proper structure and character.
• 😀 A sketch can be framed and worthy of a gallery if it communicates the artist's intention clearly, even if the details are minimal.
• 😀 Charles Hawthorne emphasized that every mark in a painting should convey the artist's emotional state, suggesting that one's feelings can be felt through their strokes.
• 😀 N.C. Wyeth likened his method of painting to method acting, feeling the tension of the subjects he painted (e.g., a man reaping fields) to create more authentic artwork.
• 😀 Artists often distill a subject down to its essence, editing out unnecessary details or emphasizing certain aspects to convey a deeper truth or message.
• 😀 Editing in art should be done with intention and strength, not simply due to lack of time, and should support the artist's system of belief or artistic agenda.
• 😀 Artistic decisions, such as how much detail to include or how to arrange elements, should be based on the message the artist wants to communicate, not just on technical execution.
• 😀 Most artists, even advanced ones, often make intuitive choices based on their instincts, which might not always be consciously analyzed, but should still be guided by a critical understanding of their craft.
• 😀 Artists who copy other artists are engaging in a necessary learning process, but it's important not to simply replicate styles; understanding the 'why' behind artistic choices is essential for developing one's own voice.

Q & A

How does an artist make an unfinished stroke feel like a completed idea?

An artist can make an unfinished stroke feel complete by ensuring that every mark they make communicates the truth of what they are trying to express. Even if a stroke is incomplete, if it conveys the correct emotional and structural truth, it can still feel finished.

What role does the artist's feeling and intention play in the quality of their strokes?

The artist's feeling and intention directly affect the quality of their strokes. For example, if an artist is disengaged or impatient, their strokes will likely reflect that. On the other hand, if they are fully engaged and emotionally invested, their strokes will convey the necessary tension, character, and truth about the subject.

How does an artist decide what to include or exclude in their work?

An artist makes these decisions through careful editing based on their overall vision and the message they wish to convey. Rather than simply focusing on detail, they make choices that support the core theme or emotional truth they are trying to express, whether that involves simplifying, exaggerating, or removing certain elements.

What is the significance of 'editing from a strength' in art?

Editing from a strength means making deliberate and confident choices about what to include or leave out. This editing process should come from a place of understanding and intention, where the artist is clear about their message and can decide how to best communicate it, even if it means simplifying or altering elements.

What is the importance of knowing why a certain technique works?

Knowing why a certain technique works allows an artist to move beyond mere imitation and to experiment with their own approach. Understanding the rationale behind successful techniques enables artists to break conventions, play with ideas, and make informed decisions in their work.

Why is it important to balance both critical thinking and instinct in art?

Balancing critical thinking and instinct is crucial because it allows the artist to refine their technique while remaining true to their intuitive, emotional responses. Critical thinking ensures the artist understands why their decisions work, while instinct allows them to capture the immediacy and rawness of expression.

How does the concept of 'truth' apply to an artist’s technique?

The concept of 'truth' in an artist’s technique refers to how accurately the marks and strokes communicate the essence of the subject. For example, an artist might use broken lines or simplified forms, but if these choices truthfully represent the structure or emotional depth of the subject, the artwork feels complete and authentic.

What did N.C. Wyeth mean by 'suffering' for the tension in his work?

N.C. Wyeth referred to the physical 'suffering' he experienced from feeling the tension in his subject, such as the strain in his body while painting a figure reaping the fields. By deeply engaging with the emotional and physical aspects of his subject, he embodied the tension he sought to portray, much like a method actor.

How do broken lines, soft edges, and limited colors contribute to an artwork's sense of completion?

Broken lines, soft edges, and limited colors can contribute to an artwork’s sense of completion by focusing the viewer's attention on the essential elements of the composition. These techniques create a cohesive and dynamic structure that guides the viewer's interpretation without overwhelming them with unnecessary detail.

How does the teaching style in some art schools affect students' artistic development?

In some art schools, the teaching style can inadvertently limit students' artistic development by focusing too heavily on a specific technique or 'house style.' This can lead students to imitate their teacher's style rather than develop their own, hindering their ability to transcend traditional approaches and create original work.