You write: In regards to Paul’s site, he must have close to 100 images to view, I thought they were exceptional images. I was amazed at his consistant “style”, he seems to capture what landscape/ portrait painters try to paint. In fact, I can’t think of anyone who understands “atmospheric light” compositions quite like he does; except maybe painters.

True, I have no idea of how he produces those images, if they are prints, lithos, etc., perhaps that is what you are referring to. But on an image basis alone, there is quite a consistancy to his approach.

Thank you, these are very flattering comments. But it sounds like you’re responding to something Karl’s written about my site or my work, and maybe I’m not tracking well this morning but I can’t find it. Am I confused?

In response, I’ll just point out that there must be something like 200 odd photographs on my web site, some of them scans from film and some of them direct digital capture. I have gelatin-silver prints of older stuff done on film but for the 2 years all my printing has been done digitally on a big 44″ inkjet printer.

I’ve been thinking about my last comment. I think that in the kind of setting we have here, simple statements of praise might be fine. I’m conflicted. I say this because I realize I have been writing short positive comments myself, and it feels okay. For example, I just love Hanneke van den Bergh’s bronzes. So I admit to being a hypocrite. Clearly, other people’s positive comments that were more specific about the sculpture are much more interesting than mine. On the other hand, it was interesting that there were no criticisms of the sculpture at all. That suggests to me that the praise set the wrong tone for constructive discussion.

Your work is original, peaceful, calming, and sensitive. Do not despair! You are experiencing what some of the world’s finest artists have had to deal with (Gauguin, you will never amount to anything). Know this, you love art, you are good at it, you are passionate, smart, and you are in very good company! The right eyes will find your work, it just takes time.

About the comments issue, I was referring more about actual critiques and less about visitor comments left on a blog, (like the one I left on yours). You are certainly not alone in your feelings, (I love the nice comments on my blog as well; and they do help me), but sometimes I need to have more depth offered to me about my work, (it is not always easy to hear, and Paul offered some fine advice). Galleries have many reasons for rejecting new artists,(mostly because they are having a tough time with what they already have in inventory, they want to see your work over time, it is a big step for a gallery to take on new work, and very costly for them). I get gallery rejections all the time, (as a gallery manager for years), the truth is that many fine talented artists get rejected daily. In fact, I still have no gallery, need one desperately, and still can’t get a break.

As far as depressing goes, think about this… I have been an artist truly since I was four years old. I have tried to apply myself at jobs that used my art skills since I was 13 years old. However, folks did not like my “personal” work, but they knew I could do the work they had in mind. After schleping for others in the arts for over 20 years, I broke off to do what I knew I was good at, (hoping all those I had helped, would in turn help me), not so. I promptly watched all the doors close around me like I had died. Now, it is like I have fallen from the sky, and have to prove myself all over again; with no college credentials, no galleries, no past,(that applies to oil painting exclusively), no money, and really no one there to help me. With half a lifetime invested in my art, nice comments everywhere, I too am still looking for my break. Do not lose faith! I have seen it happen for others a hundred times, it takes time to be recognized, but there are those who are looking, they will eventually find you and your work. It would be a tragedy if you just gave up; really!

I think we are all in agreement that “trite”, “banal” comments on blogs are worthless and plentiful, most folks could never bare the truth anyway: and probably don’t care. It seems that the point being made is how to approach criticism better, (the trust idea was great), anything to make folks more comfortable with having their work critiqued in the first place, and making the experience worthy, truthful, and to the point.

In regards to blogs and websites on the internet, an offer in their comments section to have their work critiqued here on A&P would be one solve; that way, they are asking for it.

In regards to Paul’s site, he must have close to 100 images to view, I thought they were exceptional images. I was amazed at his consistant “style”, he seems to capture what landscape/ portrait painters try to paint. In fact, I can’t think of anyone who understands “atmospheric light” compositions quite like he does; except maybe painters.

True, I have no idea of how he produces those images, if they are prints, lithos, etc., perhaps that is what you are referring to. But on an image basis alone, there is quite a consistancy to his approach. I would like to know more of what you think and why. True, I am looking at his images alone, they would all make great paintings straight fom the photograph. Strong compositions, great lighting, mood, I could go on and on.

It is amazing to see this thread go on like this, it seems very rich to me.

First, I want to say what a deep affect your photographs have on me. Achieving your level of skill with a camera in knowing what to capture, when, and how, is astounding. Beautiful scenes, great eye for finding them, it is a wonderful gift you have.

It appears “familiarity really does breed contempt”, as what seems to have happened to “The Monday Night Group”. The importance of what you gained before this turn of events, is the whole point of this post.

Your concept of the “artist/critic-trust” is a great one. It seems this trust could easily be found by having both a mutual interest in the same thing, truly wanting to help someone, and being mindful of personal integrity,(as opposed to political). To me, “trust” is the letting go of “defensiveness”, if we feel threatened, or become defensive, our trust is going south; and quick. On very subtle levels, we all recognize a personal attack from a well thought critique: this is why I say delivery is everything.

Lastly, if one cannot take “ten paces, then turn and fire”, I think your suggestion of having a response prepared,(for those rare times),is a fantastic one; and clever. Thanks for sharing your story and the insights you have gained from “The Monday Night Group”, losing an artist of your caliper makes their loss a “BIG” one.

I once got this comment in a discussion online:

“I just checked out your site, and I must admit that (at least on the basis
of the images presented) the work looks rather poor. Maybe it’s just the
jpegs; but out of curiosity, are your works hand done from the ground up
(right from the drawing stage), or are they more mechanically oriented - for
example through the use of oil-lithography - with hand finishing? And could
you expand a bit on your claim they are ‘museum-quality’ ?”

I felt upset and confused. After a lot of thinking, I responded with:

“Could you be more specific about which images you want me to comment on?”

It turns out the person was not referring to me at all, but to an art-sales link someone had inserted in an earlier comment.

Which is to say, non-confrontational responses to criticism from strangers is a good approach, I agree.