The Third Reality

Recently I’ve discussed the differences between realistic and realism and creating your own reality.  I’d like to build on those by talking about how the real/physical world interacts with the reality you’ve created on your canvas.  Because all works of art illicit some type of response, it is important to understand how to shape the thoughts of your viewers and guide them to the responses you desire.  I doing so, the play between the canvas and the viewer’s mind can create a “third reality” (the first two being the viewer and the artwork).

Rene Magreiit, The Treachery of Images, 1928-29

Drawing: On the Personal Value Scale

Whether you are a world-renowned artist or someone who had never shown a painting in public, balancing your own artistic inspirations with those of your prospective audience can be a challenge.  Err too far on the personal side and your audience will not feel a connection with your work.  Go too far in the other direction and you will lose that connection for yourself.  This is a subjective and personal topic, but let’s take a look at some general guidelines for incorporating your personal values in your artwork.

Rembrandt van Rijn, The Night Watch, 1642

Painting: Canvas as a Window

A few years ago there was a large Max Ernst retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  As part of the exhibit, the curators had created a large empty “window” in one of the walls separating the gallery from the hallway.  When viewers walked through the rooms of the exhibit they were, of course, presented with many of Ernst’s works.  Then, as they entered this one particular room, in the place where another painting was expected, there was a framed view of the real world through this window.  I found it revealing and brilliant.

Max Ernst, Two Children are Threatened By a Nightingale, 1924

Painting: Realism vs. Realistic

Over the past year, the focus of Bright Red Brush has been on teaching technical skill.  While that will continue to be a big part of the site in the future, I’d like to incorporate some postings on the conceptual side of art as well.  Today we’ll begin by taking a look at the differences between realism and realistic painting.  While the two aren’t mutually exclusive, they don’t always exist together. 

Canaletto, The Piazza di San Marco, c.1730