As a long time cook/chef and wannabe watercolorist married to an engineer and woodworker, I have learned that excellence in any of those fields requires logic, patience and adherence to certain rules, as well as creativity. Cakes do not rise, chairs turn out lopsided, and bridges fall down when basic rules are not followed. Any reasonable person knows that. But what about art? Are there rules? Looking at a lot of current offerings in various art museums has caused some head scratching and puzzlement, as I have found no adherence to any guidelines or rules of what constitutes good art. An unmade bed is art? A urinal is art? Really? Anything seems to go, but why would creating a painting operate any differently than building a cake or bridge or even a chair? Are there no rules?
In Barry John Raybould’s book “Visual Music & Poetry – The How” I find comfort and answers to my puzzlement over a lot of current art as Raybould’s book clearly maps out in both clear prose and in examples of current paintings and in art history the rules that should govern good paintings and the science behind why some paintings are universally known as master works. Reading Raybould’s book has clarified my confusion and given me a path to follow in understanding why I love the pieces I do – what causes me to weep before Isaak Levinson’s work – and how to better craft my own work as I seek that elusive balance of poetry and music in art as he clearly defines and explains.
This is a highly recommended book; it’s well worth your time if you’re a lover of art or pursuing your own art path: Common sense, science and art wedded into a beautiful and helpful work.
Add comment