How can so many be out of touch with reality? Reading the other day I saw where some critic said digital art painting was for those in the production mode. Next, I expect that digital cameras don’t really depict photography; you really need that gun powered flash. If anyone thinks that paintings somehow walk off a production line, then they have confused printings and paintings. Just because both words start with the letter “P” doesn’t mean they don’t have a totally different meaning. It’s ridiculous! Concepts, ideas, visions invade and permeate the mind of creative individuals. Most have so many ideas its drives them crazy for it is a curse as much as it is a blessing. Painters have eyes and not just one set. They live and breathe in a world inside them and outside them and they are influenced by all that is around them and that with which they come in contact. The gift is like dropping a coin in a vending machine without the same control. When the right coins are collected into the right slots “cha-ching”, an idea, a concept, a vision of expression appears in one’s head. Then comes the choice. How much does the idea drive and motivate? It’s not as if you wake up someday and say gee what I have believed in all my life I’m going to throw out the window or I guess I have to consult everyone in my family to see what I should do. It’s a choice that says I have to work this out to its conclusion to wherever it’s going to take me. Within this there is a struggle that manifests itself not only within oneself but usually through visual expressions of drawings, planning, small experimental works like small paintings or techniques which may be put in place to create the desired affect for which one is looking. There is a constant overlay of active visuals that goes on all through this process as the artist is at a heighten state and aware of all visual affects around him that is tying him or her into reality.

The structure, the plan, the exercise all come together to execute the originally desired concept and make it a reality. The painters choose within themselves when the completion of that reality reaches its final conclusion. Many artists put their works aside as a matter of practice to see and judge and feel what their certainty is for finality. They may find they see it a little different or that something is missing or a correction is in order. Others reach a point within them and know with all confidence and conviction that the work is complete. Their own satisfaction level has been reached.

Paintings done and if it wasn’t for the economics of it all the painter would probably add it to his or her collection. In most cases if they had enough wall space they’d be completely satisfied with hanging it. That’s not what is usual. Pure survival and the need for a new bush, canvas, digital pen, or digital output sets in and what’s produced goes to being sold. The reality is that the painter doesn’t need the validation of the sales to know what he or she has painted. However, the affirmation of the sale constitutes a satisfaction which every artist wants for his or her work.

The buyers, though many are, should be just shoppers. The process of purchasing and acquiring paintings should always involve connection. Guys walk into parties, look around and hold their tongues back from all the beautiful women they see. Girls walk into that same room and a measuring up devise sets off in their head along with a connection meter. When the meter goes off, get out of their way! That’s why it’s not totally shopping where you think you just go there to get your needs met or pick up a few things and look for others in a spontaneous way. The acquiring should at all costs be a connection. There has to be a “spark”, “click” or “hello” that initiates the dance. Sometimes the dance leads to a date and sometimes the dance leads to a long term relationship that is truly cherished.

Here we are living in an instant breakfast, fast food, superficial world. This is a world filled with self-absorbed individuals who are living moment by moment for the feelings of the moment. Family, traditions, friends, beliefs, and so often reality has been replaced or thrown away by chasing of the fallacies: “I want it all”, I deserve it”, “I want to get on with my own life”, “what’s in it for me”, and “what did you do for me lately”. Eyes no longer see and the eyes of one’s heart and soul have designer glasses so dark that nothing is seen through them. I beg of you get a reality check and start to look, start to see with all your senses, reach out and find great paintings that move you, heart-wrenching, heart-breaking, emotional capturing paintings that draw you back and remind you every day of life, memories, truth and pure beauty.

When you find them you never have to worry about what you paid for them, because to you, and rightly so, they are and will be “priceless”!

Douglas Auld
Copyright MMIX Douglas Auld, all rights reserved

About the Author:
Douglas Auld
Artist, Painter, Poet and Writer
http://art-paintings.us
http://www.paint-tings.com
http://findmypaintings.blogspot.com/

For More Paintings Go to Paint-tings Gallery!