Every canvas is a journey all its own.
We would sift through every inch of what it was that worked, or if it didn't, and wonder what was effective in it, in terms of paint, the subject matter, the size, the drawing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects the meticulous process of artistic evaluation and understanding of what contributes to a successful work of art.
Helen Frankenthaler's quote emphasizes the importance of thorough analysis and reflection in the artistic process. It suggests that artists should critically examine every component of their work, such as technique, subject, and form, to discern what contributes to its effectiveness and impact. This approach not only aids in the improvement of one's craft but also deepens the artist's engagement with their own creative vision.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During an art critique session, one might use this quote to emphasize the need for careful dissection of artistic elements.
More from Helen Frankenthaler
All quotes βThere are many accidents that are nothing but accidents-and forget it. But there are some that were brought about only because you are the person you are... you have the wherewithal, intelligence, and energy to recognize it and do something with it.
I don't start with a color order, but find the colors as I go.
What concerns me when I work, is not whether the picture is a landscape, or whether it's pastoral, or whether somebody will see a sunset in it. What concerns me is - did I make a beautiful picture?
Art has a will of its own. It has nothing to do with the taste of the moment or what's expected of you. That's a formula for dead art, or fashionable art.
I don't resent being a female painter. I don't exploit it. I paint.
Similar quotes
Lie to me by the moonlight. Do a fabulous story.
Tell me a story of deep delight.
The fault of bad taste is usually in over-dressing. Quality not effect, is the standard to seek for.
As a writer you're holding a dog. You let the dog run about. But you finally can pull him back. Finally, I'm in control. But the great excitement is to see what happens if you let the whole thing go. And the dog or the character really runs about, bites everyone in sight, jumps up trees, falls into lakes, gets wet, and you let that happen. That's the excitement of writing plays-to allow the thing to be free but still hold the final leash.
AN ARTISTIC DISCOVERY OCCURS EACH TIME AS A NEW AND UNIQUE IMAGE OF THE WORLD, A HIEROGLYPHIC OF ABSOLUTE TRUTH. IT APPEARS AS A REVELATION, AS A MOMENTARY, PASSIONATE WISH TO GRASP INTUITIVELY AND AT A STROKE ALL THE LAWS OF THIS WORLD-ITS BEAUTY AND UGLINESS, ITS COMPASSION AND CRUELTY, ITS INFINITY AND ITS LIMITATIONS.
My message behind this album was finding the beauty in imperfection.