The Art of Charles Spratt
  • Home
  • gallery
  • About
  • Charlie's Blog
  • ART NEWS
  • Contact

Inspiration

2/4/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
A while ago, an artist, showed me his work and asked for some guidance. I had a look at their paintings on line and could see good evidence of sincere effort; we agreed to meet. I began thinking about what I should talk about when we got together. My train of thought drifted back to my early painting days.
 
It’s been forty years since I took up the challenge to become an artist, starting out with nothing more than an inspiration. At first it was reading art books, looking at paintings and rubbing shoulders with artist friends. Style couldn’t be taught, I was warned. You must study shadow effects, learn how to draw trees and become knowledgeable about the properties of paint, they said. And they were right of course. There is a lot to learn: the kind of knowledge that anyone serious about painting must cover. Much later, I would teach those basics to fledging artists at summer schools and workshops.
 
Experience is a great teacher; progressing in three different media, plein air painting, giving instruction and exhibiting at art shows eventually created more questions than answers. Understanding the importance of listening to one’s inner voice and learning to interpret takes on a new significance. Also, with practice comes the confidence of knowing that the painting will work itself out, and the expectation that it will reflect the desired intent (making a statement). Occasionally, I produce a work that surprises me; I may even feel that I have reached a new personal plateau. That’s why I continue to paint! The camaraderie of artist buddies and painting experiences are wonderful, but they come second to the satisfaction of surpassing myself in my work. . . .
 
OK, so this has been a nice journey down memory lane. However, I’m still unsure what to tell the nice artist that’s looking for some help with their work. I guess I will do what I always do: show by example, be honest and encourage them to seek their own way. The benefits that can come from a kind word and a positive suggestion can last a lifetime: I know because I have been helped by some very kind artists along the way too.
Charlie Spratt
February 2020
 
Charlie’s new work may be seen at The Ten Collective Show in Almonte, ON, April 4 and 5, 2020
#thetencollectivealmonteoriginal art

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    C. Spratt

    The Art of Charles Spratt

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    October 2016

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

CONTACT CHARLIE

​HOME
About
En Plein Air
Artist Statement

​Galleries
​​
GALLERY
For Sale
Watercolours 
​Acrylics
What We Provide
ABOUT
About Charlie
Artist Statement 

Solo Exhibitions
Teaching History
Collections
Major Influences
BLOG
ART NEWS
Amberwood Gallery
On-Line Gallery 

Plein Air Ensemble
Ethel Curry Gallery

MMA Plein Air
CONTACT
FAQs

©2021 - Charles Spratt Art  |  All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • gallery
  • About
  • Charlie's Blog
  • ART NEWS
  • Contact