The painter… Now it is the «artist»…
Back in the time of the great Renaissance masters, painters like Michelangelo, Botticelli, Leonardo and the rest of the gang, did not call themselves artists. They thought of themselves as trained artisans. Highly skilled craftsmen that had studied and mastered the craft of painting. And paintings also were not regarded as art. During those times artists did not walk into their studios, picked up a canvas and thought of what they were going to paint on it. In those times painters painted what was commissioned from them. Their greatest patrons were the Church and the nobility, along with some rich merchants as well. They did not choose their topics, they were told what to paint.
Of course that sounds quite unlike our modern concept of art. We think of an artist as someone who creates. And his creations come from so deep within his knowledge, his creativity, his innermost mind that some might even believe it came from his very profound, immortal soul. I call bollocks on that one…
Art is still a business. Paintings are mostly for decorative purposes. And artists should still be trained, skilled and dedicated professionals with good taste and a rounded off and complete education. Art does not necessarily have to be that esoteric, mystical form of expression that rises from the spirit to convey a transcendental message of intense and extraordinary beauty and importance. Art is the result of the work of a craftsman who paints/sculpts (etcetera) in his quest to make a living. In other words a painter/artist works for money, just like Michelangelo and Leonardo did.
There is nothing mystical or phenomenal in the work of the artist. Art has many functions and they are all in need of art and the artist is in need of making a living. Art is not done for the love of art. An artist is not a romantic dreamer standing in front of a muse who directs him to paint an extraordinary work called a masterpiece. No, an artist gets up, and using only his well-learned disciplinary habits, enters his studio and begins to work. He does not have to be original as there is nothing original under the sun. An artist only has to be true to himself in the knowledge that he is creating something using his learned abilities and guided by his good taste.
Stay tuned for part 3 coming soon and I will continue with these chapters if you let me know, in the comments below, that you are interested and want to participate in this dialogue.
CHEERS
JaZzArt en València 
Nice 😊
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Thank you 🙏🏻 Satyam!
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An artist only has to be true to himself…
Well said. I have come to accept this as I’ve grown older, and hopefully wiser. And I also heard Rick Rubin say something along the same lines in his book.
Good piece, Francisco
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Greetings Nigel, good day to you and thank you. Yes, hopefully and by the grace of God, we will grow wiser as we grow older. And an artist must be true to himself, recognise his abilities and training and his function within society. All the best my friend.
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You’re welcome. And Happy Sunday to you Francisco.
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Thank you! Happy Sunday Nigel. 🌞
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Yes, I agree…art is a business, and artists need to make a living. Artists need to put food on the table like any other professional.
Too often, people have this idealised, romantic notion of how artist’s create their work. As you say…”bollocks on that one”.
Great post, Francisco! 😊❤️🌞
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Thank you so much Sara. I think most artists understand but most art lovers romanticise the idea of the artist, especially when they think that it is inspiration that guides us. My, oh my, if I had to wait for inspiration… All the best Sara and enjoy this beautiful Sunday! 😊💛🌻🌞
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You’re most welcome, Francisco! We have to keep battling on….🖼️
Have a wonderful Sunday! 🌞🧡🌻
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You too Sara, you are very welcome! 💛💛💛
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💛💛💛
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Excellent post Francisco! By the way, have you removed the LIKE button from your blog (I can only comment, but cannot LIKE)?
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Thank you Ashley! No I have not, I do not understand why that is happening. I have brought it to the attention of WP but they have neglected to revise my communications or supply an explanation. Thanks
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When composing a new post, one usually uses the «Add Block» icon to choose whether you write in «Classic» or «Verse» format; there are lots but if you scroll down you’ll see lots & lots of other icons, widgets, themes & so on & near the end there is «LIKE». Click on it to add it to your posts.
Sometimes WP has a hiccup or two! Give it a try! Search under «Blocks». 🤞🤞🤞
Ha! I tried making this comment but it wouldn’t let me until I’d «accepted conditions» icon! Ahhh! Technology! 🥴
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Good idea! Thanks, I’ll give it a try.
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Well said
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Greetings! And thank you!
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Cooll very nice pic brother 👌🏿❤️❤️
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Thank you! 🌞🙏🏻🌞
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