LESSONS IN LOOKING

Yellowstone Falls from Artist's Point

Scenic views make us automatically want to capture the sight and take a piece of it with us. Guaranteed whatever we do: photograph, painting, cell phone shot, it will not come anywhere near the experience of standing there. Guaranteed also; some skilled artist or photographer such as Ansell Adams or Thomas Moran has been there ahead of us with his own interpretation. Most of the time their work makes you want to throw your sorry picture in the trash.

The Cathedral Group--Grand Teton National Park

Your artwork or photograph will only be similar to what you saw/felt. See my previous post of Christina’s World. My photo of her house was literal. Christina Olsen suffered from a condition that left her lower body paralyzed. She moved about her world by the use of her arms. You can see how Wyeth used artistic license to separate the barn from the house and set Christina in a position that doesn't correspond to the actual lay of the land. Using this information, you bring your own experience and ideas to interpret what you see.

Anyway, since I was already in Cushing, Maine I took the ferry, Laura B. to Monhegan Island where Andrew Wyeth’s son, Jamie, had produced several well known paintings. I arrived at low tide on a foggy morning. Above--how I saw the Monhegan Island boat dock.

Jamie Wyeth's "The Red House"

I wandered around the island (no cars allowed there) and came upon “The Red House” looking very much as it did in my Wyeth art book at home.

I couldn’t help myself. I had to paint my own version of the place. I am thinking now that I should not put my stuff next to Jamie Wyeth's. Please be kind.