The Painting Spectrum - Is Art For Everyone?

   I have a theory - many people suffer from a silent feeling of inadequacy when they view a painting or a piece of art they do not "understand". Do they feel confused? Do they feel dumb? Or is it a case that no one has clued them in on what they are looking at? And the title of "Untitled" is not helping. The viewer remains baffled.

   I had a neighbor come into my studio the other day where she liked and commented on the floral paintings I had hanging on a wall. "When are you having your shows?", she inquired. "At this point, late July through October. I'll be showing my abstracts with my husbands photographic work.", was my response.
"What's an abstract?", she asked.
I pointed to an 11x14 I had done a few months back that was also hanging on a wall. "This one, for example."
"That mess? Now why would you want to paint that?" she asked.
Responding as graciously as possible, I said, "For starters, I had fun creating the work. Secondly, it looks like a flower garden if you look at these points. It depends on your perspective."
"Oh now I see! Wow! You're right!", she cooed. "And this one looks like city streets. And that one looks kinds like a salad."
"It could be...", I answered. She continued moving around my studio and noticed several sunflower paintings and art works.
"You like sunflowers. I can tell.", she stated.
"Yes - they are my favorite flower.", I commented.
"Did you paint this one?", she questioned.
Pointing to the work, I replied, "No, my youngest daughter orchestrated this work. Here's her foot, the hands and feet of my four grandchildren, and the foot of my oldest daughter."
"That's awesome." One could tell she relished the painting / work.
"It's definitely a family treasure that I'm keeping." After that, she mentioned she had to get going and I thanked her for the frame she brought by which was the original intent for the brief visit.

   Now, from the artist's point of view - take my youngest daughters painting / work, for example - using the tools of hands and feet along with paint to create a work of art. There was a group of people involved, mainly children aged from 7 years down to 5 months old. There was also an idea - to create two images of sunflowers. There is the creative process as well as an element of fun involved. Lastly, the giving and receiving of the gift into its new home.

   Emotions, energy, and excitement are some of the primary reasons why we create art. Sometimes we may have to explain the process or symbolism within the work for it to be understood and appreciated. On numerous occasions, especially with my abstracts, have told viewers that are having a difficult time "understanding" my paintings, to stop trying to "figure out what the subject is". Instead, I ask them what they see, what drew them to the painting, what do they like about it? I tell them there is no right or wrong, especially with abstracts. Enjoy the work, don't try to solve a mystery that's in some other person's head.

   Art IS for everyone. With love, appreciation, and honest questions, we can all engage, live, learn and grow. We, and the art world, will benefit greatly.

   Until next time,
   The Happy Painter,
   Jill