Do you prefer art to look more "real," more of the mind of the creator, or something else?

As a fan and patron of art, I like all sorts of styles and levels of realism.

As an artist, my stuff is realistic collage and illustration.

I’m wondering how old you are, and whether or not your parents have failed you. I came up in an age when you might escape the gruesome consequences of such sentiments. That age has passed. I have a beautifully framed poster from those days that hangs in my garage on the door to the house. You can’t enter from the garage without viewing it. The poster depicts an adorable toddler, groomed to the teeth in a 3 piece business suit replete with striped regimental tie. He’s immaculate, and the caption beneath him reads: Turn your baby into a businessman. Remember, it’s never too early to stifle idealism.”. When I hung it, I thought it was funny. As I mentioned, those days are gone.

What do they mean by “real”? Are they looking for someone who can paint a picture and it comes out looking like a photograph? That’s a whole genre in art by itself.
Can you provide us with a picture of a piece you’ve done?

It’s Art. Be true to what inspires you.

@ Dutchess III Yes, and look at my profile picture. That’s one of my latest. It’s 8” x 10” acrylic on canvas panel. Went for a more “impressionist” look this time. I always say if you want it to look like it does, grab a camera and take a photograph. I try to create the way I choose to see the world. Not sure about answer before yours, but I’m fine.

Well, you just have to ignore the naysayers and remember you’re in good company. Van Gough, Monet, to name a couple.

I prefer art to be realistic in a sense that it depicts actual things, whether it is people, animals, objects, landscapes, etc. Photorealism is not important in that regard.
However, anything that is in the realm of Jackson Pollock paint splatter is absolute gutter trash to me, that is worth less than the canvas it is vomited on.

Agree with @raginloli that Pollock’s “art” is garbage in my eyes. But art is different things to different people. I don’t like abstract art. I want to be able to look at a painting and see something I can relate to on a visual level.

IF every painting was a fruit basket full off fruit, life would be boring. Most of the time I prefer to see the world through the artist’s eyes although there are some I’m NOT so sure of what it is that they are seeing!!!

In looking at your profile pic, I love the way that you see & incorporate the colors. Yet, your trees are very basic & could use some of a more flattering design. The lines around the garden are somewhat harsh, but with time I’m sure that you will find a different way to express yourself. I DON’T mean that as a criticism but as an insight into what I see. God knows that I’m NOT an artist & my attempt would pale in comparison to yours!!! Just keep doing what you are doing including being true to yourself & everything else will fall into place at the right time!!! The day will come that any of those who wouldn’t buy your work today are going to say I knew him when & I wish that I had bought that one piece while I could have gotten it at a steal!!!

I do not require art to be representative or figurative to be able to appreciate it. I think that’s a limiting approach to art. There’s a world of non-representative art out there. It’s true that with Rothko, I tend to feel like if you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all, but I love Kandinsky and Hilma af Klint. Art doesn’t have to represent something in the real world to be good. Art can simply play and experiment with color and form.

@LadyMarissa Thank you. Well intended criticism is always welcome. My lack of shade and reflections are often mentioned, but that’s fine. My art skill is limited, sure, but it’s more of a hobby than a way of life. Input life you offered is always appreciated.

I was able to sell about 4 in the 4 or so years I’ve been doing thus, asking price usually between $40.00 and $60.00, so not exactly asking for too much, I don’t think.

Please take this with the humor I’m imparting—your profile pic is 10 million times better than anything GW Bush is creating & people are clamoring to buy his. Your day will come. Look back at all the true popular artists—they were dead before they became important—enjoy your life while you can

My sister is an artist. Her stuff is dark and very disturbing. She doesn’t sell much, if anything.

The real money for independent small artists is in online drawn smut, preferrably with characters from popular media properties. If you are good, you can make thousands per month on Patreon.

Have you considered watching a few of the Bob Ross tutorials??? He was popular back in my good old days. I used to watch him every week in hopes that some of his knowledge would rub off on me!!! Sadly, I NEVER developed the talent nor the desire to do any better. I think youtube still has a few of his shows posted. Don’t know which ones, but it’s just a thought.

@LadyMarissa Are you Kidding? I consider Bob Ross my soul mate, never missed an episode when I was a teen, and since we didn’t have TiVo or VCRs or the like at the time that’s saying something. I tried to emulate him, just my own little styles and techniques keep on popping through.

^So you paint happy little trees?

@Chestnut He made everything look so easy to accomplish but my reality was so much different!!! LoL_

@Chestnut You can use his ideas and continue to use your own styles

You are correct. You are the artist, the messenger, the storyteller….........no one can interfere with that…..unless you let them. Don’t do that.

Now, commissioned work probably has to accept and include more of what your customer wants. You, in this case, are the customer’s vehicle.

I prefer art that has a hidden messege to convey.

Spiritual or mysterious, humanitarian..like a hands holding the Earth..meaning to protect the earth it is in our hands etc

Or like Hercules rolling a boulder up a steep hill much like life can be.
( life is hard but in the end we become stronger for it.)

Or a painting of a Ghost beside a greiving person to replay that in the beyond our ancestors are watching over us etc

In short I like art to be uplifting, inspiring,comforting etc