tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.comments2023-05-07T02:27:10.256-07:00Brian Sherwin -- Art CriticBalhatainhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16724164461778838101noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-54634124165605917112011-08-01T17:55:38.039-07:002011-08-01T17:55:38.039-07:00Art Renewal Center Hypocrisy
I'm a profession...<b>Art Renewal Center Hypocrisy</b><br /><br />I'm a professional artist that works realistically and I've studied with one of the top realistic art instructors in the USA. In fact my instructor was a student of the late Frank J. Reilly who taught some of the most well respected realist painters in the 1960's. <br /><br />I was excited to see that there was a website displaying and promoting works of the old master. Unfortunately I have become extremely disappointed in Fred Ross the owner of the Art Renewal Center website. It seems that Fred has anointed himself and his cronies as the deciders of artwork that's good or bad. <br /><br />It's okay to have an opinion and after all that's what makes up a democracy, but Fred Ross is more of a dictator of realistic art. This Art Renewal group is basically promoting their own little group of atelier school students and instructors. They spend a good amount of their energy keeping other talented realistic artists out of their group. <br /><br />Giving the cold shoulder to other artists because they didn't happen to attend one of the Art Renewal Centers approved Ateliers is a complete hypocrisy. Fred rails against the corrupted modern art establishment, but he himself re-creates the same type of establishment corruption against realistic artists that are not part of his own little group.<br /><br />Fred also has a list of living masters on the Art Renewal Center's website, which will list you as a master if you pay their fee. Does this sound legit? Why not actually judge living masters by their skill and not their wallet. Looking through the living master section on the Art Renewal website you'll find very few if any of these so called living masters that can even stand up against the great old masters of the past. Most of the artwork in the living masters section is extremely mediocre and even poor examples of truly skilled realists.<br /><br />The ARC's Salon Competition is a complete and utter sham. Really excellent artists that enter the competition aren't even considered if they haven't been schooled at one of Fred's approved Ateliers. I also noticed that they tend to choose Winners of the competition that have attended an Ivy League school as well as one of the chosen Ateliers. Don't waste your money entering their art competition they won't consider your work if you're not already part of their little group. <br /><br />The Art Renewal Center is just another elitist organization. Sometimes it takes a little research to discover the corruption behind an organization that professes integrity. <br /><br />Keep in mind that Fred Ross is also an art collector and he promotes the work of artists that he collects to increase the value of his own collection. Remember the old saying from the film "All the President's Men", Just... follow the money.<br /><br />I'm not a big fan of modern art, but that's my opinion. It's also my opinion that people can look at and buy whatever artwork they want. I don't like corruption and I especially hate corruption in the arts. It seems that the self-anointed saviors of the art world are just as corrupt as the Modernist establishment. This is of course very sad for artists that have genuine talent and have to find a way around these establishment fascists. The Art Renewal Center is discredited, but of course that is my opinion.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-35682117644109280602011-07-23T08:49:10.912-07:002011-07-23T08:49:10.912-07:00Why be so concerned with originality? Why not conc...Why be so concerned with originality? Why not concern ourselves with authenticity instead. I agree that one, short of isolating themselves completely from society and all media, can't be truly original, but they can be authentic. Producing work that comes from the heart or soul, and that reflects their own beliefs, thoughts, and ideas. And isn't that what we should discuss about an artist or their work, or at least wouldn't that be a much more interesting conversation?Robertahttp://www.robertamurray.canoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-40764869069486656722011-07-20T08:04:29.323-07:002011-07-20T08:04:29.323-07:00Its good to finally read an in-depth interview wit...Its good to finally read an in-depth interview with Sean. She definitely deserves to get more press as she no doubt helped out a lot of females in rock bands that can later, whether they know it or not. She helped get women in hard rock/metal bands viewed as people & not as just a woman on stage.Tomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-5328647598245115092011-06-29T12:39:59.886-07:002011-06-29T12:39:59.886-07:00The Contemporary Fine Art World is Politically So ...The Contemporary Fine Art World is Politically So Far Left as to be basically useless. No diversity for sure! I consider myself a centrist. In my sculpture I speak to current events with an eye to the universal underlying cause.Merry Arttooneshttp://www.artoones.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-49096954621418084882011-06-26T04:19:47.153-07:002011-06-26T04:19:47.153-07:00Just because an idea is in my head does not mean i...Just because an idea is in my head does not mean it is mine, it is as you say influenced by everything around us.<br /><br />However the pursuit of originality is an interesting idea, because it is unachievable, just like running after the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow or trying to reach the divine. What makes these quests so interesting is their failures and what these failure produces... and this is why we should not stop trying to be original....Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09422189185217660437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-28506081933577056512011-06-26T04:03:07.408-07:002011-06-26T04:03:07.408-07:00We exist within a frame work where one needs money...We exist within a frame work where one needs money to live and success is measured by how much money you have. In addition our society values entertainment and information that dulls ones mind.<br /><br />Yes it is frustrating being an artist who agrees with that statement, because one wants to make a difference, maybe even help change it, but ones voice often falls on death ears. Whilst success among ones pears is nice as a pat on the back, however it achieves little to nothing, because they agree with what you are doing, it is the people who don't agree with you that one wants to reach. The people who tell you:<br /><br />"I would buy that picture of a beautiful landscape if it had not been for that screaming man"<br /><br />The only clear way to reach them is through success, measured in money. <br /><br />And now to the point, even though such success is an unrealistic goal the pursuit of it may be a fools earned but it is a crusade worth attempting.<br /><br />There is a distinction between one who tries to use the rules of the paradigm he lives within to his advantage and he who blindly follows the rules like a moth to the flame. <br /><br />Being an artist is about relentless perseverance of an unreachable goal, whatever that may be.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09422189185217660437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-52459525227886275092011-06-21T21:25:18.619-07:002011-06-21T21:25:18.619-07:00I would think it was bad taste to sell a company t...I would think it was bad taste to sell a company that had contributions from volunteers. However, the business site was run for profit. I don't really understand why volunteers would want to get paid. Maybe some other type of compensation would be necessary. Artists still get exposure from their works right?SherwinJTBhttp://www.sherwinjtb.com/sherwinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-8448225754230497802011-05-16T07:12:05.494-07:002011-05-16T07:12:05.494-07:00Well I sure hope someone will find me soon, as I&#...Well I sure hope someone will find me soon, as I'm running out of time. I live in a very rural part of Alabama (originally from Mass) and although I've always had the dream of becoming an artist, raising my four children and working full-time, it remained on the back burner, until I retired. I have been pursuing my dream for the past twelve years through the internet, art books, magazines, and instructional DVD's. These have been my only connection to the art world. I have the luxury of being able to paint in my studio every day, but because I live so far out, no one ever sees my work. I admire all those artists who have the support system in place of the art world. I am sixty-seven years young and my art keeps me that way. By the way, I don't have an art site yet, but I can be found on "Facebook" under Artworks West Studio, which is my recent attempt to get my paintings out there. Happy Painting!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-12669920566527519522011-05-15T18:05:38.498-07:002011-05-15T18:05:38.498-07:00WeiWei is a hugely important artist. Artists are n...WeiWei is a hugely important artist. Artists are not citizens of any one country. They belong to the world and as such deserves the protection of all nations. <br /><br />On a practical level, calling ones Senators and expressing this opinion can have an effect.Lesliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15076340097194853112noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-79559436298840233412011-05-12T07:28:16.192-07:002011-05-12T07:28:16.192-07:00I totally agree! I have been following the story o...I totally agree! I have been following the story of Ai Weiwei with great interest. One thing I would add, and perhaps it is a part of the President's lack of active response, is the fact that news reporters and feature reporters (Amanipour) love to jump on the fact that a controvercial artist makes a great story...but when that artist needs press and visibility the most it seems they are busy with the 'next' story. IF they would stay on it and keep it fresh with follow-up it might be more prominent. Alas, Since I'm just a little voice in a vast world, I'm going to make and wear my Free Weiwei shirt and try not to think of what his true fate might be. Great post!Cagney Studio 8https://www.blogger.com/profile/11702580540573745161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-62906386069053405272011-05-07T19:13:56.036-07:002011-05-07T19:13:56.036-07:00Brian, We don't agree on copyright law but I&#...Brian, We don't agree on copyright law but I'll tell you we sure follow the same path to the word 'original'. Your photo would make me think you may be too young to remember many songs from the roaring 30's (may Dad was a musician back then). The title of one of those ragtime pieces best describes what I think original means and I believe you may agree.<br />IT AIN'T WHAT YOU DO IT'S THE WAY THAT YOU DO IT!<br />RonGrauerRon Grauerhttp://rongrauerloisjohnson.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-79477673926379003672011-05-06T09:25:49.771-07:002011-05-06T09:25:49.771-07:00I love this truth that you wrote, Brian:
"....I love this truth that you wrote, Brian: <br /><br />"...many artists spend their days reaching for that bar to no avail has much to do with the consumer-driven money culture that we live in.."<br /><br />This applies to more than just artists. It's the American culture.<br /><br />Artists are paid in many different currencies. Not just money, but joy, time, ability to create that which they need to create, and the ability to design their life as they want to.<br /><br />If only we all could fully enjoy what we have created for ourselves, we would realize how successful we really are!Maria Brophyhttp://www.mariabrophy.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-82015793824871065072011-04-20T05:59:48.466-07:002011-04-20T05:59:48.466-07:00I wonder when is this book came to portugal, Im di...I wonder when is this book came to portugal, Im dieng to read it x.xInsuyrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01535214822256808023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-28947738760047398182011-03-11T05:15:23.460-08:002011-03-11T05:15:23.460-08:00The issue of internet aggregators is an on-going p...The issue of internet aggregators is an on-going problem and isn't as black and white as it is being presented here. <br /><br />Huffington Post is neither a news outlet nor a blog, it is an aggregator, like Yahoo! and Google, among others.<br /><br />We have not yet successfully defined the financial relationship of an aggregator to the writers; and every situation, like this, is another ray of light shone on the problem.<br /><br />Sure, they agreed to be aggregated to HuffPost, but not AOL. Huffington herself very much relied on the goodwill of many writers (creative writers and journalists alike) to build HuffPost, and I'm sure she would not deny that.<br /><br />Many have been surprised by the sale, not just the art writers. <br /><br />I don't think anyone denies Huffington her due, financially; but I also understand why some volunteers would feel as though they deserved a reward when that many hundreds of millions of dollars is changing hands.<br /><br />Sure, HuffPost is not required to do anything but honor the letter of the contract ("they agreed to it," as you like to point out); but I think Huffington herself has relied on the spirit of creativity and progressiveness in those agreements -- until now.<br /><br />Now, everyone is supposed to forget the mission of HuffPost and the collective efforts by many, many people to make it a success, so that the money can be deposited and the good-byes waved from a distance. Well, OK, that's one way the world works; but it is not the only way the world works.<br /><br />To refer to the writers' position as crying, to imply that their position is irrelevant and without merit, and that somehow AOL and Huffington are above the fray, is based on shallow arguments, at best, and downright anti-worker politics at worst.<br /><br />In the big picture, I don't care who gets the money (since I am getting none of it), but I think it's odd to dismiss the writers' position in a financial arena (aggregation) that has yet to be solidly defined.<br /><br />Good for them!DMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17250985156512363664noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-83061263719296058382011-03-05T02:54:30.998-08:002011-03-05T02:54:30.998-08:00Those fools signed up for free in the first place....Those fools signed up for free in the first place.<br />IF you expect a fee ask for it up-front and not afterwards. I'm with you well said Brian. glad you put the issue so concisely too. Meltemi will work for free in his own interests but always get paid if working for others, even if its a token payment.Meltemi.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03022947964556588212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-1724895318230744572011-03-04T08:03:02.697-08:002011-03-04T08:03:02.697-08:00Although I agree with your logic on its face, I wo...Although I agree with your logic on its face, I would need to explore how and if the roles evolved after the initial agreement. Have both sides behaved in such a way that renegotiation of those roles might be a reasonable approach?<br /><br />As there is no way for me to evaluate such, it would appear to be an opportunistic reaction. I find the growing trend to use formulaic rhetoric from rigid, polarized positions to be a sign of weakness. Always with the victimization on one side, and nothing but the scarcity model on the other.Steven Van Cleavehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07602026792445219373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-10151621485675842642011-03-03T05:26:56.030-08:002011-03-03T05:26:56.030-08:00Based on what I’ve read so far that suggestion mak...Based on what I’ve read so far that suggestion makes too much sense. From a legal AND ethical standpoint the Huffington Post has done nothing wrong. These writers could have walked away long before now if they honestly felt they were being used. <br /><br />This whole ‘we gotta stand up for the rights of writers!’ battle-cry makes no sense in this case. These writers knew what they were agreeing to. Honestly, what is next? Bloggers demanding pay from Google because they use Blogger and have helped Google profit? It is absurd.Common sense has went out the window.Balhatainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724164461778838101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-62634845510986226322011-03-03T04:07:23.699-08:002011-03-03T04:07:23.699-08:00perhaps they will come to some agreement where the...perhaps they will come to some agreement where they will continue to provide the same free content and also be allowed to do additional writing for pay -Walter Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15974098797053338884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-88199678187429163812011-02-19T21:05:32.376-08:002011-02-19T21:05:32.376-08:00spectacular, I'm very impressed. if you want i...spectacular, I'm very impressed. if you want information on art I've just found it in http://gallery-art.org/jessiccahttp://tattooart-bodypainting.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-28165434619132671322011-02-03T16:50:45.182-08:002011-02-03T16:50:45.182-08:00I'd like to point out that despite all of our ...I'd like to point out that despite all of our collective technological advances; there still is no other way to express what you see in your mind's eye than through art. Both Illustration and Painting are ideally suited for this.Mark Penneyhttp://www.markpenneygallery.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-68293707054621593322011-02-01T14:49:09.874-08:002011-02-01T14:49:09.874-08:00I'm a social isolate and in today's world ...I'm a social isolate and in today's world without email lists and an ability to 'market'<br />and 'sell' it is a wonder I have sold any of<br />my paintings (formerly on ARTMecca.com) and later only by word of mouth. Your<br />articles have been eye openers, Brian...not<br />personality changers, but still incredibly<br />enlightening. I recently put some work on a<br />high traffic website but now realize that with<br />thousands of artists joining every day and over<br />a million pieces of art for sale the chances of selling something 'cold' is zilch.<br /> It appears to me that a missing link is a personal...but knowlegeable... advisor, such as wealthy people have always employed to assist serious collectors in finding art that is 1.) to their personal liking, and 2.) a good value, and 3.) likely to increase in value.<br /> Are there people like this to help winnow down the millions of works available online? I thank you for your articles. <br />BettyPieperBetty Pieperhttp://betty-pieper.artistwebsites.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-38973175083645944312011-01-31T03:07:37.078-08:002011-01-31T03:07:37.078-08:00Have you ever taken your time to define what your ...Have you ever taken your time to define what your success in your art-world would be?<br /><br />There is perhaps a spectrum of what artists want from their art. Some artists could not care less about ever showing their art. Some want to make enough money from their art so they can give-up their day job and make their mark. Other artists may have an independent source of income, money is not an important factor in their definition of success. They perhaps want recognition from their peers, or critics and so on. To perhaps have their artworks in a gallery somewhere. Some want just to be written about. It is perhaps true that we all want something on this spectrum and not always to be in the same place on it. So perhaps its time to think about what it is that you want for your art?<br /><br /> Perhaps some of us have underinflated opinions of ourselves as artists and our artworks? <br />Perhaps some of us have overinflated opinions of ourselves as artists and our artworks?<br /><br />Artists seldom, if ever, make much effort to market themselves or promote their artworks and the creativity that built it. Its completely against their nature. They can’t bring themselves to ask for it either. Some can’t recognize that it even exists for them. <br /><br />An artist trying to define success for themselves may want to have shows, reviews, recognition and even sales, but in reality, success for most artists already exists by the mere fact that they have acknowledged that they are artists with the ability to create original artworks.<br /><br />Perhaps the next time sitting around in your studio depressing yourself thinking that no one will ever see your artworks or experience them, let alone buy your artwork, the question: why am I doing this? The answer is: I am an artist. I'm one of the luckiest people alive.Meltemi.https://www.blogger.com/profile/03022947964556588212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-42374290087294355452011-01-30T20:33:03.016-08:002011-01-30T20:33:03.016-08:00amen... well written. lately i've dropped the ...amen... well written. lately i've dropped the word "SUCCESS" out of my vocabulary for it's been beaten down to mean nothing. Just like every other occupation in celebrity land, only a few are chosen for fame. the greatest reward is simply working, finding reward in the process, experience and results in the work of you hands, mind and soul.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-70846312224887334862011-01-29T12:19:45.661-08:002011-01-29T12:19:45.661-08:00What is wrong about the scope show is they ask you...What is wrong about the scope show is they ask your age.william wrayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06471366449711429780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4427636288876002207.post-10686166252114347382011-01-28T09:54:42.631-08:002011-01-28T09:54:42.631-08:00My UNIQUELY styled Wallpapers. During some ten yea...My UNIQUELY styled Wallpapers. During some ten years, I have developed an extremely complex and unimitable technique that should carry some interest of anyone pursuing a serious artistic ambition and expertise. And it's quantity as well: by now close to 3 000 wallpapers, all created by me. Why not tune in on my rapidly growing art blog? Its Copyright Anyone, as it SHOULD be for this genre!<br /><br /><a href="http://screenfonds.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Weathertime Wallpaper Windows</a><br /><br />I run Deviant Art in parallell:<br /><br /><a href="http://kraxpelax.deviantart.com/" rel="nofollow">Kraxpelax on Deviant Art<br /></a><br />------<br /><br />And I write poetry in several languages:<br /><br />SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE<br /><br />There's much in the world that you can't explain.<br />It's revealed for you to remember<br />by the whispering voice of a distant train<br />or a midnight rain in november.<br /><br />Horizon within! You can always find<br />the keys to Enigma. Let's mention<br />one basic Truth: of spirited Mind<br />Is Nature naught but extension.<br /><br />Internal expanses! In dreams, ridden<br />by fear and longing you roam<br />that deep Southeast in your soul hidden<br />...on your random journey back home.<br /><br /><a href="http://singleswingle.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Single Swingle</a><br /><br />---<br /><br />Casualidad sopla la sangre <br />de alguno señor desconocido<br />durante los pocos restantes <br />momentos del resplandor de faroles<br /><br />que se vislumbran tras el follaje <br />flameando de las obsesiónes<br />igual efimero como gotas <br />del cinzano de la soledad –<br /><br />En aquel tiempo me levanta <br />dentro uno incidente avejentado<br />que en seguida palidece <br />al camouflaje de abstraccion;<br /><br />chica, nadie conoce que tus grisos <br />ojos significan aún; con todo <br />el sueño que hube evacuado <br />tu escudriñas nuevamente. <br /><br /><a href="http://hollb.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">My Spanish poetry!</a><br /><br />---<br /><br />LE FRUIT DU CIEL <br /><br />Un orage nocturne illmuna maintenant l'Amazonie, franchis les Andes, envoya des jeux de cartes gigantesques et frappantes en bas à la Pampa – <br /><br />Puis: petit déjeuner à melon; café fumant !<br /><br />À la bague du cigare tu lis, étonné: GÉOGRAPHIE.<br /><br /><a href="http://holbfr.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Poétudes</a><br /><br />---<br /><br />Das Leben dergleichen Halbfaßung<br />der Welt wahr immer nicht wahr,<br />nicht wahr? Die fristlos Entlaßung<br />am Ende wird kaum wunderbar.<br /><br />So laßen uns Menschlingen viele <br />besonders besonnene zum<br />Zeitweilegem Zeiten als Ziele<br />des Lebens halbfaßen darum. <br /><br /><a href="http://freged.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Fremde Gedichte <br /></a><br /><br />---<br /><br />Time travel is by up to date confused "expertise" considered logically impossible albeit physically allowed for by Einstein's equations, as Gödel pointed out. Strange fallacy! The Guy travelling "backwards" in his time machine immediately goes into "hypertime", so to speak, and what was "time" is simply one more spatial dimension. No logical problem whatever; I utterly fail to see, even, how this awful misconception could persist for about a century. OK, on return he happened to crash into my poor would be dad, so what? This calamity occurring somewhere in Universe imperceivable to me, the Flatlander. Etc. Do you follow? You should.<br /><br />My philosophy:<br /><br /><a href="http://gammablixt.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">GAMMABLIXT<br /></a><br /><br />---<br /><br />And I am a very experienced I Ching practitioner, not for fortunetelling ,but for Wisdom and Spiritual Devclopment. Heavy stuff:<br /><br /><a href="http://winmir.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">? I CHING !<br /></a><br /><br />====<br />And: reciprocity. You do me a favor promoting your blog on mine!<br /><br />- Peter Ingestad, SwedenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com