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| What is Art .... ? .... What is an Artist ?
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 | Painting by Jan Both |
 | Painting by Richard Miller |
 | Painting by David Johnson |
 | Painting by Clarence Carter |
"Painting only can "describe" everything which can be seen and suggest every emotion which can be felt! Art reaches back into the babyhood of time, and is man's only lasting monument!" (William Hunt, Talks About Art)
Painting has existed as an artistic tradition for thousand of years. From the cave painting of Lascaux to the great, masterpieces of Da Vinci it has played a historical and aesthetic role in the different ages of existence. Schools of painting were developed as well as many various texts discussing the art form. Mural painting and fresco launched the theory painting into classical societies. Out of this came the development of several styles of painting. Historical, allegorical, religious, portraiture, landscape and still life are all different forms of painting that have developed over the years.
Although these are generally accepted themes for artistic painting the components that determine its value aesthetically ate varies. In different time periods the values of true art shift, even with its alterations, the general guideline still remains. It has been said that there is no one distinction that results in a successful painting.
In Painters and Personality, Lewisohn states "to a natural art lover such lack of unity on a painting creates a repulsion which warns him that he is not looking at a real achievement." Going back to Renaissance theory art is the true depiction of nature and its ultimate beauty. This ideal was established in many writings of the Renaissance and still holds true in some aspects of the various styles painting has evolved into.
Yet in the modern age of the avant-garde and abstract art it is at times difficult to see the basis on Alberti's teachings. Some believe that the artists' mental well-being plays a large roll. "Perhaps dome of out chaotic painting today is caused by the fact that many of the specialized artists are stunted human beings" (Lewisohn, 9).
It is also mentioned that an artist should not try using the traditional elements all at once in the hopes of creating a great work of art. The work should unify in its style and mood; and both such values should fit the artist's individual personality.
It is also believed that the art of the past generations and eras are the building blocks for the preceding movement. If all of these theories were true, painting would become one large contradiction. Maybe it already is?
Painting has gone through many shifts over the centuries and the only obvious similarity is that all involve some type of pigment on a surface and even that varies from time to time. If we rely on the theories and philosophies of the old masters we can not accept the majority of 20th century art.
So where can one go to determine the true essence of painting as an art? How can one define it? Is it the artists depiction of their soul on a canvas that creates the masterpiece? Is it technical skill and classical styles that create the great masterpieces or just common earthly beauty depicted through the artists vision? These questions have reverberated throughout history and now they plague us again.
PAINTING
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