Pretty Is OK

Artists are asked to write a statement. It explains something about the work. It is a difficult enterprise. I have a statement. It is not deep, but it is accurate.

I found that writing about my work has helped my work become stronger. I think it worthwhile. Now I try to clarify my intentions and thoughts. I might be attracted to a color one day or dream about a color one night, but creating a composition on the page, organizing color and shapes that are congruent with my vision I call formal thinking. It is an essential part of my creative process. Then too, my thoughts can be technical and relate to the ways paint can be applied or the ways that colors behave in relationships. It engages me. I usually think about the ways to paint while painting, but I think about the technicalities of color both during painting and later while evaluating my work. Finally, I evaluate my work with regards to my personal intentions. I am aware of some of my intentions, but not all of them. I reach a point where I love my painting and then it is finished.

Pretty is OK
36″x36″
OilPaint Oil Pastel Pencil on gessoed wood panel
Ann Friedlander