20 steps to fine art

July 15, 2004 8:38 PM

By the Fire – an artist's step-by-step sketches and commentary of the creation of an oil painting, beginning with the end. (featured here)
posted by bitpart (8 comments total)

Superb post!
posted by rushmc at 9:56 PM on July 15, 2004

That's a terrific use of the Internet, and I stuck with the guy all the way to the end of his show, but I really think his little flaming monogram signature is ridiculous. It a) looks like the floor is on fire, and b) completely distracts from the mood of the painting.

It reminds me of the editor's theory that whenever you write something you think is particularly clever, get rid of it. (Not that any of us here ever think we're so clever.)
posted by lelilo at 11:56 PM on July 15, 2004

Fascinating. Very nice!
posted by DrJohnEvans at 6:34 AM on July 16, 2004

I thought the flame logo was a little strange myself, lelilo. I definitely think the piece is lovely, particularly for the fashionably casual clothes she is wearing. That piece will definitely reflect a particular era.
posted by PigAlien at 6:58 AM on July 16, 2004

I love seeing artists' step-by-step processes. It's like shop-talk to me, and it's nice to learn from others - what to do, what not to do. Thanks for the link.
posted by kahboom at 7:19 AM on July 16, 2004

Quite amazing. This definitely inspired me to pull out the blank canvas in my closet and try again, regardless of my noticeably absent artistic skills.
posted by shinynewnick at 7:57 AM on July 16, 2004

Wow, very cool to see how this guys process works. He's very talented. However, I recalled seeing this picture linked from Instapundit, and did some poking around. The artist is represented by Quent Cordair Fine Art, a gallery dedicated to the glories of Western Capitalism.

I love all kinds of art, from all over the world, but I do confess to having an unfashionable admiration for the talent and craftsmanship that went to a lot of the pieces (although this I find silly/appalling).

Have a look around, a few really nice pieces, lots of unintentionally hilarious ones.
posted by Scoo at 8:03 AM on July 16, 2004

It's interesting, living with an artist, as I do, and having watched paintings take shape over days and weeks, to see someone else's process.
posted by Grod at 12:13 PM on July 16, 2004