"Paintings With Personality"

The leftover appetizers

      I belong to an amazing critique group. We meet the second Tuesday of the month at a different home each time. The schedule generally includes appetizers (see above), critique, break for lunch, and then more critique. The hostess/host is responsible for the proceedings and keeping the agenda. The group consists of nine women and one man. During lunch the man (whose name will remain anonymous, but if you recognize him in the photo below it’s not my fault) has been subjected to conversations on anything from the throes of menopause to how to get the right bra size. We laugh a lot, and sometimes cry (not because of the critique) while eating. Then we get back to the work of more critique.

      Critiques are for the purpose of learning and can’t be taken personally. Each person in the group must have enough confidence in themselves and their work to listen and to consider how their paintings might work better and why. If there is someone in a critique group who can’t take it they will bring the whole group down, members will start editing what they say in which case no one learns or grows as artists.

      The goal of a critique group is to challenge each person to paint at their highest level. There must be a mutual respect and admiration for each other. It’s about discovery not competition. With that kind of critique group no one has to pull any punches. They can make suggestions based on the rules I mentioned in previous blogs to enhance any work, or talk about what the artist was aiming for in the painting and how that was achieved. The artist whose work is being critiqued must be allowed to be themselves not be forced to paint in a different style or have a different technique. It is important to maintain good manners and give each artist full attention and an honest critique. No one should be talking on the side about something else when the critique is going on.

      To get a critique from a spouse, family member or any non-artist would be a mistake. They’re right there and convenient but they gush, say something is crooked or completely miss the point. That will not help us grow as visual artists. A group of peers in a regular critique session is the best way to get an honest and constructive critique. The group should have a couple of people with excellent knowledge and ability. The rest of the group could be more intermediate in skill; they still have and offer valuable insight. Diversity of style is also helpful in getting more and different ideas.

      Back to my critique group, we have a wonderful time talking and brainstorming about all things art. We have become great friends and we don’t spoil the one and only man. 

The one and only... with his unfinished and so far very beautiful painting