The response:
"I like the idea but maybe the women should be a little more attractive. She looks a little like a body builder with the thick neck and huge shoulders!! It may be that you don’t like archetype figures but they do sell better."
OUCH! LOL!
I know this was someone just expressing their thoughts honestly. I'm not upset. I developed my thick skin long ago. I would understand (and quickly shake off) a simple "I'm sorry, I don't think those would work." or "Those don't do anything for me." But the criticism/suggestion is very specific and coming from someone who by now should be somewhat familiar with my work so I am a bit perplexed. I can't recall ever painting delicate female figures. The thick and curvaceous/larger than life/earth-mother-ish imagery is part of my whole "thing". It's even explained in my Artist Statement.
The critique is also coming from someone experienced in Art Marketing so my intent is not to be dismissive or to imply it isn't sound. I've always been aware that art is no different from any other business, but I guess the romantic in me considered its subjects immune to your typical concerns of size and beauty. Oh, foolish me.
I have no immediate plans on changing my style (or my women). I'm not saying I will never feel inspired to paint slim figures, but in my Latin Pop work, slim women will always be outnumbered by larger ones.
What would Leger and Botero paintings be without large women??
Ok, rant over.
Posts
