John - I loved your comments and found them very insightful and heartening.
>I majored in painting and earned a master's degree. What I learned about painting then could fill > a thimble. The same frustrations Joni had in art school was shared by so > many of us. We were eager to learn, but sold short by a well intended > movement. -So much for good intentions. Modern art was the death knell > of art instruction. This tells me I was not alone! It seems that so much which was essential was thrown out in the "deconstruction" of some art forms in the name of creativity. > Going for a Matisse look, open palette. But if you want the work to look like Vermeer, Sargent, or Norman Rockwell, > it's time to think values. It's interesting - Since my teachers did not provide the knowledge, I used to turn to looking at the works of these very painters and some other in an attempt to better learn how to paint. > I think Joni is looking for a happy medium between the two. She wants the freedom, but craves the form as well. > Part of her duality, I think. I think you are exactly right. I recall it being said here (maybe by Debra) that Joni seemed to be working out, or through, various influences and styles. I agree and also think that she may be doing this to teach herself how better to paint. Kind of a do-it-yourself practice with the masters in a way. For some it is easier to try to replicate from a visual experience than read it from a book (in the absense of a good teacher). As for me, I think it would take a lot to teach an old dog new tricks, but you never know. I do think you would be the most excellent "tutor" for Joni! Kakki
