Share to XSomeone commented on my Horace Vernet post:
“Hello Dan. Thank you so much for this great analysis of Vernet’s painting!
Although this is an amazing work with fine detailed technique way above my skill, it is not a style that I can connect with. I’m not sure why. Too detailed perhaps? Too perfect? However, the way you walked us through the painting will help me and any artist regardless how one relates to it.”
Good observation!
It’s a little bit too perfect for me, too. But I can appreciate the technical skills required for this.
This kind of realistic style tends to go against how we see the world. When we look around, we don’t see everything in fine detail. We focus on something and everything else becomes vague and simplified. You can try it now. Look around and notice how you can manipulate your perception of detail based on what you focus on.
In this sense, the impressionists are actually more “realistic” in how they capture the way we see the world. This may be why the painting doesn’t really speak to you. It looks realistic, but doesn’t actually reflect how you would perceive this scene in life.
This also brings up an important lesson that: We don’t always need to enjoy or connect with a painting to learn from it. I typically prefer more relaxed and impressionistic paintings. But I can still learn from Vernet’s realism and look for things to adopt into my own work. Perhaps I can use some of this fine brushwork when working on the focal point in a landscape? Or perhaps I can draw inspiration from the color theme? Whatever the case, it’s worth being open-minded about art. Have preferences, but be open to appreciating all.
Happy painting!
Dan Scott
Draw Paint Academy
