IN CONCLUSION:
A year ago, I began adding to this site one painting a day. The concept is not new, but I thought it would be a good exercise. While it is a bit hard for me to judge my own work, I do feel at least a few of the pieces are-if only from a compositional view point-true “jewels.” Today’s post represents the 365th, and last, entry.
The exercise has taught me, as far as viewers and art critics and patrons are concerned, my time would have been better spent with my dog, Rio.
Watercolor on 140 pound paper
Outside Size: 7×7 inches framed | Inside Size: 7×7 inches
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Click This Link
Also Visit: woodyhansen.com or allthingswatercolor.com
6 responses so far ↓
1 R. // Aug 31, 2008 at 5:46 am
I don’t agree. No artistic endevor, no matter how small, is a waste of time. Spending time, or properly “more” time with Rio would have denied us the viewing pleasure of these small, but entirely enjoyable paintings.
I have certainly received much from them. Your point of view, your humor, your insights and thoughts. You’ve done your job as an artist.
Woody’s reply:
Thank you, and it’s good to hear from you again.
You’re right on target when you write, “No artistic endevor, no mater how small, is a waste of time.” I could not agree more and I get your point.
My point is—based on site statistics that appear to support my premise— with the exception of a number of site clicks, I received very little measurable viewer feedback for my effort. One might argue I could have better stated my point, but that’s hindsight.
AFTER ONE YEAR, the final figures (based on this site and two other mirror sites) are:
However, I thank you for taking time to let me know YOU found some benefit from my efforts. Coming from you that in itself is a compliment well worth the bandwidth.
Ironically, I am reminded that back in my early radio days, every Sunday morning part of my job was to act as the local, voice-over host for a popular religious program. The program concluded each week with the following pre-recorded sign-off: “This is Father Keller saying; It is better to light one little candle than to curse the darkness.”
If nothing else, it appears that—as you note—I did light at least one candle.
P.S. Rio is now pushing 12 years of age. Due to his large breed, old age, and arthritis, he is no longer able to go painting with me. However, he still goes on his daily walks around the neighborhood. Every day we have him is a valuable gift.
2 R. // Sep 4, 2008 at 5:56 am
I think that we often forget sometimes that art is primarily a one-way form of communication, and does not always promt or require a response from the viewer.
I consider myself lucky if someone strolling by pauses just to look at a piece. Something that I did caught his or her eye, made them stop, and moved them enough to take a closer look.
If they look for longer than a few minutes, I consider that high praise indeed. It matters not if they actually say anything to me or about the work. The fact that they “looked” is enough. It means that I did my job, I got them to look.
Your figures say the same thing. People are looking. They come to see what you are doing. I know that I came every day (except for vacations) to see what new treasure you placed out there for the world to see.
It was always exciting. Some days it was entertaining, and some days not. The point is, I enjoyed the looking. Apparently, so did a lot of other people.
That should excite you as well. If for no other reason than that, I’d consider doing another 365. The best reason for continuing, however, is if you enjoyed doing them. If these small jewels made you happy on a daily basis, then why stop?
Do another one today. You can always quit tomorrow if you want to, right?
Woody’s reply:
Clarification:
3 David Kreinberg // Sep 4, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Hi Woody,
I, too, really enjoyed and gained a lot from your Family Jewels. I viewed them on an almost daily basis on my lunch hour.
And, I’m very pleased to say, that your site is linked on my blog site. I consider you to be a very prized artist in my “favorites” column. I only wish CA was closer, so I could come to your workshops.
So, your Family Jewels did have its fan club — I only wish I had the stamina to keep a painting a day pace going. Bravo to you for doing this. And thank you!!
David Kreinberg
-Of Linseed and Pigment-
4 Woody Hansen // Sep 20, 2008 at 9:32 am
Thanks for your comment and link!!
5 R. // Sep 22, 2008 at 5:15 am
Woody,
Being in broadcasting you should know that there is such a thing as “one-way” communication. Any signal beacon is one-way. It only broadcasts a signal, it doesn’t receive.
Example, from end to end, this country has air navigation beacons that pilots use to keep them on track. The beacon only transmits a signal which can be picked up in the cockpit. You can’t communicate with the beacon, only receive it’s signal to guide you. It communicates your position, but you can’t talk directly back to it.
Emergency transponder beacons also transmit, but they do not receive. Just because you send out a signal, that doesn’t mean that you’ll get a response. So far, this is only “one-way.”
“Two-way” communication implies that the receiver has the ability to transmit back, and will do so, and that the original signal has the capability to receive. Example, there are many radio staions across the country that are only broadcasting out a signal, they do not have the ability to receive in-coming calls. They are, in a sense, one-way communicators. In larger urban areas, the staions have the ability to receive incoming calls from those outside the station, and they take in those calls. That is two-way communication.
My point was that for us, art is mostly one-way. We create the piece and then send it out into the world. We rarely hear back from the people who are looking at the message we send out. We get no response. Without a response, one could argue that the transmission went only one-way.
That you have the ability to receive doesn’t mean that you will, but it also doesn’t mean that your message wasn’t heard. It may have only went one-way, but it may have been enjoyed all the same.
That was my point.
R.
6 Woody Hansen // Sep 28, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Russell,
1. I repeat, there is no such thing as one-way communication.
2. Signal and transmission are not synonyms for communication.
3. This thread is an example of failed communication.
4. Diplomacy, diplomacy, diplomacy.
Woody
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