How Important is Technique? Wyeth, Free Online Art Tutorials, Art in the Park Saugatuck

How important is your technique?

"To be interested solely in technique would be a very superficial thing to me." ANDREW WYETH

That is an interesting quote by one of the great American realist painters.

Watercolorist, Andrew Newell Wyeth, was primarily a realist painter. He called himself an abstractionist also since he portrayed subjects in a meaningful way that was very different from the expected classical style of realism.

His famous painting, Christina's World is a good example of an abstract concept of a melancholy scene. His friend and neighbor, Christina who suffered with polio is pictured crawling across a field. This unusual pose and the use of light and interesting angles shows his skill in "abstractionism." He didn't fit into the mold of a modern mid-century artist but He was the first artist to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. His artwork was highly acclaimed throughout the world and his exhibitions were often sold out.

How important is your technique?

I often tell prospective artists to be wary of studying art in college because there is very little technique taught. I found that only the courses like printmaking and pottery required technique for successful outcomes. That's because there are things an artist needs to know and practice to use the equipment required to produce traditional prints and pottery.

There are techniques for every medium in art but many areas depend entirely on the student's own drive and determination. Guidance is there but most areas of study are open to each person's own interpretation. "Do your own thing" is practically a religion when it comes to art school.

Each artist develops their own style through experimenting with techniques and honing their skills. I think Wyeth is speaking of the importance of subject matter and story that needs to rank on a higher plane than technique. How do we get our message across and communicate our concepts by appealing to the viewer's emotions? There needs to be more substance to the artwork than simply mastering the techniques to produce it.

If a person wants to study studio art beyond secondary ed, I would suggest finding an art school that specializes in an area of interest or better yet finding an apprentice or a tutor. Online classes may also be an option. The education can be customized to fit the goals of the artist and give realistic expectations.

Here's one source for some free online classes that teach some very basic painting techniques. FREE ART COURSES

I was surprised at the number of free sources for online art tutorials and classes. just try searching and you will find many options that may interest you.