Simply..fascinated...

12/6/2017

I am fascinated lately by artists who do photo-realistic work.

I got to Edinburgh in time to hear Rachel Ross's talk about her acrylic paintings. (See also yesterday's post).

Charming and friendly, she talked mainly about how she does them, but the why was about her fondness for old objects from the past and wanting to give them some kind of status and presence. I felt it would be rude to ask if excellent photographs might do the same thing. Her skill is superb, and the paintings are truly lovely objects, but not really my thing (which on this occasion is why I went to see the exhibition - to look beyond my usual choices).

The exhibition is at the Open Eye Gallery and you can see more images of Rachel's exquisite work here.

9 Comments

Swissrose link

12/6/2017 11:47:03 pm

It's good to be open-minded about anything, especially art. I admit I struggle and am more conservative in my taste - I am fascinated by this one and the motivation!
Then again, it is of course a very emotional thing whether a piece "grabs" you or not...

Freda

13/6/2017 12:40:42 am

I've been thinking about this a lot Swissrose and woke up this morning realising that this kind of work sparks interest for me, but not joy! Which is just what you are saying (am I right?). What synchronicity - thank you so much for sharing. You've made my day.

Gail

13/6/2017 04:15:29 am

"To look beyond your usual choices" is how your "well" gets refilled. All this points to why I'm a fuddy duddy ...I cling to my comfortable, known world. You've inspired me to look for a one off art exhibit to visit

Freda

13/6/2017 02:27:54 pm

I hope you find something that thrills you Gai!

Julia

13/6/2017 10:08:13 am

I am very lucky that in the area where i live we have a quirky art professor who manages to host one strange art exhibit after another! We've learned to go, no matter how dubious we might feel, and have never been disappointed...sometimes i DID think though, that if the artist wanted THAT much money for such rubbish, then i should get busy! However, in the case of rachel ross...while i agree that i probably would not want one of her pieces and certainly would not do one...i can't help being completely blown away by the stunning quality of her work and her exceptional precision.....oh, and it DID dawn on me that: oops! There's a lot of the stuff that i just kondoed out of my life...

Freda

13/6/2017 02:30:47 pm

Her dedication and patience are impressive too - I liked the box of the actual objects as much as the paintings I think - there's lots more out there Julia if you want to start collecting again! And why not? I love that you go to the quirky shows every time...

Julia

13/6/2017 04:06:21 pm

Well i have to admit that our favorite one that we almost missed because of the title, was the crayfish invitational...and we did buy a piece too!

Viv link

13/6/2017 10:43:36 am

There used to be a few of these photo realistic artists exhibiting at the Holmfirth Art Exhibition each year which is close by to us. As you say they are absolutely captivating - the difference between a painting and a photo must be that one takes a great deal of time, patience and skill while a photo though not lacking judgement and skill to achieve good lighting and composition can be done in seconds. They are like opposite ends of the spectrum to achieve a similar effect.
If I had room I would probably buy one although like you it is not really my thing but I do find them fascinating and an object of beauty. It reminds me of why people started painting portraits way back before anyone had any other means of capturing a likeness - they may not be your style but without them we would not have had this glimpse into history and the walls of the National Trust properties would be very bare methinks!!

Freda

13/6/2017 02:35:28 pm

The artist mentioned the word 'magic' when she got something exactly right - before photography all portraits must have seemed like magic and been truly treasures (as they still are). I particularly love the Tudor ones and the Holbein drawings.

Simply..fascinated...

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