Expression

Art (painting) is expressed in different ways, with different meanings of what the driving force is behind the painter. Painting like all of the arts (dance, music, writing, ect..) is a voice of expression, a voice from within the artist. Expression is everywhere and something that I feel is often over looked. Expression is powerful and can be used to influence in many ways, including the way a painting is angled and the color family. Different types of expression will vary in form depending on the individual artist.

This pen and brown ink sketch by Leonardo da Vinci A Man Tricked By Gypsies can be taken several different ways. Some people see the men in the drawing to be ugly. Others see the gypsies in the drawing to be unconventional and beautiful. Da Vinci would take things or people that he found to be ugly and make them to appear to be beautiful. Leonardo’s idea of beauty is not seen by others in the same way.

Leonardo da Vinci Title: A Man Tricked by Gypsies

The idea of expression and point of view varies from eye to eye and artist to artist. Jackson Pollocks paintings are based on pure emotion. Some may look at his work and think that it is a mess of colors and nothing more than paint thrown on a canvas. While others think that his work is divine. He draws the viewer in by the emotion that is produced from within the on looker. This form of expression is from the subconscious working off the emotions of the painter. Allowing the painting to frame it self instead of having a set idea in mind.
Jackson Pollock Title: Composition

Another point of view that is commonly seen in painting is what the painter has seen in their life. Diego Rivera’s El Vendedor de Alcatraces is showing the viewer inside the life the Diego Rivera. He pulls from realty to form his paintings and to present his point of view. His paintings are true to life experience, they are not just ideas. Rivera‘s point of view is real and relatable, his paintings show the emotion of real struggle.
Diego Rivera Title: El Vendedor de Alctraces

The inspiration for painting changes with the painter as each artist tries to share a message. Other painters paint to release an emotion or to express what words can not. No matter the vision for a painting the true meaning lies in the mind of the viewer. The lasting impression and link with the audience is what makes a great piece of art. Painters paint to share their voice with others (what ever that may be) in hopes of drawing a connection between the painting and the viewer.