does an abstract artist need to prove to the world?

Question

that he/she can draw and paint figuratively/realistically. why?

Answer 1

I largely agree with Emmature's sentiments.

I don't think contemporary artists need to prove their technical chops, but I do think many painters who use the visual language of abstraction need to study contemporary art and develop an intention (philosophy, intellectual concept, etc.) for what they're doing.

How many Abstract Expressionists can you name (no points for knowing who Jackson Pollack is)? Can you define Abstract Expressionism? Do you know who Malevich is? Why did he call it Supremetism? Are you actively keeping up with what is going on in contemporary art (e.g., go to museums and galleries, read art criticsm, read Art Forum, etc.)?

Abstract artists who stumble on any of the questions above really need to spend some time studying... otherwise they're really just playing at being an artist.

Also, I do think there is something to be said for having a rigorous academic-style background... I spent a couple of years going to weekly classes in figure sculpting even though I had no intention of being a figure sculptor. I did it to train my eye and hands with the idea that the skill would translate into my more contemporary work.

Answer 2

Proving anything to the world is quite a load for any artist to shoulder. The question many people ask is, do some artist go abstract because of choice or because they lack any real art skills and don't want to bother learning the basics. If you study some of the well known abstract artists you will find that they were quite good in other painting styles, but chose to paint abstract . If you have nothing to base your choice of style on, you will not be taken seriously and will come across as a fake because they will realize that you have not done your homework . No, you don't have to prove anything to the world, now proving something to yourself, that a different matter.

Answer 3

Yes.
But no as well.
You see, I'm a graduate student in art history. I've been in and around art school for the last 6 years. I've met and studied a lot of artists, so I think I speak with some authority when I say that the very best abstract artists are good figurative artists. I don't think any artist should have to "prove himself" to the outside world, since the outside world is mosly uncultured and lame, but I do think that any artist needs to prove himself to the rest of the art world. The best way to do this is by producing consitently good work, and the surest way to do that (in my experience) is to master the basics. Even though drawing people may seem stupid when you really want to work abstractly, the insight you gain into line and form is invaluable.

Answer 4

Drawing realistically, rendering, draughtsmanship, these are the basics. Without those basics, you're not prepared to do good abstraction. You need to start from a set of skills, and then leave that pattern for something more advanced. Work your way up to abstraction. All the best abstract artists were masters at drawing first.

Answer 5

Not at all.
I have painted for a few years now and I know that your style is just your style. If you want to paint abstract paintings in whatever format, it is your own choice, your own passion...
You see, once you learn that you are good at what you do, whether it be abstract or realistic, you need to no longer prove anything to anyone, because, looking at your own work, you have proven to yourself that you have done what you do best. Honestly, that is all that counts.
In conclusion, I do not believe that an abstract artist needs to do works of art (realism) that he/she is not comfortable with to prove that he/she can, to the world.
Unless the artist desires to do so.

Answer 6

It is my opinion that abstraction-- although(in my opinion)the most powerful movement in art, now allows people(who otherwise wouldn't) to fancy themselves as artists. Those without innate artistic inclinations may look at an abstract painting/drawing and see fanciful smudges and/or whimsical daubs and think they are capable of the same... I dont necessarily think that an artist needs to prove anyhting... but abstraction should not be used as a vehicle for cop-out. The founding fathers of abstraction: Gorky, Pollock, DeKooning, etc... could draw/paint(at least somewhat realistically)...

Answer 7

No, how ever when an abstract artist has payed there dues by learning how to create realism they have more to pull from in there creative arsenal. They say rules are made to be broken but one who knows the rules to begin with can best decide which ones to brake, then best convey there vision. I was an illustrator for years before turning to abstract art. I appreciate realists but prefer abstraction due to the raw emotional impact it evokes in me. Controlled looseness is the key. fineartbystroup....

Answer 8

no. I suppose their are different schools of thought on this. If you go to school for art, you will invariably learn to draw and portray things realistically to an extent. well. maybe I should change my answer. I don't think you need to do this, to be successful or "to prove yourself", but to draw and paint realistically is to learn a craft, learn to discipline yourself, it is to learn to see. I suppose it teaches you how to use a brush, how to use tools for drawing and painting. Once you have these skills, what can't you do? you can express yourself easier with more skill than with less.

Answer 9

You of route have not considered the artwork made through artists of at present that I actually have considered. not all artists operating at present artwork abstractly. a lot of human beings artwork realistically and many human beings have skills in protecting with 20 - 50 years or artwork in our fields. And, not all precis artwork is 'undesirable'. all the artwork varieties you listed (oil artwork, marble sculptures, etc.) and more desirable are nonetheless being produced at present. i recognize artists operating in Egg Tempera (predates oil portray) and oil and many different 'older' mediums. actual there are more desirable mediums and more desirable procedures for artists to exhibit themselves at present than ever. the abilities are there - you want to get out more desirable.

Answer 10

No, but they should prove it to themselves.