The Painting I Love That Won't Sell

[paulpablo]

Looks good to me. Oh ok you want serious critique. Well I'd probably look at that and think it everything looks perfect but I wouldn't buy it, even if I was rich. The subject matter doesn't interest me. I'd just end up thinking "That painter has some skill, it's a shame they didn't paint something I find interesting." What I find interesting is horror, surreal images, fan art of films and video games I like, pirates, robots, samurai related stuff. I'm pretty childish when it comes to what I like in art I suppose so this is about as serious of a critique as I can give.

[Whateverist]

Bloody letter "L", Boru! That's a bargain for sure.

Actually, just came back because I had another thought about the painting. Something about the brushes lying on the surface of the painting and being at odds with the clouds in the background act as an irritant to me. If the painting supplies were done as a still life, one could just consider the composition, quality of light, and not be bothered by any why-questions. But those brushes hanging in the air make me wonder why. Somehow I don't think there will be a resolution that satisfies.

[Athene]

It's the paintbrushes, I believe.
Without them, I think the piece would take on a touch of a surreal tone. The contrast is so well-defined, and I felt that visualizing the painting with an open sky provoked more thought; a deeper meaning.

It's an interesting painting as it is, mind you. It's just that it reminds a bit a commercial/ad piece with the paintbrushes, though one that I would certainly take notice of and admire.

Without them, my response was more contemplative, is all.

[Jenny A]

I like it, not sure why galleries don't. Maybe it's the appeal thing. They think that only a painter will appreciate it? Maybe?

What is the title?

I called it "Paint Tube Mesa."  But I didn’t paint it with the title in mind.  Mostly, I was just playing around with the the three dimensional illusion of painting by creating two contradictory illusions on the same paper:  the sky and the paint tubes resting on the sky.  Perhaps it's a conceit only interesting to painters.  But I suspect Alex is right, it needs a center of interest and the brushes suggest that there should be one where there isnt.

[Jenny A]

It's the paintbrushes, I believe.
Without them, I think the piece would take on a touch of a surreal tone. The contrast is so well-defined, and I felt that visualizing the painting with an open sky provoked more thought; a deeper meaning.

It's an interesting painting as it is, mind you. It's just that it reminds a bit a commercial/ad piece with the paintbrushes, though one that I would certainly take notice of and admire.

Without them, my response was more contemplative, is all.

Too bad it's watercolor and I can't just paint out the brushes.  Get rid of them seems to be the consensus.

[Jenny A]

That's pretty damned good. I like it meaning the OP.

Got a Rockwell hint to it, like a old time dime store with a soda fountain and Nickleodeon and shoe shine. 

But I can only say I like it, which makes all art subjective. Most Picassos I don't like.

It's rather more realistic than usually paint. I'm glad you like it.

[Jenny A]

Unfortunately, when it comes to art people prefer this:



Million dollar painting right there.

I went to a show like that recently.  They made a big deal about not photographing the art work, though most of it could be reproduced by a child with a compass,  or less for the solid one color paintings.

[Jenny A]

I painted my shed last year, and I'd sell it in a fast minute.

Boru

We could do a tool themed show, your shed and these actual subjects.  I'd hang this painting next to the actual jars.  


Now all we need is a lawn mower, and a few shovels.

[Whateverist]

Didn't realize this was a watercolor. Really excellent. I'm impressed by how hard that medium is. I just assumed this was oils. Our friend Helen has done a lot of work in watercolors too. http://hstanleywatercolors.com/hstanleyw...me%21.html

[Athene]

Too bad it's watercolor and I can't just paint out the brushes.  Get rid of them seems to be the consensus.

It's your favorite piece. You wouldn't want to alter it because the yokels didn't "get it" right off the bat would you? 

I think your talent is clearly evident in the painting; Perhaps the opportunity to actually share your vision as you did here is all that's needed. I have no idea what kind of a position you're in to offer the artist's perspective when you submit your work for consideration in a showing, but I imagine it having a big impact.