Roos Schuring- Dutch Impressionist...

You know...I think I have assembled a most fine number of painters both in websites and blogs, with links to visit.  If my blog were bookmarked by any, might not be so on the basis of "the works of Larry Seiler"...but to my thinking those links he has here!  I have a number of friends whose work I admire, have exchanged paintings with over the years...one, a Dutch painter who goes by Rene Plein Air 

And mention Rene, because I've come across another.  What is it with these UK and Dutch painters that catch my eye?? Hhhmm...

But...rather than just add another name to my list some might miss, perhaps I should introduce from time to time the artists there, what it is that catches my eye and interest.  Today, I have added Roos Schuring...a Dutch Impressionist.  Take a moment and follow the link to her work/blog...and do sit back with a nice cup of java and just take the work in...enjoy, savor...(click on images to see larger)

Seascape Autumn #23

Seascape Winter #11

A couple examples of her work...
I don't know about you...but sometimes I can use a reminder that my own work is going in the right directions.  What I mean by that...with social media such as Facebook...we can see works of artists that remind us of old habits and ways that perhaps we abandoned that another artist is receiving a good deal of accolade and attention for. For me...it is that labored in-studio endless blend out, working and intent to hide the evidence of the painter to leave behind only an image.  An image that viewers then hold in high esteem for the skill of how carefully the artist hid his methods...you know, where you have to get really really close to see any sign of brushwork.


A temptation sometimes because I did that for near 17 years and held a reputation and career on that.


Its a difficult delineation, because good feelings are often mistaken for overall good feelings.  Feels good to be recognized, period...and in the moment getting one's back slapped and hand shook, few analyze the "what" for what they are being congratulated on.  Few consider their audience...if educated in painting, a patron and lover of aesthetics and the arts, or one that acquires "pictures" to hang in their patient's waiting room to assure their status quo.


I guess part of my problem is my head may be too trippy.  I may think too much.


And then, you see it...a reminder for why you must paint.  Oh...there are works to be done.  If you are an "artist"...bills to pay, just knowing who you are...there are works to be done, commissions, jobs.  But every once in awhile you see something that reconnects you to the spark, the passion of what it means to be a painter.


Now...in my mind, I see a difference between being an artist...and being a "painter"...and perhaps only my "painter" friends may really understand.  There is magic in a work where its purpose is to resonate with the one painting it...not with ideas of its potential destination while in the making.  Not saying such works lack "skill"...but, that seems to be the defining thing isn't it?  We say the work is good...because it shows skill...but I say not all works demonstrate genuine passion, or dire urgency that required the artist to paint.  

And those familiar with what it takes to paint, I mean really "paint"...the misnomer is that "unfinished look" that often nips at our heels requires an uncanny skill most have no idea of.  The less is not lack of skill...to say more "with less"...is incredible brevity of eloquence!


This may well differ for one artist over another...and well it should because this is about our very soul and being.  

What may be static to my eye (given it is a good sound painting compositionally), may be the cause of much excitement to another.  And I think these many years later, looking back in hindsight at my own progression...talking to others, what excites us in work is what speaks of a breakthru we ourselves are at that moment seeking ... knocking as doors to open up to us. 

Our tendency toward cynicism might come from having traveled such to its inevitable end, and discovering all we thought it might be once having command, is not so wonderful after all.  Falls a bit flat.


Ironically...one paint style and side of the profession painting would promise for me made it necessary to earn the eye of patrons and those of power and influence.  Earn their respect...and you "arrive..."


At long last...only to find out you rather do not much care for these folks after you actually get to know them.  Snooty...uppity, who owns what...who impresses who, schmoozing...arrogant.  Aaargh...twas an ugly realization for a guy that finds himself more at ease with folks that can let their hair down...laugh hearty, and be real.


So...as I look to works I used to do...that is, workings that required a particular skill set...every so often I see the accolade, and find myself for a moment missing such, for whatever crazy misguided reason.  I find myself questioning and wondering...should I not produce such and such a work, proving again what I am capable of?  But then...such proofs to whom?  To what aim and purpose?


And every once in awhile comes a shot of heavy caffeine...a slap in the face, a shot of cold icy water in the face, someone shaking me vigorously screaming..."Larry, wake up....wake up...you're having a bad dream!"


So...this morning such comes from you Roos...thank you.


As I told Roos on Facebook...commenting on one of her works...my manner of painting such directness comes often when I do a small 5"x 7" quick study just prior to a lengthier plein air work.  Knowing how mood can so quickly shift her in the northern midwest...caught between the Canadian fronts, influences of Lake Superior on one end, Lake Michigan to the other...I'll do a quick impression of essentials before light changes.  I'll then place the small study inside a small pizza box and set it on the sands near my easel.


As my larger 11"x 14" then progresses....should the light change, the mood...I'll consider my smaller quick study to act as a rudder to maintain orientation, direction.


In a sense...I have not considered such quick studies the work I frame, present...but in truth, there are probably the truest more honest to-the-point statement.  Perhaps honestly the REAL art though it took perhaps only 10-15 minutes on my part.

I like the direct statement, the confidence, the assurity of the paint.  I do not know Roos...but to leave a mark alone says a lot to me.  An attachment to the light...fearlessness to put color down and leave it.  Knowing the proper direction of the brush to wield the stroke.  The right spot for perhaps the paint knife.  Intuitive...gut hunch?  Maybe.  Often the changing mood of nature, the swiftness with clouds and weather requires such...and it is exciting.  It is a coming together and trusting of oneself with the moment, the paint at the ready.  A melding with the urgency.


Thus...Roos inspired me once again this morning...for directions I've been going.  Thanks for the slap up side the head... *reaching for a fresh cup of hot java...