Into the Gallery I went,
I walked slowly around the room
Studying each painting intently,
The images of Nature,
Portrayed in oil on canvas.
Each one brought feelings to me,
Feelings of the wonder of Nature.
I approached the last painting
And stopped.
Surely this is not right!
Why is there a photograph there
There sitting on the wall?
But no,
It was a painting.
A painting of such intricacy
That the lion looked real to me,
It was real, real on the canvas.
Up the stairs I went,
Into another gallery,
A gallery of photographs.
Each one a finalist
In a National Competition.
All were so good,
And once more I stopped.
Surely this is not right!
Why is there a painting there
Sitting on the wall?
But no,
It was a photograph,
A photograph of such wonder
That the albatross looked painted,
Painted from the photographers eye.
-
Author:
Goldfinch60 (Pseudonym) (
Online) - Published: December 3rd, 2018 02:07
- Comment from author about the poem: I went to an Art Gallery called Nature in Art and amongst some amazing artwork of Nature I stood in front of this lion, it amazed me as I though it was a photograph, but no it was a painting in oil on canvas. There was also an exhibition of the 2018 BRITISH WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS, I saw some wonderful photographs but the one that intrigued me was one by Andy Rouse called 'Gannet with Fish' when I saw it I thought it was a painting, here is a link to that picture https://www.andyrouse.co.uk/index.php?s=product_detail&id=292
- Category: Nature
- Views: 38
Online)
Comments6
The Lion was painted by Anthony Gibbs.
There is much debate in the art world about painting in the style of photorealism. The argument often heard is that you might as well take a photo.
There is undoubted skill in painting in this style but from an artists perspective (well certainly from mine) there is no soul in it – there is nothing of the artist in it, there is no artistic interpretation. I would go so far to say it is not the work of an artist but of an artisan practising (very skilfully) a craft.
Well having got that off my chest I much enjoyed your poem Andy.
I can certainly see where you are coming from Michael, there is certainly no part of the artist in the painting except his skill. As you are aware I appreciate all types of art but my favourites are the Pre-Raphaelites which again show extraordinary skill, especially William Holman-Hunt, in their works.
Again as you know I enjoy modern art including Mark Rothko, Gustav Klimt and Michael Edwards.
I am glad you enjoyed the poem - Thank you Michael.
Gosh - up there with MR and GK - some accolade although not sure it's deserved. The Pre-Raphaelites are different. Although they are painting in a photorealist manner they are depicting scenes entirely from an artistic imagination and not reproducing a factual photographic image.
2 more comments
A fine write and pic Gold.
Thanks Orchi.
Yes, I've seen some stunning paintings and photos of animals too.
A most interesting read of your visit to both oil and photography work Goldi - - - both can find a place in modern society and your awe at such skill comes over so well - thanks for sharing it.
Thank you Fay, you are right both are well worth appreciating.
an interesting series of observations that will no doubt give rise to many subsequent questions and opinions.. I have one but am gonna keep it to myself.. nice poem tho
Yes you are right Neville, what is life without opinions and questions, my daughter is an artist and we very some enlightening debates on types of art, I believe I have a wider appreciation of art than she does and she is the one that opened my mind to so much art.
it would be very dull indeed...
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