I have recently had a small number of comments, mostly `anonymous' that I've taken exception to. One in particular has posted two in which he made sneering and snide comments about my attempts at Indian Portraits (and the fact I misspelled Amy Winehouse) - the last saying I should give up Indian portraits. Well he's entitled to his opinion, it's the way he (I presume it's a he) expressed his views that I objected to, under this `anonymous' title. Anything that is `anonymous' is deleted as a matter of policy by the way.
I paint as a hobby and the actual painting he objected to isn't a million miles away from the one I used as a guide. I'm not suggesting it is good or even 100% accurate as I have no illusions about my ability as an artist. All these posts emanated from Americans it would appear - not all on the same topic. I'm not anti American having been there many times. It's a wonderful country and the majority I've met have been really nice people, in fact some from Florida we met on a tour invited us to come and stay with them.
During the time I've been doing this blog I've had very little unpleasantness. The blog is just a hobby not life and death - there are far more important things happening as anyone keeping abreast of the news - not least in America - knows. .On one occasion a less than fulsome review of the then new magazine `The Art of Watercolour' brought an anonymous comment that I was a moron. On another occasion a young lady got hot under the colour about the difference between amateurs and professional but later apologized after I pointed out it was the way she expressed herself not her actual opinions.
To clarify. To those who need reminding don't bother posting such stuff because it will just be deleted, especially, but not only, if it is anonymous, nor will I respond to it. This sort of confrontational attitude isn't acceptable on a blog of this nature and I won't allow it.
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ReplyDeleteWhat kind of ridiculous and sad person does that? I am so sorry, Peter.
ReplyDeleteMaybe this is a solution: Go to Settings > Posts and Comments, and change the setting to Registered User. Then Anonymous cannot comment anymore. Hope that helps.
By the way: I love your painting of Amy Winehouse!
Well said, Peter. I'm sorry you have received this abuse. You do a fine job with your blog and I would not not like to see you end it. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry there are such idiots around. I really enjoy your blog and your paintings too. I am amazed at the amount of fascinating information you have covered, and love to read it.
ReplyDeleteThanks all for your support.
ReplyDeleteWhat I have always enjoyed about art blogging is the diversity of people, the different experiences, world views, styles and yes opinions, all of that proves that art is alive and well and made by real people not institutions.
ReplyDeleteThose that cannot give constructive criticism or engage in a real conversation just prove that they have missed the point. Authenticity is what is about. Negativity takes little effort, creating something and putting it out there for the world does.
Keep your art yours and your blog your way.
I intend to Jim. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, very good information. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteLike you, I like to paint Native Americans. I have always been fascinated with their faces, their culture, and their history, and I have developed a deep respect for them and their struggles. Painting these people is not disrespectful, but rather an expression of admiration. There is an uproar in the U.S. now about cultural appropriation, and while it is valid in some cases, this is not one of them. Painting the faces of people different than us leads to an interest in their life and culture. And this interest develops empathy and respect. Please keep painting Native Americans.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tracye.
ReplyDeleteThanks Connie. I have a great interest in the American Indian, mainly I have to admit,in the conflict between the native tribes, the US Army and the settlers between the late 1700s and the end of the Indian wars in about 1890. I mainly use the black and white photographs of Edward Curtis as guides. So many of them are full of character. I have been criticized by me friend Hap, who lives in Oregon, that I don't get the facial colours right! My book collection exceeds 100.
ReplyDeletePeter I am really sorry to hear that you have come across the egocentric negative morans who think they are art critics. Sadly to say they do exist and they are known as Trolls. Ignore them, though I do know it is not easy to do. I have enjoyed your fabulous art for years and so have many others. Surely that tells the trolls of this world a thing or two about their daft opinions. Keep painting what you want to and with your wonderful style. Sorry I don't comment often but I do admire all your work via my blog reader. Happy painting and forget about the Trolls. They are really not worth wasting time over. Just delete their comments or don't let them through by moderating first. That stops them coming back. They are looking for attention and are probably not even bothered about what you are painting anyway.
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura. I have been very open on here and allowed anyone - ie the public - to post if they wished but have now stopped `anonymous' ones from posting. I have tended to delete anonymous posts anyway in the past - though not all - but it's interesting that virtually all who cross the bounds of decent behaviour, with three exceptions, have been anonymous. One of the three made derogatory remarks about one of my followers posts so that was binned. I used to post on Wetcanvas but left(almost) because of nastiness,although the moderators do step in if things go too far. One idiot even wanted to continue the argument using our e-mails! Why do we need such stuff? This is a recreational hobby.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree Peter. Whether it be a hobby or not, if we are serious about our art then we will have mentors that we call upon at times. So are these people deluded in thinking that just because we blog or post online we are going to listen to complete strangers especially when they have never seen our work in real life? Some people perhaps have nothing better to do with their lives. I wonder is the term 'sad' what I am looking for to describe these people??? lol ;-) Happy painting and blogging.
ReplyDeletePeter! I hope you know how much I enjoy your paintings! In particular your Amerindian ones, but all of your work in general. Our "differences" are merely semantic on the color (colour?) of the skin tones. Which is secondary to the wonderful images you create. There are as many ways to paint as there are people with brushes, and all of it should be celebrated as the efforts (should at least) come from the heart! Those who feel the need to attack, and to do so without identity as well, certainly give no weight to their arguments and basically show themselves as bullies and cowards. Pay no attention to them my friend!
ReplyDeletehap ( in Washington....which is north (and therefore better) of Oregon... ;)
Thanks Hap Nice to have a few fans(grin)!
ReplyDeletePeter, it's a shame you've been subjected to such negativity. I want you to know that your work is always a pleasure to look at and your blog is extremely informative. It's a great place to stop and visit and ponder what you've posted.
ReplyDeleteRegarding your paintings of Native Americans, keep them coming. Every painting shows a marked improvement. I'm a recent convert to the history of the American West myself and have been working up to painting a few portraits of some of the more famous participants of said history. My approach is totally different (different influences and all) but that's the great thing about art. There's room for everyone.
Hello there Oscar. Nice to hear from you again.As for my critics it takes all sorts! I don't lose any sleep over them.
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