What is the "mark" of a mature artist?

#1

I was curious to see what some CGtalkers consider to be the characteristics of a mature artist. I’ve felt for a long time that the following was true of a mature artist, regardless of age:

•The artist has a strong sense of design in their work, props and characters aren’t just thrown about without thought.

•The artist can admire the work of other artists without doggedly reproducing another artist’s style.

•They have a unique style that viewers instantly recognize.

Notice, educational background or annual income are not considered factors in this definition.

What are your thoughts on this?

#2

To me it comes down to the attitude. A mature artist never stops learning, and if stated otherwise is a pretty good mark of an immature artist.

How many times haven’t we heard: “I know how to draw hands” or “I know how to draw faces”.

The more you learn, the more you realize how little you know and how much more there is to know.

#3

Good point CgMonkey - keep an open mind and realizing that there is always room for growth.

Thanks for your input :thumbsup: I can see this will be a slow thread, I hope others add their thoughts.

What do you think are the most obvious signs of an immature artist? Do you consider yourself a mature artist and if so, did you have one or two nagging “humps” you had to get over to reach that point?

#4

One of the true callings of the immature artist is asking for critique and then making excuses for the critiques given. I’ve seen this quite a bit. Classic examples are ones like “I meant to draw it that way” and “If you know so much, let’s see YOUR work!”. Even if your work is misinterpreted, you have accept critique from all people.
Accepting constructive criticism is very important for a mature artist. It’s very easy to get sucked into being just satisfied with your work, and protect your art from critics like you would a child. I would say a mature artist is never satisfied (like cgmonkey said about learning… it never stops).

I would also say that a mature artist LIVES a little. Many of the respected artists i’ve spoken with or read of talk constantly about getting away from the computer or canvas and enjoying life to the full.

#5

Exactly, they realize that there is more to life than just… art.

#6

I think this is absolutely true!! Glad you guys brought it up.

I have seen this as a common factor among experienced/mature artists as well.

#7

Great topic. I agree with your thoughts on this.
For me, a mature artist not only has to have an open mind, but also have enough technical skills to realize his visions. A man with an idea might be creative, but not an artist. An artist not only has to think creatively, but also know how to make that thought become a “material thing” so to say.
However, a person who only knows how to operate CG software isn’t an artist. He’s just a technician.

#8

I recently was talking with a few people about art for arts sake, and, while stated differently, I think one of the guys made a very astute observation that a mature artist doesn’t make art for arts sake.

#9

This is a view I haven’t heard expressed before, but I totally agree with. For me “art for arts sake” has often translated into nebulous blobs of color haphazardly thrown on a canvas in 15 minutes and then sold off to the MOMA for $50,000 + .

The notion that deliberate thought, planning, and purpose are irrelevent to (non-commercial) art is an ideology I’ve run up against in many “modern art” enclaves. Makes me nauseous and perpetuates the idea that “anything” is entitled to be labeled artistic in nature.

#10

And now we’re getting to the mollion dollar question…

“Just what is art?” :arteest:

But maybe this should be asked in another thread… :smiley:

#11

AAAAAAARRRRRGH! It’s my fault! I knew I was heading down that muddy slope but I couldn’t keep my big mouth shut :smiley:

#12

There are few questions I hate more.

Totally agree with ChrisWhite and Segvoia, though. A mature artist shouldn’t feel the need to validate themselves to the world through their work.

#13

In my opinion, the mark of mature artists is when they find their OWN style. Period. For good or ill, it’s theirs.

E.

#14

I don’t agree with that at all… You just HAVE it, you don’t FIND it. -_-

#15

I find it hard to conceive a mature artist who (regardless of age) isn’t already a mature person. I suppose it comes down to what has already been mentioned about experiencing life. Art in in my mind is all about communicating what we as individuals experience in our lives. Communicating thoughts, ideas, notions, emotions, fears, hopes and dreams.

In art, as in life we are always learning. By recognising the value of constructive criticism and the useless value of groundless negative feedback, the mature student of art and life can progress and grow. Someone without maturity (be they an artist or not) will hamstring their own emotional development by reacting defensively against any and all criticism, and not perceive the lessons to be learned before them.

If you don’t get out there and live life every now and again, it is real easy for your work to stagnate, even though it may be technically ok.

As for style…I think even that changes and develops with you. Especially if you work digitally, due to the huge amount of advances and approaches available.

Having just gone through some major changes in my life, I have been re-assessing the way I approach life and also how I create my artwork. I see both as being interconnected on all levels.

I have also re-discovered that rather than do the “correct” thing all the time, its fun to be pretty immature and reckless sometimes! You never know what you may stumble upon. :wink:

#16

Really good points there Efberg, I agree that you must be a mature person to be a mature artist.

#17

[QUOTE=CgMonkey]I don’t agree with that at all… You just HAVE it, you don’t FIND it. -_-[/
QUOTE]

What a crock! While I agree some just have natural-born talent, you don’t start grade school with the same “style” you graduate with. That’s ridiculous.

#18

  1. Must have solid art foundation knowledge (composition, perspective, anatomy, figure drawing, color theory…etc).

  2. Must have highly developed skill (various rendering techniques).

  3. Must have a personal vision that’s easily identifiable.

  4. Must have solid knowledge of art history, and variety of contemporary art–from illustration to fine art to entertainment design…etc.

  5. Must be able to articulate ideas/knowledge into words, and have the ability to pass information on as a teacher.

#19

There are very few artists out there that will meet all your “requirements”.

#20

M’yeah, I’m inclined to agree… artistic maturity as such shouldn’t rely on the knowledge of external references such as history, but rather be something focused only on the artist in question and the work produced.

I’d say (or add/modify):

  • Clearly recognisable style.

  • The sufficient skills to accurately translate the “inner vision” to a finished piece, every single time.

  • The ability to switch to an entirely different style whenever the situation calls for it, yet still be able to reach the same quality.

.