Thoughts on Art and what it is.

Is this pastel work by me a good piece of art?

“What is Art” is a question for the ages. Many attempts have been made to define or explain what it is but none have been agreed upon. I believe a piece of art should have at least these two qualities; to communicate an idea or emotion and create an aesthetic experience for the viewer. It must have these two qualities to be  worthy of consideration as a piece of art by the artistic community. Simply saying I like it just means that you connect with the work in some way or ways, none of which may have anything to do with the mastery of the technique or medium, the preciseness of the composition, the importance or clarity of the message or its aesthetic value.  

This self portrait by Rembrandt is unquestionably a work of art and a classic one as well. It has all the qualities; mastery of technique, compositionally perfect, provides the viewer with an aesthetic experience etc.

The other portrait by Andy Warhol may not be considered to be a masterpiece like Rembrandt’s by some. However, Warhol’s portrait of Marilyn Monroe is to the arts community a masterpiece just as much as the Rembrandt piece.