PAINTING:  IF IT LOOKS GOOD IT MUST BE RIGHT

MUSIC: IF IT SOUNDS GOOD IT MUST BE RIGHT

A very gifted musician once told me "If it sounds good it must be right"  There was no music theory cited to support this statement it was based purely on the "sound" and "feel" of the music.  I am a painter/musician. I wear different hats for different teaching situations but it is all related.   Art and music go hand in hand and complement each other. So I see no conflict in my dual pursuits. I do, however, have to moniter my time. I have been putting together a class that I will be teaching hammered dulcimer on.   The class involves teaching mostly Appalacian fiddle tunes using Old-time rhythms and patterns that reflect the music. It has a specific feel and sound. There are many examples and references but you will not find them in the sheet music. You have to “listen” and “feel” in order to understand this genre of music. If you try to put the music in a box it will try to climb out.   Folk music is a living breathing entity and changes with every turn and every person who plays it. There is no right or wrong. 

Recently, I have been thinking about the idea of knowledge and training vs. intuition and natural ability.   Raw talent is something we all have. I truly believe that.   Anyone can play music, draw or make a painting, create something beautiful. We all have an innate sense of beauty. The job of the teacher is to “bring out” the individual and not to suppress their unique qualities. However, teaching art or music must have some structure or it is very intangible and can not be communicated. Having said that, how much structure should one have?

I have mentioned before that I feel extremely grateful to have attended the Maryland Institute College of Art where the first two years were grounded in the foundation courses including basic drawing and painting, anatomy, etc. Some of the information was already available to me through observation, my own natural ability (which you should not be ashamed to acknowledge) and extreme curiosity which should always be high on your list of goals. But to actually have an instructor to guide you in the rudiments of the “craft” of painting is invaluable. The time honored tradition of master and apprentice is one that should be appreciated. 

Formal art or music training is definitely a plus. I do not, however, feel it is a requirement. There are many painters and musicians who have received little or no formal training and they are perfectly competent and genius in their own right.   The real benefit of having an art or music education is obvious but when you stand before the easel in the footsteps of so many other great artist you must forget all of the knowledge and allow your feelings to take over only then will you create a work of art that encompasses the full spectrum of Hand, Heart and Mind.

Jeanean Songco Martin