WHAT'S IT SAYING?

By Gabriele Münter, 1877-1962. I used to assume that people who run galleries had at least a minimal interest in art history, which they don't. The clueless one I was with in Pasadena would have insisted on labeling this "illustration" because of the black lines. Over a century later, "art people" can still get like deer in the headlights encountering such paintings.

I don't see expressionism in much art or any cartoons now, in which the techniques render emotion. Now it's all about 'getting it right'. Because they're scared.

The idea comes first. Brush sizes & conditions are chosen to communicate that idea, whether it takes black ink or a wall brush. Too much art lacks the conviction of an idea, so the results, pure technique, are often weak.

Too much art today is about "getting it right" and not saying a damned thing.

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When I grew up, the only animators worthy of "study" or individual attention were The Nine Old Men.