Victor van Schagen
The Artful Lion
The Venn Diagram of Art A Mini Article
Introduction
A few years ago I really wanted to give a good answer to someone who was struggling with their art. They felt something was missing, and wondered what they could do to make their art more appealing to gain a bigger following on social media. This mini article is a rethink and refinement of the answer that I gave then, and is also a tiny part of a text I'm writing on visual communication.
When looking at art, specifically representational art (like game art, concept art, and illustrations), I think that there are three elements that are key in determining if an artwork is 'good' (or has a good chance of being so). For the sake of simplicity I want to leave out additional, complicating external elements, like the audience (the viewer observing the artwork), environmental context (where the artwork is placed), and cultural or historical context.
My Definition of 'Good Art'
Many, if not most people have an opinion what makes good art. It has been a topic of endless discussions and arguments, but I want to keep it simple in this text.
Art, specifically the kind I mentioned above, is a form of visual communication, and therefore I believe it is subject to certain principles and guidelines. It is created by someone with intent — or at least imbued with meaning. This meaning is captured within the art, and may be shared with others. This audience should be able to decipher it and understand it.
“Good art: Art that communicates well by the clear expression of mode, correct use of visual
symbolism and the lack of surrounding noise.”
In this case, mode means a method, way, or style. With visual symbolism I mean the language of visual communication and its application. Art as visual communication uses the vocabulary of shape, texture, colour, light, composition, and object symbolism. The message needs a fitting style, the proper use of the visual vocabulary, and be free from distracting elements.
The Three Elements
The three key elements for good art are: the technical skill of the artist, the subject matter of the artwork and the meaning of the artwork — in other words the message or impression expressed in the artwork.
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The Artists' Skill
This means how proficient the artist is in using their chosen medium. This includes the quality of their brushwork (their 'signature style'), the skill with which the artist handles their tools, and a comprehensive technical understanding of the medium and of anatomy, colour theory, design rules — depending on what's relevant.
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The Subject Matter
This covers genres, such as landscapes, portraits, and abstract art, but also subject matter (a particular cliffside, a bowl of apples, an old sailor, human viscera).
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The Meaning
The message the artists wishes to convey to the viewer of the artwork. Visual communication and its effectiveness in its use. This can be simple, or literal (“I wish to share how beautifully the light touches this valley”) or complex, philosophical (“The redemption of a man’s soul by the works he performs”), or metaphysical.
An artwork that is incredibly skilfully made, but lacks meaning, and may be of an unpleasant or very controversial subject, may find a few people who will appreciate the skill, and serve its purpose, but it will feel empty and soulless. An artwork with a very interesting subject matter, or a unique authentic voice will also find some audience, though most will likely bemoan the lack of skill and understandable subject matter. Finally, an artwork with a very interesting or appealing subject, though it may lack both meaning and artistic skill, will probably also find some admirers, but many will call it amateurish.
So, the more elements that are included in an artwork, and the better they have been blended, the more its appeal, its desirability and popularity will be improved.
When Two Elements Overlap
If two elements are present, the chances of success are even better, but some criticism will be possible.
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When the Artist's Skill and Subject Matter overlap
If an artwork is beautifully made, with a great subject, it can still feel empty if there is no meaning. People might say it’s commercial, pointless, or ‘ just a pretty picture’. This is definitely the least worse offense.
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When the Artist's Skill and Meaning overlap
Even though the artwork might be skilfully made and have significant meaning, the subject matter can be problematic. It can be in poor taste, controversial, unpleasant, etc. and therefore not popular. (Please note I am restricting the word “problematic” only to the measure of popularity. There are few if none subjects so controversial or taboo that it might not be possible to create great, meaningful art from it. Rather, Art is a great medium to express and explore very difficult topics.)
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When Meaning and Subject Matter overlap
The artwork can be very sincere, and have a great subject, but due to a lack of skill it can risk being discarded as poorly made. Criticism might include comments like “This is ugly. This looks bad." A potential category may be so-called 'naïve' art, made by self-taught artists who lack formal education in drawing techniques, like anatomy and perspective, or visual design, like colour theory.
The Center
The artist's skill, meaning and subject matter are all present and balanced to form a cohesive whole. All aspects support and enhance each other, to form an optimally pleasing artwork, that has the highest chance of being popular.
This is by no means meant as a very serious article. Merely something to consider
when you're working on some art, and want to take a step back, and be inspired.
To think about your art, what you wish to express, and how to best do that,
depending on the needs for what you wish to express.
