An interesting article recently in the Atlanta paper, taken from the NY Times, on using fake heads and/or bodies in print ads. A scientific term "uncanny valley" theory applies to this with regard to using unreal faces: "People will tolerate only so much artificial human likeness before attraction turns into revulsion. If they added a super realistic but not-real face, they'd become uncanny, and therefore frightening, eerie and creepy." I wonder if this applies to how people view art. Are hyper-realistic faces viewed as eerie? What about other alterations and abstractions?
2 comments:
hi nancy. and happy new year. that looks real good to me.
The whole portrait painting 'thing' is difficult to me, There's so many good portrait artists, and many different approaches; it's overwhelming. But you indeed have a knack for painting recognizable faces. and for good gesture.
As for the photo issue you mention. I don't perceive that as a problem for artists. neccessarily, as long as they underrstand good painting concepts.
john guernsey
Thanks for posting, and really appreciate the comment. I don't think portraits are any harder than plein air. Still hope to work on landscapes more...
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