One of the most horrifying artistic experiences I have ever had occurred in my first formal painting class as a college freshman.
After completing a detailed drawing from life, we used it to compose our first studio oil painting. I was satisfied with my progress and felt sure Professor Gunn would come by and say “Way to go, Lillian!” (Well, not really, but at least, a nod of approval.)
Words cannot describe how shocked I was when he looked at my emerging masterpiece,and said it was the work of a child. Yikes. Adding insult to injury, he picked up my brush, loaded it with ultramarine blue and slashed through my efforts without restraint.
I could not believe he did that. Even as a kid, I knew the cardinal rule: Never, NEVER, touch someone’s artwork without his permission, budding artist or pro. And this guy did it in front of everyone.
Not given to protest and quite compliant, I fixed and finished the painting, but that day, a rebel was born.
Provo on Fourth
As can be seen, even with the “repairs”, quite a bit of ultramarine blue still shows through. Oh well, that madman lives on.
Coming up: And there it was, my own little Monet.
Don’t think I would have handled that situation so well. My thought would have been that he needed a touch or two of ultramarine blue on himself. Still teaching at BYU? Hope he is able to see enough to know that you were and are a very talented artist.
What a jerk, and maybe you are part of the jerk’s creation.
oh-and by the way – I really liked your painting.
I am truly saddened by your experience with that arrogant, ignorant, narcissistic professor who would probably be worthy of one of those reality and skill shows like “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Project Runway,” or “Chopper, Orange County,” or whatever that bike show was. Pathetic. I think Picasso’s art is child’s play and ridiculous, but I would never deface even one of his pieces, because I believe he has a right to express himself as he sees fit. I had a similar experience at Ricks College with a professor in my public speaking class and immediately flushed the class and the professor. I then went on to Northern Michigan University to rave reviews over my speaking ability. It pains me that people citing their genealogy and their titles can be so insensitive. I am sick of their “white and delightsomeness.” My granddaughter Zoe is a great artist which I would stack against Picasso in a heartbeat. I remember a story of a famous artist slinging paint against a canvas being watched by a large crowd cheering him on, who later in a private setting derided those groupies as being stupid fools. Perhaps your professor was part of that group. Ah! enough said. It feels good to vent once in awhile!
O, and by the way, I love your painting and think it is awesome! And I also know that the worth of art is entirely subjective. There are some pieces in the galleries in Snottsdale, Arizona for which I would not even pay a nickel, though they sell for thousands of dollars. And yet, there are many who do pay. Well, bully for them!
I think your painting looks great, even with the extra blue undertones. I’m surprised you could salvage it so well!
I think the best way for children to enjoy and develop in the arts is really encouraging them to play with paper, brushes and pens. In my house, the bedrooms of children are all glued to the wall drawings that they do and decide to paste. When we take an art exhibition, do not tell them what the works mean we let them tell us what they are seeing .. and they look incredible in a different way and very playful. this is a show time for us. So I think its important your initiative Lilian, continue helping us through this wonderful culture.