My favorite segment of the radio show, Performance Today, is the Piano Puzzler. Pianist and composer, Bruce Adolphe re-writes a familiar tune in the style of a classical composer. A listener on the phone then tries to name the hidden tune and the composer whose style Bruce is mimicking.
What is there about a composer's style than can be identified when mimicked with a tune the composer did not write? Can the same be done with visual artists' styles? And where does style come from anyway?
Do you recognize by its style the artist who did this painting?
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What about this one?
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Let's try one more. Can you tell by the style who did this painting?
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Some many things go into each individual's style of painting, but considering skill level, the most significant thing that causes a style is the artist's listening to that inner voice that says "this is the way that feels natural to me." Too often, that voice gets drowned out by a desire to succeed or a desire to be popular or a desire to fit in the current trend, among other things.
Consider this: If any of the artists above had allowed the desire for success or the current trend or the drive to fit in, or anything other than their inner voice to determine the style of their work, we would not know about them today.
1 comment:
Inspiring comparison / contrast (and what contrasts!) :) Your examples certainly help make the point of following one’s own style - thank u!
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