WHY & WHAT TO PAINT? - SUBJECT MATTERS!

I often wonder what makes artist paint and why they choose the subjects they do.

There are so many ways of painting. - Fortunately! Especially with all what we see today on social media. But, it’s also like anything goes these days.

Don’t get me wrong, artists should paint whatever they want. But a little self criticism and reflection would be nice.

 

Precious, acrylic on canvas by John Frantsen

Here are some suggestions to consider if you want to improve:

The composition or the subject really does matter. Consider it carefully. It can really make a difference.

Stand back and evaluate your painting, motive, composition, colours, light and shadows. Ask yourself, does it work? -Where and what to improve? Before posting it, let it sit for a while and see if it is as good as you thought initially.

Asking your network or peers for constructive feedback might also give you a new or different perspective.

There will always be various reasons for what and why artists paint. Some artists are very aware or conscious about what and why they paint.

For many, it is a way of life and they couldn’t live without painting.

Others are just painting because they can, without knowing why. Often, it’s just their recreative outlet or a way for them to express themselves and relax.

For others it’s more personal or therapeutic.

From my point of view, it often seems that figurative artists are more technical oriented. Some are perfectionists, considering and planning the painting into the smallest details, trying to recreate exactly what they see.

Others are more expressive, conveying an impression, an atmosphere or a feeling.

Many abstract artists, like myself for example, likes to paint intuitively. I have chosen to trust my instincts and let the emotions and feelings lead the way.

Other abstract artists have a more conceptual approach and like to research, plan and construct their work very meticulously.

Some artists are more politically inspired. They have a point of view, that they want to convey with their chosen subject/motive. All very valid ways of painting.

But, in my opinion, it is not enough just to be a technical good painter. It is, what you want with your paintings that matters and if people can see and relate to that.

That is why the idea behind this or that particular composition or motive is important. You don’t have to explain it literally. But it needs to shine through or show somehow.

The same goes for abstract artists. Trying out new things and experimenting is useful and fine.

But it is not enough just to pour or smear paint on a surface. Everybody can do that. That’s just a technic. -Unless it is intentional and there is a concept behind it.

To sum up! First and foremost, artists need to consider why and what they want to convey with their paintings. To contemplate and have some kind of idea or vision of where they want to go and what they want to convey.

I know it’s not always easy. But, if you consider this, I think you will improve and get better. Painting takes a lot of time, practice and consistency. It is in many ways a lifelong journey.

Just some thoughts. Thanks for reading this far. Read more about my personal approach in the menu or follow the links. Do let me know what you think about all this in the comments.

CORPUS I & II

First of all - Happy New Year.

This is my first entry for this year. -And hopefully a new beginning here on this blog.

I welcome new readers and hope you’ll connect and continue to follow along.

I will start with a revision of my artistic journey so far.

During my formal years I did a lot of croquis drawing, which I really loved, some still-life and classical training, like drawings of different sculptures, which all in all was a great foundation.

When I started to paint again years later, I was more drawn to abstract, because I just had this urge to let go and express myself again.

-And for a long time now, I have been obsessed with abstract painting, because it has the ability to transform, if you give it a chance and take your time to wonder and reflect. It leaves plenty of room for different levels of interpretations.

But for some time now, I have had the intention to try to make something realistic once again. One style of painting should not exclude another one, I think.

Subjects matter too! -I wanted to combine and stage different subjects, that I am attracted to. I chose to follow my instincts and focus on parts of the male torso combined with exotic flowers.

I just didn't want to paint a portrait or a landscape. To challenge myself, I wanted to do it in oils, which I am not used to work with like that. It took a lot of preparations and patience.

These two paintings are the result. They are quite big, 120 x 150 cm each.  I really enjoyed the process and I will probably do more like this in the future.

After this, I am going back to abstract again. But I already have new ideas for other realistic paintings on my mind.

If you like what you see here on my blog, I invite you to follow along. You will get inside news once in a while about what is going on in my studio and you will be the first to read about new paintings, special events and visits.

I’m excited to see where my Art journey will bring me next.

If you have any questions or are looking for original  piece of abstract art, feel free to contact me. I am also open for studio visits; just notify me in advance. Thank you for your interest!

CFDA - ONE WAY INTO FASHION!

-But not the only one. There are other ways. -That was my imediate reaction, after watching the mini-series The Fashion Fund on Netflix.

I couldn't believe my own ears, when they claimed: - "If you haven't got a fashion show, you're not serious/ -or the real deal".
Come on! - To me that statement sounded very limited and close minded. There is always a way!

It may come as a surprise, but not everyone wants to become a big name or global brand, but would be perfectly happy doing their thing and make a decent living out of that.

You see, being independent and make a good living, are actually quite satisfactory for more people, than you think.
Unfortunately the big names are getting all the attention. but if you take a closer look, there is a lot of creativity going on, on different levels.

Instead of taking hope/dreams away from people, even before they start, a more diverse fashion-program with different levels, where you can choose to go ahead or not, would be a better way of doing this, I think. -And it may even attract more interest.

-Any thoughts ?

FASHION CRITICS

Modified picture from The Independent/Getty Images

-After looking at some of this seasons fashion shows, like Celine and Louis Vuitton, I just wonder. Where are the fashion critics of today? -And are they still relevant?

I think today's so called fashion critics are too consensual and not particularly critical, with a few exceptions. They seem only to be there to promote fashion. I guess they are afraid of loosing their privileges; like invitations and front row seats ?

For me, a real fashion critic should have a passion for fashion and design, some kind of qualifications or at least some knowledge about fashion design, savoir faire and a sense of color and materials.

They should be able to analyze and to put a collection into context, culturally and historically.

A fashion critic should be honest, independent, selective and not afraid of speaking his/her mind.

That is why we need independent papers and television channels to take this more serious. Especially today, where almost every critical comment on social media just gets deleted.

Fashion critics like Robin Givhan, Cathy Horyn and Vanessa Friedman are actually there to make sense of it all.

I prefer their qualified opinion rather than some so called random social media influencers. What about you? What do you think?

If you would like a different perspective, take a look at The Fashion Law.

DANISH FASHION / NOW - A REVIEW

-An exhibition, I was looking forward to see, just opened at BRANDTS yesterday. Sorry to say, it actually turned out to be quite disappointing. . .

First of all, my good friend, Tinah and I, was really surprised to see the big crowd - people you normally don´t see or notice, that was attending this opening. Where were they coming from ?

I guess it was partly because of the royal dresses and the celebrity-style that was on display. -And because an exhibition like that, doesn´t come to town often.

The Curators selection of celebrity- and royal dresses was very conventional though, as well as the way it was presented. Of course there were nice dresses, but no surprises and no real vision.

Especially the more commercial part of the display with contemporary retail-designers was hided/ covered up in different printed/transparent textile "walls"/compartments. Because the Curators chose to let one of the known fashion designers stage the display. And again -  poorly selection of clothes for the most part, but with a few exceptions.
Some of the Brands even had staff there to tell people that it was their latest collection and it was available in stores now.

Note! - we were surprised to see how disrespectful some people were touching all the clothes. But maybe they are not used to go on exhibitions. . .

What I missed also, was the lack of information: what was special about each brand and putting the clothes into a context of today.

For that I had to look into the exhibition catalouge, where I found one interesting feature from Maria Mackinney-Valentin. Obviously she knows what she is writing about - and is able to reflect and put fashion into context. She had some good points.

Another part of the exhibition displayed 10 different "fashion-personalities" and their relation to fashion - some of which were already shown in a tv-program with Chris Petersen, one of the Curators. A bit uninteresting, I have to admit.

The exposure of himself in the exhibition was also it bit overdone, for my taste.

All in all - We were not impressed and had to poor it all down with a drink afterwards.

But, go and see and judge for yourself.

- Sharing is caring -

FROM FASHION BACK TO COUTURE

In my eternal search and refinement of my real task - I decided to change the name of this blog to what I really like and love to do.
I realized that lately, when I wrote about fast fashion., that I am more into the opposite - "slow fashion", the Craftmanship, quality and style, that will last.

With the result that some of my regular readers lost the link to my blog. I´m sorry for that, but I didn't anticipate that would happen. . .

If you still want to follow my blog, you will have to link back again. Hope to see you all soon and welcome new readers at the same time.

- Sharing is caring -

DESSINER de LA MODE ?

Are you dreaming about becoming a fashion-designer ?

I can only offer you my advices about how to get there. In my experince it takes talent, determination, perseverance, consistency and believing in yourself.

One of the important things, is to have a vision and a certain idea about your own particular style.
A very good ability to have, is the ability to visualize and sketch your ideas. If you are talented, it should come natural. But it can of course be learned - even it will take a lot of practise. 

I found this very instructive video on how to learn Fashion Illustraion from Yelen Ayé on Youtube.

On top of that, patternmaking and sewing experience is always good.

Last but not least, you can´t be shy. You will have to socialize and show off to get some attention and promote yourself in some way.
Feel free to ask me any questions or share your thoughts on the subject.

If you are interested in this topic - you can read more in previous posts. Check the labels under this post.

LA MACHINE MODE

There is a new tendency emerging I think. . .

 Photo: Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images

- A reaction to fast fashion.

Yesterday I heard that Jean-Paul Gaultier is closing his Prêt-à-Porter line, to focus on Haute couture instead. He apparently is tired of the fast pace of fashion. Creative ideas doesn´t come easy - to really create takes time.

Dries van Noten is another example - that holds on to produce only 2 collections a year, but never the less is very popular. If you want to learn about his inspirations, you can still make it, visiting Les Arts Décoratifs.

When I was in Montreal, I read about a young designer, Jeremy Laing, who launched his label in 2005. He said: - "I want people to collect my pieces. I don’t make disposable fashion. It should last".
But after experiences in fast fashion, he was so frustrated and decided to take a time-out to rethink his role in the fashion world.

The fast fashion industry can be very demanding and stressful, when you have to design and produce 6-8 collections a year.
The Industry says that it is the consumers who demands fast and cheap fashion - but personally I think they created that need to profit from it.

I wish that consumers would be more conscious when they shop for fashion. But the Industry and media also have a big responsibility. Maybe they should rethink, why they are in the fashion business.

Personally I think that quality, enduring values and sustainability will play a major role in the future. It is not enough just to profit from it. It has to make sense too.

You can read more about the subject in Huffington Post and Forbes.

I wrote another post about this issue a few years back. Read more about things like that under  thoughts.
I´m curious to known what you readers think? -if you have any opinion on the subject.

ONE IN A MILLION. . .

 PhotoArt by John Frantsen

Are you living your life or just virtually ? It looks like everybody are online - to make their mark on the internet these days.

Today you have to be every where - and, if you are, you can almost do nothing else.

But how to stand out ?
Back then in the days, where it all started, it was probably easier. The numbers of people and companies and the competition were not the same, at all.

Maybe it´s just me who is getting older or getting other priorities. But, I just can´t help wondering, if that is what we really want. Do we want to just continue, go further all the time. Is that what life and happiness is all about ? -And how social is social media anyway ?

No - I find the internet rather over rated these days. . . it´s not even safe or trustworthy any more.
Do you wonder - or do you just follow the stream ? Make your mark here today, on my blog ;o)

 Photo Art by John Frantsen

ONLINE FASHION SHOPS

I’ve done some reflection about online stores, after my experiences with ETSY and Amino.

On Etsy, there are really big price differences on the products, depending on where in the world they are produced. There is no doubt, that it is difficult for us here in the West to compete with the price of goods produced in the East.

Of course the cost of living plays a role; they do not have the same hourly wage as we have here. 

Another competition parameter is of course the quality, which also depends on the hourly wage. For me to see, the quality is not same at all. But the price of their goods must of course fit into their home markets.

Obviously, of course, there is not much to loose us, if we buy goods from the East and it does not meet our  expectations. I would, however, hesitate to order a dress made in the East if you want to be sure of the quality and fit.

However, the signal value is not to be mistaken if they want customers from the West. They can also sell their items too cheap. Because in the west we expect the price to be related to the quality. Low prices we connect with poor quality. If you’re out to save money, that is of course to your advantage. 

Of course, that also applies the other way around. Our significantly higher prices may seem unattainable for the most part.

In some way you can be so and so international on the internet. But, when far from all places can trade together, due to the different economies, what is the point?

Since our products are more expensive, I think we have to compete on the quality of design, crafts, materials and service, not the least, if want to make an impression. 

 

Do you have any experiences, dealing with the above mentioned or similar places? Share your thoughts!

 Pictures from my Jubilee Exhibition 2010, Photos: Daniel Clément

PROFESSIONAL PRIDE

My latest experience as a correction-tailor in "The biggest bridal shop in Denmark" has ended.

I couldn´t really compromise on my work ethics. I wanted to secure that things were all right, when I have had my hands on them. As you probably know, to do it right, takes time.

But time is money, so you had to compromise on the quality! 

The amount of corrections per assignment had to be done in a certain amount of time, to keep the salery-expenses down. In a way understandable, but not always possible. 

That´s why it of course takes an experienced seamstress and not a tailor. But then again, I found that out and got some new experience.

Conclusion: I have to get my sketching-paper out and start to design again.

What is your experience ? -Are you still true to your work ethics or do you compromise?

Inspiring Evening ensemple by british designer, John Cavanagh, 1954.
Photocredit: John French

A NEW EXPERIENCE !

Since last, I´ve started at "The biggest Bridal shop in Denmark", as a correction-tailor in their workshop. We are a small team, that takes care of all the corrections from the fittings of the party- and wedding dresses they sell.

I am getting some new experience and already I´ve found out that it is not something I´m going to do forever.
I have just been confirmed in my own assumptions, how quality and price is linked together. You get what you pay for - nothing less, nothing more.

It can be really frustrating to fix corrections, that staff who haven´t got the knowledge to do, have done. It would be much easier to find the right dress in a size as close to the customer as possible. Then the corrections would be easier to do in time.
Even if the shop has the biggest selection, it can be hard, if there is only one of each, especially if the dress you like, is not available in the right size.

Simply because, there is a limit for, how far from one´s size you can correct a dress, so that it is fitting well without losing all of it´s features.
Some corrections can´t simply not be done and others are so complicated, that it takes hours to fix them. Sometimes it´s actually almost faster to do a new dress instead.

 Inspiring weddingdress from the American designer,  
Irene Lentz (1900 - 1962)

Do I need to say, that its a completely different story to have a made-to-measure dress made.

Here the starting point will be your mesures, your idéas and wishes. You will get a totally unique wedding dress in a good quality, that fits perfect.

If you are interested, read more under Services in the menu.

ONE SOURCE OF INSPIRATION.

Do you remember the trendy English magazines, The Face and Blitz from the Eighties?
For me, they were a good source, where I found lots of impulses and inspiration, even before I had my formal education. These magazines did definately made an impact on me in many ways.

I kept a few frontpages as a souvenir, that I might use for collages sometime. . .

I think you have to be open towards other cultures and things, to be able to transform impressions into new ideas and design. Do you have any thoughts on that ?

FOR THE RIGHT REASON

Juliana Moore in Cannes 2013, Photo: Pool

When you look at my last post about The Golden Globes, it is a fascinating world. . . sort of a dream-world really. -And a very seductive one.
It is very easy to get captured like that and by all the things that is going on in the fashion world; you want to be part of it and start to aspire for more. It´s only natural I think, because everybody wants to succeed.

It all made me think of, what it takes to get there. . . and is it something worth striving for at all. I mean, we can´t be famous actors or designers all of us.

According to all the Media and "Reality"-shows these days, it seems like, especially young people think they have to live through the Media to be someone or something. It´s a bit scary.

I have to say - of course it is possible to be happy and content, without being famous. We just need to dream to keep our hopes up, but at the same time be realistic and think about our potential and strenght.
That might show us the right way. As long as you don´t forget what got you started and hold on to that. Sooner or later you will succeed.

Actually I just need to look at my self. . .
-Initially it began, when I was looking for clothes back then. Since I wasn't  able to find anything that I liked, I began to create my own. I made quite a few experiments, finding satisfaction in this process, and finally decided to study and make a career out of it.

Why and what made you go into fashion ? Share your experience and have a great day out there.

I wrote about what I think it takes in a previous post.Take a closer look at the Labels, if you like posts like this.

 

Actress Zhang Yugi in Cannes 2013, Photo: Loic Venance

A NEW YEAR AHEAD !

Hello Everybody! I´m back. . .

-In case you wonder what I have been up to since my last post. First of all, around Christmas and New Years Eve, I was hit by a virus for almost 14 days. On top, I had to clear my workroom, to make room for a Canadian visitor, staying 14 days.

Now everything is back to normal and I have to get on with different projects. So what are my plans for this year?
First of all, I went through my stock and decided that I have to use at least some of it, before buying new stuff. Right now I am doing a winter jacket for my partner.
Apart from that, I´m open for new orders and assignments - Anyone ? Check out my Service.

This year, I would really like to get some of my designs out there, to be more visible. Also for our common project, Design Galleriet. So I/we are looking for display-windows and ultimately our own workshop/ showroom, where we can be more creative and productive and sell our designs.

Maybe you have some rooms or know someone who has ? Please think of us then.

What about you? Anything to share?

MONEY Vs AESTHETICS

Do you bother how your blog looks or are you just in it for the money ? When I look at different blogs I often wonder. . .
But usually it is always easy to see what motivates bloggers. . .
When there is a lot of commercial banners, payed reviews and ads, it is obvious why they blog. It often ruins the aesthetic or layout of the blog, I think.

I´m not against making money out of blogging, but I don´t think it should be the primary reason. You should only blog if you have something relevant to say or show.

Personally I enjoy aesthetic blogs more. They are often more inspiring, conscious, dedicated and have a vision they want to share as well as the interacting with other bloggers.

I would like to know what motivates you and how you find the right balance ?

ORIGINAL OR COPYCAT ?

-An issue, I have been thinking about for a while. . . here are a few thoughts.

Montreal 2011, Photo: John Frantsen

-It started out with some comments on my blog.

Obviously some people/companies is commenting as a strategy. They just leave standard comments to leave a link back to their own Online-shop. . . 
They seem to forget, if someone Googles them, a link to my blog with their comments shows up. Of course, if I don´t want to be associated with them, I delete their comments.

I also find it very problematic with copyrights of pictures these days. There is so many pictures out there and I try to credit whenever it´s possible. But with Google and Pinterest for example, it just looks like people take whatever they need. And some blogs even put their own signature on the pictures they find. I think it is so easy to copy - maybe too easy!

Maybe it comes as a surprise, but copying are also a discipline in the fashion world. Because to produce and sell clothes from the rack like some of the major players today, there is no time for original designs.

As of yesterday, I was sorry to hear that "Fashion is My Muse"-blogger just announced she lost her passion for blogging, because of Copyright problems. That is sad.

I wish people would have that much self respect, to respect Copyrights and show credit where credit is due - whenever possible.

Are YOU an original or a copycat ? -And what are your thoughts about this subject ? - If you have any. . .

In spite of all this, I´m happy to see new followers and wish you all happy holidays and a Wonderful Christmas. For more post like this, look into my labels.

ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONSCIENCE

Todays issue is to important to pass unnoticed.
As a major player in fashion you can´t just Cash In, you have to be responsible for your products.

The danish fashion-company Bestseller with the brands Vero Moda, ONLY and Jack & Jones, is being blamed by Greenpeace, for producing products containing chemicals, that can affect the health of the consumers.

Eleven out of 14 products that were investigated by Greenpeace contained NPE/Nonylphenol Ethoxylates, a chemical that tranforms into NP/Nonylphenol and can disturb the balance of hormones, not only of consumers, but also the workers and population of the countries, where the production is taking place.

The Governments in these countries has a responsibility as well, to create a safer enviroment for their workers and populations.

Even though Bestseller, H&M, Adidas, Abercrombie  Fitch etc. demand the suppliers not to use these pruducts, it is hard to control what is going on so far away.
The competition of the suppliers are strong, so they are probably using the cheapest dye and so on.
These populations also looks here and wants a higher salery. . . so the question is, if Bestseller and other fashion-companies can demand them to stop, without paying more for their products.

I think this gives even more reason for the companies to move back the production. . . as I wrote in this previous post.
It will be much easier for the fashion-companies in terms of communication, production-control and logistic. On top, it would create more jobs here.

In return the governments should make it more attractive for the Companies to stay by giving them better conditions.

Do YOU really care or you just want cheap clothes?

WEARABILITY

  Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton Spring 2013

Have you ever wondered why you rarely see anyone in the clothes from the big fashion-houses Ready-to-wear collections.

After taking a look at the latest collections at style.com, I have been thinking about today's fashion and have noticed the big contradiction between the showpieces and what people actually wear.
When you look at how people dress in the streets on a daily basis, it is very basic, more practical and loose fitted outfits than on the catwalks.

That's because the big fashion-houses mainly are using their Haute Couture Collections to brand their name and get some attention from the media, to sell perfumes and accessories.

But, the collections were nevertheless quite inspiring. My friend, Rikke and I were amazed to see that our approach were quite similar to what is going on. I especially liked Gucci.

The High Street Brands gets inspiration from these shows to do more affordable clothes for the mass-marked.

But we are going to challenge that, to make affordable and wearable quality design, to keep and wear more than one season! Couldn´t that be nice?

Photos from V magazine.com and Madame.lefigaro.fr

GENERATING IDEAS

Have you ever wondered how and where creative people get their ideas from?

For me it works like this. . . the starting point of an idea is often inspirations from impressions or a dream, a wish or simply a need to change or make something better.

-And when I first get started, the ideas come floating, one after the other. It´s a process that gets started. I have posted about related issues, like creating and inspirations before. Check it out in my Labels.

A model posing, a style, cut, colours and textures are some of the things that inspires me. Here Balenciaga Now and Then.

In general, creative people are probably more sensitive or aware of what is going on. . . and try to make sense out of it by being creative.

We are maybe more open to impression/inspirations of all kind and have this urge to express ourselves by interpretations and put our version out there. Do you agree ?