Is Representational Art Dead?

There's Gold In Alder Gulch by Richard Edde

I divide paintings into two broad categories, representational and abstract. Representational art is anything that you know what it is when you look at it, i.e. mountains, rivers, building, etc. Abstract art, well, is anything else.

While I was at my latest art showing I noticed that 90% of the art was of the abstract variety. Very few paintings were of a more realistic nature like landscapes, portraits and the like. One artist had a painting of a cat whose head was square; you could hardly recognize the fact that it was, indeed, a cat.

Now I am not decrying the artist's work. If someone wants to paint a picture of a cat that looks like it came from Three Mile Island that's their right and they can certainly call it art.

My complaint is that it seems that art galleries are ignoring a lot of really good art by excluding serious representational artworks and by placing abstract works exclusively in their shows. I contend that most people, when it comes to buying a painting with their hard-earned cash, want something they can relate to. Something beautiful to hang on their wall at home. Representational art can give the owner an escape, a place to go, however briefly, for respite. I believe that this type of art can give its owner a sense of beauty and peace that abstract art cannot.

So gallery owners out there listen up! Try and find more of a balance in what you show. Give the representational artists in your area a chance to show their work. I'll just bet that your sales will improve if you do.

Just paint it!