Category: thoughts about art

art, Abstract Expressionism, thoughts about art, Molly Larson Cook paintings

I’ll Paint It First and Then I’ll Tell You What It Is

In architecture, the prospect-refuge theory is based on a simple idea — that people like to be able to see without being seen. This comes in part through the work of ethologist Konrad Lorenz who studied animals, including humans, and their behavior. I think it applies as well to certain other aspects of life, including art and most especially visiting art galleries, museums and even … Continue reading I’ll Paint It First and Then I’ll Tell You What It Is

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Abstract Expressionism, art, Molly Larson Cook paintings, thoughts about art

Art, Stuffed Shirts, Bossy People and Doing It Right

Sometimes a person has to backtrack a bit to go forward again. Over the past few weeks I’ve had a feeling of having lost my way with the paintings. Not that I didn’t like the work I was doing, but it didn’t feel as if it were part of anything. It felt random and uncentered. The nature of this painting and the title for it … Continue reading Art, Stuffed Shirts, Bossy People and Doing It Right

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art, mixed-media, Molly Larson Cook paintings, painting, thoughts about art

When your horse dies…

Writing and art and every other creative endeavor have a lot in common. The processes, though different on the surface, go like this: Idea. First try – oh, nuts, that’s not right. Second try – uhm, closer but still not what I want.Third try – is this thing ever going to look/sound/work right? And then two possibilities. Either it does very soon look/sound/work right or … Continue reading When your horse dies…

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Abstract Expressionism, art, mixed-media, Molly Larson Cook paintings, thoughts about art

Art, Artificial Intelligence and Etch-a-Sketch

The hottest topic in the American art world today, even hotter than inflation and the 2024 election, is AI. Artificial intelligence. It’s important to remember that the A stands for “artificial.” This computer/robot/even a 4-year-old can do that convergence may be stealing from real artists, but AI remains artificial as does the art it “creates.” Reading a story about the so-called painting that won a … Continue reading Art, Artificial Intelligence and Etch-a-Sketch

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Abstract Expressionism, art, mixed-media, Molly Larson Cook paintings, painting, thoughts about art

Art, Poetry and Finding One’s Posse

Another Maine poem, another new painting. Whither this project? Well, the project has been on hold for the past few weeks thanks to the holidays and a frigid weather spell that kept me out of the studio. There were also a fair number of other distractions large and small about work, weather, and the future of art and creativity in the days of AI and … Continue reading Art, Poetry and Finding One’s Posse

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Abstract Expressionism, art, mixed-media, Molly Larson Cook paintings, painting, thoughts about art

From Point A to Point B or Someplace in that Neck of the Woods

People ask, “What’s your painting about? How did you do it?” Every artist, writer or other creative person knows these questions. Inquiring minds want to know. The answer is usually some kind of song and dance about the creative process, choosing the right paints (paper, tap shoes, guitar strings), the muse, inspiration, one thing and another. I was advised early on that it would not … Continue reading From Point A to Point B or Someplace in that Neck of the Woods

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Abstract Expressionism, art, mixed-media, thoughts about art

To See with the Human Heart

In the bleak early winter – apologies to Christina Rossetti – my November studio has become more than chilly. At some moments, it’s downright bleak. I’m taken back to January art school days in Maine where we worked on our projects in an unheated building, thanks to a power failure. Classes were not cancelled. The show went on, but the faculty took pity and brought … Continue reading To See with the Human Heart

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Abstract Expressionism, art, mixed-media, Molly Larson Cook paintings, painting, thoughts about art

From Jazz to Fragonard

I am happily back at work in the studio. An auto mechanic is happy working in the garage, a carpenter in the woodshop, a gardener in the garden, and an artist desires more than anything to be in the studio. Over the last few months, many ideas about the painting have bounced around in my head while I was busy with other tasks, including preparations … Continue reading From Jazz to Fragonard

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Abstract Expressionism, art, Molly Larson Cook paintings, painting, thoughts about art

Chardin, DALL-E and the Art of Emotion

“Who told you that one paints with colours? One makes use of colours, but one paints with emotions.” — Jean-Baptiste Simeon Chardin I have been asking myself what an artist like Chardin would have to say about art created by emotionless artificial intelligence. I believe Chardin and I would agree, and that does not mean I’m saying I know it all, just that in our … Continue reading Chardin, DALL-E and the Art of Emotion

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