09/05/2021
The Same, Yet Different
Revised 9/4/2021
Pamela Carvajal Drapala
Different artists painted George Washington's portrait at various times in history. I viewed painted images of the famous U.S. President to find that his portrait was painted in different styles. It surprised me not to see that an artist would paint the U.S. President precisely the same. Wrong!
Artists viewed his image, studied it, then painted what they saw with their own eyes. A painter is not considered a camera.
When two of the completed paintings are placed together, the artworks looked entirely different. Isn't it remarkable the gift that we have been given as artists?
None of our works seem the same!
Isn't it remarkable the gift that we have been given as artists? None of our works seem the same!
After contemplating a bit, I realized that not everyone paints the same image of someone or something. I learned that everyone sees things differently, that artists use all different types of canvasses (wood, cloth, metal), paints and brushes, palette knives, and varnishes. All artists' styles of paintings are different because they are individuals; some are as different as different can be. The painters bring with them their point of view, years of their experience, and their bias.
That doesn't mean that one portrait style is good, better, or best; it just means that everyone brings their painting style with them. One cannot expect a person's paintings to be portrayed in the same way as another. That is why life as a painter is so exciting. We see variety in all things that are created.
God created hummingbirds, for example. Did you know that there are 300 species of that one bird? Hmm, it is difficult for my brain to digest that information. Yet, when you look at the hummingbirds individually, you will find that some of their beaks are longer, some birds have bright colors, while others do not. You will find that some of them are larger than others. Some have long tails, and others have short ones. Some of their beaks are curved, while others are not. They vary, yet, they are all hummingbirds.
When I see a version of a painting of a well-known person, such as Frida Kahlo, I know that her portrayal is how the artist interpreted Frida's image, being, and aura. I appreciate all paintings of Frida because I know in my heart that the painter was giving part of their being when they painted her. Also, I know that Frida portrays strength, love, and endurance. These are qualities that are respected and sought after.
If you ever get a chance, go on the Internet and see all the different Frida Kahlo images posted there. You will know that they are all the same, yet different.
Also, take a look at Van Gogh, Dali, O'Keeffe's masterpieces. Their paintings are unique, and their style is their signature.
"Everyone is unique and different.
That is the way it is meant to be!
Pamela Carvajal Drapala"
