JUDE HARZER FINE ART

When we least expect it, life sets us a challenge to test our courage and willingness to change; at such a moment, there is no point in pretending that nothing has happened or in saying that we are not ready. The challenge will not wait. Life does not look back. A week is more than enough time for us to decide whether or not to accept our destiny.”~ Paul Coelho

A young and vital child knows no limit to his own will, and it is the only reality to him. It is not that he wants at the outset to fight other wills, but that they simply do not exist for him. Like the artist, he goes forth to the work of creation, gloriously alone.
Jane Harrison

Jude Harzer Artist/Art Educator

Jude Harzer Artist/Art Educator
My art is a reflection of my effort to recognize and embrace the beauty in the world around me, even when it seems most difficult to find. Contact me at judiharz@aol.com or visit my website at http://www.judeharzerfineart.com

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http://www.judeharzerfineart.com

"Most of us have two lives- the life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands resistance."Steven Pressfield

"The greatest freedoms are freedom from regret, freedom from fear, freedom from anxiety, and freedom from sorrow."
Thich Nhat Hanh

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

A Passion for Portraiture

Why does one create art? For an "artist" there is no option. It is a need. I recently heard artist Alice Aycock speak. She said that if she stopped making art, she would die. I believe her.
From where does an artist find inspiration? That is unique to each artist but I do believe that the greatest art is influenced by great pain, great sorrow, great loss, great gain , great beauty and of course great love.
Being in New York has reinforced my passion for figurative work. When I see the faces of children and women in particular, I see art. The diversity of beautiful faces that I have observed during these past 5 weeks, has prompted me to carefully consider the art of portrait painting in a historical context.
I am amazed by the vast number of portait painters that have devoted their careers to the challenge of capturing the warmth and "life" of human flesh and beauty, but how few created images that were memorable or unique.
Although many of you have seen this video, I remain fascinated and captivated by the skill and passion that was present in creating these images. Witness a glimpse of 500 years of female portrait painting in this video composed by Philip Scott Johnson.
When I return home to NJ, I will mindfully paint a portrait for, what I believe will be, the very first time. There is no option. It is a need.

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Jude, Art and Inspiration