February 7, 2012

Went to a lecture on Saturday. Massachusetts-based realist painter George Nick let us all have a peek into his process and art philosophy. We were at the Noyes Museum in Oceanville, NJ and I never heard anyone speak in such a matter-of-fact way about emotion. I was intrigued.

He told us to “…use the world as it is”.  He pays attention to “…what the world is really giving me.” He seems clear on what the world is giving him, though I suspect that many of us have less surety. Must work on that.

Mr. Nick expressed that painters are makers and that painting is about color. Quite professorially he stated “Don’t be afraid of putting down the wrong color.” He’s not, apparently, but after many decades of work (he’s very energetic at 84 and appears a good deal more youthful) I got the impression that he works rather fast.

Asked about his schedule, he responds “All I have to do is get up. I don’t need coffee…”. He’s raring to go as soon as he opens his eyes. I’m a generation younger and, as a morning slug, quite envious.

OK, my three favorite comments during the lecture:

• He points out that “Your mistakes and chance-taking feed you”.  — So true.
• When asked what books he’d recommend he wasn’t too keen. “There are no books -you have to feel it. Experiment.” And he exclaimed “Rules are superficial.” — At least where art is concerned, I agree that rules are superficial. And experimentation is definitely key – you do have to Feel the work. Although, as a firm believer in books, I think there are a few good ones out there. He has such confidence in his own work ethic but isn’t particularly attached to the work once it’s completed. For him it’s all about trying to resolve the current painting.
• The group eagerly followed him from painting to painting as he discussed aspects of selected works and at one point a number of people began to chatter among themselves. George Nick recovered our attention with “Wait a minute, you’re getting too happy”.  — Love that!

All around, it was a great way to spend an hour. Thank you, Mr. Nick, for an inspiring morning. Check out his fabulous work at the Noyes Museum, noyesmuseum.org; georgenick.com; or gallerynaga.com.