Charlie Bynar - Artist

1.

Work diligently at understanding the medium. To suggest mastering the medium would imply that one's education can be completed, which is simply not the case.

2.

Completion of a work of art is never the goal, but rather to do it well. However, one must always finish what one starts or else he will not learn from those set of problems and their solutions.

3.

One must have discipline, or self control to work with order and efficiency, determination, or the quality of being resolute to overcome the immense difficulties that will surely come and patience so that one can endure the difficulties with a sense of trust that the work of art will define itself.

4.

If you are unable to fall within the guide lines due to physical, emotional or mental state take a break and do what is necessary to correct ones state of being so that you do not work against your self. If you remain working, you will likely make mistake that will largely be unforgiving, being that is the nature of watercolors.

5.

You can be your own best teacher if you are also your own best critic. In this way you must learn from your mistakes, and you must also always praise your achievements.

6.

A work of art is largely put together by a lot of hard work with a bit of inspiration and talent tossed in for good measure, however without that small percent of inspiration and talent all the hard work may simply result in unfruitful labor.

7.

A masterpiece exceeds all expectations.

8.

If a work of art does not communicate a message, feeling, or story, it is simply a work of craftsmanship; but if it does reveal a message, feeling, or story, then it should be considered a work of fine art. This does not speak of quality; both can be exceptional or poor. Then we must consider value, a exceptional work of craftsmanship certainly can have more value than a poor work of art, but an exceptional work of art, if judged by history, can be priceless.

9.

Neither medium nor painter should dominate each other; they must work as mutual allies. If the medium dominates, that the painter is lacking in skill and will be unable to achieve his goals. If the painting dominates, the composition and technique of the painting is likely to stiff and non-fluid.

10.

Have a good sense of self, much of the difficulties of painting are utilizing your own potential. You must not only understand the medium, but you must also understand yourself. In order to work through ones weaknesses and to also enhance ones attributes one must be aware of them and work accordingly. This can be the most difficult challenge.

11.

Know what you want to achieve from a work of art before starting it. The journey is difficult enough; it need not be hindered with the lack of direction.

12.

Do not be hindered, find what it takes to achieve your goal.

13.

Be original by being yourself. Often instructors and institutions teach their student to replicate their technique and style rather than to help them develop their own. Some of the mechanics of painting can be taught, but only the individual can exploit his own originality.

14.

Getting started is often the most difficult step, but there is no need to be intimidated by a blank sheet of paper. It will only remain in power as long as you are afraid of it.

15.

If an artist works from personal experiences the outcome of the work will be more certain. If an artist works on the outside of his expertise the outcome of the work is likely to fail.

16.

To use white paint is to acknowledge your mistakes. The whole surface of the paper starts out white and so all that should remain are the hues and the darker tones. This way, each stroke of paint narrows the possibilities of the painting until only one story remains. I think of watercolors as a process of elimination due to its character of being largely unforgiving.

17.

Mistakes only remain mistakes if you do not right them.

18.

In order for you do your best work, you must, at some time during each work of art, love ever inch of it.