How to choose a painting - what questions do I ask?

Now that you’re well on your way to finding an artist whose work you like, you need to enter into a meaningful dialogue with them so you can find out more about their work. So today I’ll look at some key questions to get the ball rolling.

There are two settings where you’ll be able to meet the artist face to face: at an exhibition of the artist’s work when they are present; and in their studio. Whatever the setting, the key questions will be the same and will be about the work or about personal details. Approach the artist using the painting you selected and like (using the eight questions to help you identify this) and begin your meaningful dialogue to get more information about it from the person who created it.

Here are some key questions to help you to do this:
1. This painting evokes (name the feeling) in me. Is this the feeling you had in mind when you painted it?
2. Is there a story behind this painting?
3. Where did the idea for this painting come from?
4. How did you choose the colours for this painting?
5. How long did the painting take?

Keep in mind that each question will open an opportunity to ask more questions, and the reply may well warrant a different question. You may have better questions and you may want to pass them on to me.

You may also want personal details, such as:
1. When did you graduate from art school?
2. How long have you been painting?
3. Has your painting style changed over the years?
4. What is your preferred medium?

Try to follow the ‘thread’ between questions and answers. You have a distinctive advantage; any artist loves the opportunity to talk about their work. The important thing, from your point of view, is that you’re gathering information and I’m hoping you’re enjoying the process along the way.

Next time I will talk about what is meant by a ‘preferred medium’ used in painting.

Until then, warm regards, 

Marie

PS: When you have met an artist in this way, please let me know which questions you felt were most helpful in engaging them in dialogue.