While I am working on your painting..........
I recall an attitude which gives me further appreciation for Claude Buck. He had only the best of wishes and best intentions for his students. Their paintings being a success or their being a success themselves was foremost in his mind. "While I am working on your painting, it is my painting!" This statement by Claude meant that he was always going to do his best on the painting in front of him. It didn't matter whose painting that it was---yours or his.
After teaching for over 40 years I can unequivocally make the same statement. "I will do my first best to have your painting be successful."
Very recently, on a First Thursday art tour, my wife and I were privileged to view the work of one of my favorite students...Emily McBride. Not only is she beautiful as the above photo clearly shows, she is beautiful on the inside. And she is totally committed to doing great art work! Her oceans are immense in size and powerful in scope. She knows the ocean. She incorporates her feelings for the sea and an appreciation for the dynamic California skies into one great expression. One of my other favorite students, JO JO Steele dominated the recent Santa Barbara Art Association Show. She submitted three paintings, hoping for one to be selected.....they chose all three and one was awarded a ribbon.
Claude Buck who was taught in an era where the teachers were very secretive about their palette of colors and techniques, openly defied that tradition by putting all of his formulas and color notes on the back of paintings for all to see!
If you have a method and want to save it for yourself, fine! Just don't teach the painting in a class or workshop and keep secrets on the project you are purporting to teach.
Everyone has a right to express this choice land in the manner that they wish. But, if you are going to teach, please consider the Claude Buck attitude of doing your best regardless whose painting it is.
posted by Buck Paulson @ 12:35 PM
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