Category: Modern

It is a man’s world. Most of the words from this music are powerful, except toward the end of the second verse.  The sentence is “…you know that man makes money to buy from other men.”  That line seems week, a stronger cover  line heard was “.. we all know that man makes war to fight with other man.”  That line is from a live recording and exceptional sung by a black woman, but the artist is unknown.  Even Tom Jones version of this music uses the more powerful line, “..you know that man makes money to buy the other man.”  Just changing that one word greatly improves the impact of this music and yet it’s a solid piece of music with a strong message, that is memorable and maybe ever lasting.  The hope was to fine one version song by James Brown where that line was changed, but no; so it stands as is.

The notes were all drawn in and than a day later it was realized that they where just too big.  So that work was wiped away and just over 100mm circles where drawn in.  Than the next day they still appeared large, for a 24 inch canvas, so the idea of drawing a burnt sienna ring fixed the big issue, and enhanced the look and flow of the notes.

The sketching in of the beams and the stems felt like there was an effort to imitate the Cubist style going on here.  Not sure, maybe what is being drawn are efforts from a tired artist trying to make some progress to not do what has already been done.  Some of these lines do work, and a lot will depend on which objects remain lines and which are filled in.

When this post is published it will be the 182, with the last comment over a year old.  It is understood, by the Artist, that this blog is more of a  way to maintain a personal history than a method to help break through into the Art World.  It is understood that it is important to put the work out there and see what sticks, so that is way the posts will keep coming, no matter.

One other thought is about how the music is chosen to be painted.  Most of the time it is rather random, with the decision to paint fitting the mood of the Artist.  Sometimes, it is felt only the greatest of the great music should be subject matter, but that seems restrictive and difficult to decide. Like Van Gogh  who made boring landscrapes look interesting  and expensive on canvas, so every note from a huge variety of music will eventually find its way to one of these artworks, if time permits.

Scott Von Holzen

Man’s world 24inches by 6 feet:

Worked late into the night, well after midnight, on Friday and then spent the weekend with my Brother Roger, Myke, and family.  There was actually a small amount of talk about this art throughout these last two days, and that is appreciated.  Interestingly, for this artist, every Christmas Uncle Walt receives a Christmas card, signed and numbered, with a canvas print of that years Christmas painting.  His wife told me that she keeps them all and plans on framing them.  It is nice that they are kept.

Hopefully, those Christmas cards, sent only to those who have every purchased an artwork, and close family and a few friends, will be rare in numbers to bring value to themselves and to those smart collectors that have held on to them.  That is part of the idea, with the other to show the continuous thanks to those that have made a difference in this artist’s life, which includes those strangers that have purchased a work here and there.  It does happen, with two last year. Not ready for prime time, but primed and ready to go.

Man’s world, is less fearful.  Starting this works was scary for a few days.   Now, it appears that this canvas is spreading it wings, with a nudge. The background is not finished, but this is being posted to show the return of confidence that a long night can accomplish.

Thanks for your support

Taking another look  at Man’s World, and have decided the background is good to go.  The time just feels right to put down some music.   It is, all about the music.

Scott Von Holzen

It’s a man’s world 24 inches by 6 feet.  Above is last nights effort, and just below is the nights before, which is frightening and effected that nights sleep. By the end of that night, something had to be done to change the direction of this canvas, and that it did.

Last night there was a refocus and movement forward.

This music speaks about the relationship between a man and a woman, and what was started last night is an effort to combine feminine colors with masculine.   That will hopefully continue tonight.  But last night and this night, this artist is tired from another busy week at work, kissing peoples asses. And the weekend is shot with visiting relatives. So it goes. Then there will be a few days after with marginal focus and drive, and then finally, finally the insight will return.  It is scary being away from your art.   It is the art that holds the dream together.  All else can fail, and it will in time, but the pursuit of the art keeps the beat strong, gives purpose,  meaning, and for now keeps failure away from the door.

Just before starting Man’s World it was hoped that this work would be able to close the door on the Birthday painting. The realization tonight, is that door no longer exists, and so there is nothing to close. The feeling is just move on, and see, see, see the way through this work onto the next,  then the next, next effort to witness the surprises that will all surely present.

That is how you sharpen the focus, chase the dream, and shun failure.

Scott Von Holzen