CHRISTOPHER P. SLOAN – ARTIST – CONCEPTUAL REALISM IN OILS

Conceptual Realism

Christopher P. Sloan

CHRISTOPHER P. SLOAN

Renaissance meets Dali

When asked to describe my artwork I use the term conceptual realism. It is conceptual because there is always an idea behind the image. It is realism because my style tends to be more realistic than not. This approach, both conceptual and real, naturally leads to tension. That tension is what a friend once referred to as a “Renaissance meets Dali” quality.

Galleries

The painter has the Universe in his mind and hands.—Leonardo da Vinci

If you’re interested in my art, please check out the galleries on this website. Everything you see is for sale as originals or as prints.

ART FOR OUR SAKE

Blog

We’ve all heard the expression, “art for art’s sake.” Conceived in the 19th century, this has become the prevailing view of the role of art in society. This blog challenges that idea. Artists are great communicators. Why not use our communication skills for a purpose, especially in a world that needs so much help? We should shift our focus from art for art’s sake and start creating art that serves to improve the human condition. For me, this means creating art that helps orient us—humanity—in the direction of reason and progress. It Is Time for “Art for Our Sake.”

For more on this theme, please see my blog, It Is time for Art for Our Sake, below.

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It Is Time for “Art for Our Sake”—Part One

Have you ever visited an art museum or gallery and found yourself wondering what you are looking at? Have you thought that perhaps some art has lost its way? Then you might want to read on. One of the reasons you are reacting to the art in this way is that you live in an art world that celebrates the notion of “art for art’s sake.” At first, this sounds great. We all want creative freedom. But the reason you do not appreciate the art might be because “art for art’s sake” has evolved into “anything is art.” Art can be more than that. History shows that art can have

<img width="800" height="552" src="https://christopherpsloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Transverse-Line-by-Wassily-Kandinsky-1923-Public-domain-copy.png" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" srcset="https://christopherpsloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Transverse-Line-by-Wassily-Kandinsky-1923-Public-domain-copy.png 850w, https://christopherpsloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Transverse-Line-by-Wassily-Kandinsky-1923-Public-domain-copy-600x414.png 600w, https://christopherpsloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Transverse-Line-by-Wassily-Kandinsky-1923-Public-domain-copy-300x207.png 300w, https://christopherpsloan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Transverse-Line-by-Wassily-Kandinsky-1923-Public-domain-copy-768x530.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" />

It Is Time for “Art for Our Sake”—Part One

Have you ever visited an art museum or gallery and found yourself wondering what you are looking at? Have you thought that perhaps some art has lost its way? Then you might want to read on. One of the reasons you are reacting to the art in this way is that you live in an art world that celebrates the notion of “art for art’s sake.” At first, this sounds great. We all want creative freedom. But the reason you do not appreciate the art might be because “art for art’s sake” has evolved into “anything is art.” Art can be more than that. History shows that art can have

It Is Time for “Art for Our Sake”—Part Two

The art world paradigm of art for art’s sake was inseparable from the birth of modern art. Purpose and narrative in art gave way to

From My Library: An Amazing Book on Color and Light for Artists

From My Library An Amazing Book on Color and Light for Artists Color and Light: A Guide for the Realist Painter by James Gurney As

From My Library: Books about Seeing that Every Artist Should Have

Visual Thinking for Design by Colin WareInformation Visualization-Perception for Design by Colin Ware How many times have you struggled with a visual problem that seemed

ABOUT THE ARTIST

I am still learning.—Francisco Goya

I am a big fan of Renaissance art and artists. Part of my interest comes from the way art of this period was layered with meaning, like poetry. The other part comes from my respect for the artists who were experimenting with a variety of techniques and technologies as a way to deliver their poetic messages more effectively. Like many of them, I enjoy incorporating proportion, perspectives, and layers of meaning in my art.

GIFT SHOP

ART-THEMED GIFTS

Ten percent of the purchase price of gift shop times will be donated to Conservation International and the National Center for Science Education. Note that original artwork and prints may be purchased in the galleries.

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