Today I visited the Edinburgh Portrait Gallery's PB Portrait Award exhibition.
After meandering round and looking at the paintings created by talented artists, I designated myself a spot to sit in.
I spend most of my time observing the observers. With my pens and pencils I draw the people passing by, they don't tend to look at the paintings very long, but when they do I appreciate it.
An artist came over to see what we were doing and after explaining that we were from the Art College, we began to discuss the work on show. We agreed that we both preferred the more rustic portraits over the photo - realistic pieces.
I appreciate the time and the pure talent that goes into the paintings that literally look like a photograph. But it pains me to think 'what is the point anymore.' I found it ironic, watching the public take pictures of them, meanwhile they look like photos anyway. I've spoken to artists before that do this work, and they argue that it's the time and effort a photo - realistic painting takes that is the whole point. They're usually extremely personal projects.
Overall the exhibition was a breath of fresh air and easy viewing.
