Ten Bull-It Points to Remember

1. You don't have to be very smart to make a lot of money at representational oil painting--I did it! 

2.  It helps to be smart at handling the money you make at oil painting--I wasn't!
3.  It is far easier to talk about oil painting than to actually paint--I promise!
4.  The collective IQ of representational oil painters today is lower than it was 125 years ago--the artistic brains in the culture have opted for feature film creation, for TV production, and for start up ventures--why not!
5. Oil painting workshops, art magazines, how-to art books, art videos, art conferences, art shows and art competitions, don't help the purpose--what purpose?
6. Ah, the purpose--that's the rub isn't it?  The purpose is for individual human beings to create paintings that arrest the attention, that stir the soul, that point to the mystery-the paradox-the glory-the hiddeness of existence--that kindle the imagination.  Paintings that don't preach but point to something previously unseen, unheard, untouched, unheralded in our brief journey on the planet.  Paintings that shut our mouths and open our hearts and minds in ways previously unimagined.  Paintings that shift the collective perception, that make us weep, or at least take off our hats in the presence of something great even if we can't talk about greatness. Paintings that endure over time because they are--well......timeless.  Come on now!--you can add to this list--or maybe you just haven't thought about oil painting this way. 
7. Number 6 gets to the heart of the matter--half assed purpose, motive, design--call it what you want--it's missing big time.  
8. Art is in the life, not in the paint.  The paint only let's others know that you were here and tried to paint your here--ness.
9. Since none of us can do the above--let's join the art as therapy movement, paint a painting a day for 50 days, sell our daubs to the rich and stupid, and call ourselves artists--might as well--it's kinda fun. 

10.  How do ya like me now?  Who loves ya?  Don

Previously Unimagined--Grandparenting!

Me and Harold 1949

My niece , Cathy, just sent this to me.  My bro, Harold Hatfield was a star foofballer at USC.  He died a few year ago, and I miss him so.  

Back In Action--But Laughable

After listening to lengthy YouTube discourses on representational vs abstract oil painting I was moved to post--so here goes.  To begin with--WHO CARES?  Not many give a hoot in hell about the issues surrounding the differences between art movements today i.e.--abs vs figs, modernest vs traditional, abstract vs representational.   The discussion is dated, boring, and has no current application.  Most of the commentators I listened to are not intellectually qualified to run their mouths about such cultural phenomena.  Robert Hughs' treatment in "American Visions" is the best out there on the subject, but, of course,  he was not referenced in the YouTube rants.  The occurrence of mediocre representational oil painters turned experts in art history is something I am familiar since I oil paint and consider myself an art history expert.  My bona fides, however, are laughable--but I will admit it once in awhile!  Anyway, in case you are interested--I am now set up in my new studio and back on the commission trail, dammit--but my over head is now $1200.00 rather than $12,000.  I need to make enough to pay my green fees and to feed a few addictions.  I now paint in a twelve square foot upstairs bedroom in a condo in beautiful downtown Yountville, Ca.  I have a north facing window with a box fan on the sill for ventilation.  My new Mac 10.6.5 blazes and ComCast provides me with the latest from the NFL--go Pittsburgh!  My Social Security deposit is direct, the hot tub is 104 degrees, and the golf course is 500 yards away--so look out.  Now these facts are verifiable, interesting, and of cultural significance.  So, as Winslow Homer said......."stick to your easel and keep your mouth shut."  Who loves ya, Don.

Tectonic Shifts In The Art Of Western Civilization Revealed

The weak part of these quickie art lessons is the curious warning that preceeds each section.    The warning should have read--WARNING: TIRED ARTIST  BLABS OLD ART SAWS FOR MASS CONSUMPTION BEFORE FALLING ASLEEP ON CAMERA--or something of that nature.  The major element that I need to add that is critical to understanding these 5 lessons is that I have lost 35 pounds since they were produced.  The encouraging fact is that these incredible video shorts have caused an epidemic of nod-off worldwide.  I am expecting a call from the Smithsonian giving me the induction date when these lessons will be permanately archieved.  Anyway--enough intro.  It should be clear that I am honored to be included in the avalanch of art instruction that litters Youtube.  Now go drink some eggnog and take a nap.  Who loves ya?

A Gift From Elenore

I found this video accidently the other day and decided to share it on my blog.  Thanks, Elenore.

Test Video

Slow Living Radio: 11/2 - Renowned American Impressionist Don Hatfield

Slow Living Radio: 11/2 - Renowned American Impressionist Don Hatfield: "Don Hatfield - Just fast forward the slider to the midway point for the Hatfield interview."