When I talk with people who look at my work and I discuss my process and elements I use to create my work, many shake their heads in agreement. But I wonder how much of what I say is understood. When talking about art making, it is necessary to mention certain terms such as Value, Cool and Warm, Transparency, Temperature, Form, Balance, Scale and so much more. Too much to list here. Many understand the particular word yet I am not sure they comprehend as far as making art is concerned.
Artists are using these "buzz" words more and more. Viewers are getting used to reading and hearing these words. When talking to people, or young inexperienced artists for that matter, they usually come back with comments like-
"Value? Oh sure I know about value" or "Golden ratio? yeah thats that measuring thing. Right?" Even worse "Of course. I know about mixing color"
In truth, they only know the phrase but nothing about how it's applied in artwork. Many art principles I mentioned i.e. value, ratios, color, are used improperly in much of the work I see.
Artists tell me they know all about these techniques and methods. Yet, their work show no signs of applying these ideas.
So, what's going on? Many read or hear someone mention these phrases and assume they understand the description that person gave. This is a problem. Unfortunately it is also evident in the work of art majors, and newly accredited art college graduates.
I look at work from painters with degress and don't see evidence of techniques and methods for creating stimulating art that connects with many people. They show passing understanding of the art process. They are encouraged, even coerced, to ignore established art principles or risk a failing grade.
I talk constantly about art history and training. Those learning today know all the buzz words but very little of how to apply them. If they know, they exhibit an unwillingness to use them. This is directly the fault of art colleges and gallery owners who push 'modern' art onto students and the public alike with lengthy descriptions attached to explain the art work. When did great art need explaining?
There is an insidious trend in art education that maintains what has come before inhibits learning. They have turned away from the past and many of the things we have learned as old fashioned. Out of date. Not usable in making art today. They have turned their backs on processes developed since the Rennaisance.
Talk to a art student. They seem to know. Look at their work. There is such a lack of understanding of art principles its scandalous. Not to mention a huge waist of money on education. Add to which the saleries of their teachers who are not teaching anything a student can use in their future career. If they manage to have one.  If you think this is just me being spitful or vindictive or catty, allow me a minute to use an illustration. This is a true event that happened to me.
A person, not too long ago asked me to teach him oil painting. He said he had painted before. I didnt know anything of his experience or training at the outset.  The first class I had with him, I set up a still life and asked him to paint it so I could see where we needed to work. Long story short. He could not draw the items onto the canvas convincingly. He also didn't know how to scale them or place them in perspective. He knew absolutely nothing about how to mix the colors of the objects.
Turns out he was a past graduate, with an MFA to his name, from a prestigious school in California ( which I can't name) Where was his training? What did he do for four years in art school? What did they teach him?
He told me later they didnt teach these principals. He was expected to express himself. Whatever he felt, was what he painted. That was it. He was told to paint 'what he felt'. Whatever he created was art; and enough to get an MFA degree.
All this has caused me great worry. Also to say less to people when they use buzz words they may have heard from someone or read in an art book. Once in awhile someone describes to ME these ideas and I know they know something about art making. But this does not happen often.
If you hear these buzz words, look them up. Find out what they mean and how they apply to art. It will go a long way in your appreciating and understanding of art. There are reasons great art affects you when you look at it. Find out why.
Your life will be transformed when talking to your next artist who will give you a knowing smile.