89 Artists With Enough Confidence To Make You Forget The Art Is The Problem (New Pics)

Once, I read a quote by the American artist Andy Warhol that went: “Don’t think about making art, just get it done. Let everyone else decide if it’s good or bad, whether they love it or hate it. While they are deciding, make even more art.”

Some people seem to take it quite literally. Why else would we even have this list where so-called “artists” create “masterpieces” and even try to sell them off for exorbitant prices?

It was fine for Andy Warhol to say it because he was brilliant at his job. But not everyone can create the perfect Marilyn Diptych. Unfortunately, delusional artists struggle to understand this. That’s why we will try to understand what exactly is good art.

Robert Lange is a contemporary realist painter celebrated for his vivid, imaginative oil paintings that blur the line between illusion and reality. He claims that 3 pillars contribute to a work’s power and significance. 

The first he mentions is technical proficiency and skill. He believes this allows the artist to translate their vision into a tangible form, imbuing the artwork with a sense of control and purpose. He stresses that a strong foundation is essential for any structure, and art is no different.

The artist also speaks about the composition and design of art. He believes that balance, harmony, and rhythm all play a role, drawing the viewer in and guiding their exploration of the artwork.

According to him, a well-composed piece makes us feel something as we experience art. Lastly, Robert Lange speaks about original ideas and artistic experience.

“Great art doesn't just mimic what has come before. It pushes boundaries, challenges perceptions, and offers a unique perspective on the world. An artist's distinctive voice, personal style, and vision are what make art actually good,” he adds.

Apart from these 3 important things, Alain J. Picard, an award-winning artist, instructor, author, and speaker, adds a few more points. He believes that an artist’s handling of the medium can also be quite influential.

From paint application to edge manipulation, from surface textures to how an artist makes their mark, he points out the important nuances. He also notes that a masterful artist will handle the medium with excellence, insight, and familiarity.

Another key aspect Alain Picard focuses on is an artist’s vision and the art’s resonance. 

He explains, “This is where things get personal. Great art is about revealing the world through your own eyes. Artists who can tell a story or make you feel something special with their art—they’re the ones who create something truly memorable. They’ve got a fresh point of view that helps you encounter the world in a new way.”

However, contemporary abstract portrait artist Paul Kneen offers a completely different perspective on what makes good art. He claims that it sounds like a simple question, but the more you think about it, the more complicated it becomes. 

He points out that the problem may be that we keep searching for a magic formula. A single quality that separates good art from bad art. But according to him, every explanation seems to break down under closer inspection because art may not be judged according to a single criterion.