Thoughts On Fine Art

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Being fortunate enough to be mentored by Gene Mako (b. 1916), whose father Bartholomew Mako (1890 - 1970), was a consummate 19th century artist, I was afforded an education that is very difficult to find in academia today. Hence, I have tried to apply these principles of 19th century art to all my work. Principles such as (to name a few) "soft edge," off center composition, tonality, striving for a "life like" quality of light, use of color, portraying depth of the scene and solidity of figures have been my constant companions while working. .
I have been further instructed by studying the work of many 19th century "master" painters such as Henri Fantin-Latour, Frederic Church, William Merritt Chase, John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, Theodore Robinson, Frank W. Benson, Willard Metcalf, J. Alden Weir and many others. Plus, the 19th century French, English and other European "impressionists" have been invaluable as examples of painters whose output and accomplishments embody the tenets of "fine art." I welcome any discussion on thses subjects.