Detail or Not

I appreciated a few hours of observation and contemplation in the Glenbow Museum’s exhibit called “Myth Making: The Art of John Brocke”. http://glenbow.org/exhibitions/john-brocke/

John invited observers to interpret the realism, personality, circumstance, mythology, and spirituality in his pieces. His canvases are expansive with meticulous detail. His depiction of blades of grass, carpet weave, upholstery, curtains, and clothes are exquisite. As a result, we expect to know the individuals in his paintings.

My writing style involves minimal detail. If a woman is going to get into some predicament; I want to get to the action without thirty pages of putting on lipstick, curling hair, matching jewelry, and adjusting bra straps. My style invites readers to put their own spin on the characters. I provide enough context to separate the wimps from the aggressors. Some writers provide atmosphere as their characters enter a room. I don’t care if a strip of sunlight points to the portrait of the villain’s grandfather.

In thinking about John Brocke’s art; I see where I could add a little detail. Mostly; the broad strokes feel natural to me.