Art, what's it good for?

Every human being, at some point in their lives, has the urge to create something. A child given paints will start painting and not give any consideration to the level of skill shown. They will proudly put it on the wall for everyone's consideration. When does this boldness go away? I suppose it's when others start to take a look and ask, "What's that supposed to be?" Most of these budding artists put their brushes away and move on to "better" things never to return. Art, the desire to present a personal, unique view is a most human desire. That view could be brought to life using words, paint, musical notes, or stone. But some view of the world has to be presented. Whether or not that view is received correctly is another question. I believe Picasso said that someone was trying to achieve with their art, their intention, was more important than what they were actually able to achieve. Thus the distain for Norman Rockwell and the adoration of Edward Hopper. Although perhaps Hopper himself didn't fully understand what he was trying to capture, but we can see there was something there that went beyond the play of light and colors. 

I picked up my brushes again a couple of months ago looking for something to say. I started with the below.

Bowlerama (12 x 18 inches) completed June 2018:

Goodwill (24 x 36 inches) completed August 2018: 

I am not sure what I was reaching for with these. I took the photos the paintings are based upon and each of them stood out as being special. Bowlerama is in Killeen, Texas and the Goodwill is in Tucson, Arizona. I used to walk by the Bowlerama on the way to Killen High School so I have probably been by it a 1,000 times, but that was 40 years ago. I have only seen the Goodwill once during a recent trip to Tucson with my wife. My wife used to shop there when she lived in Tucson. I don't have a connection to it, but it struck me as a unique building and view.

I think I will save an explanation of the idea I am pursuing for my next post.