The Power of Honesty in Art: The Truth Is In The Brushwork!
Detail- Emerald Woodland, Arcadia Garden June 1st “ Acrylic and oil on canvas by Jane Hindmarch . Painting of plant life showing detailed brushwork
Honesty Is What It’s About!
I wanted to share with you some reflections about the theme of honesty in art and in particular how I try to find truth in my mark making and brushwork. Artists have many choices and we all have our personal preferences, Here’s how I see it!
I try to work from direct experience rather than photos, this allows me to be more authentic to the experience of the moment. I look and feel with all my senses, not just my eyes! Sound, temperature, light, weather, even the mood of the day is all wrapped up in the marks that are made. That immediacy and unfiltered connection is where it begins.
My brushstrokes tend to be deliberately unsophisticated and simple. Every mark I make comes directly from my emotional response to the subject. Rather than creating an illusion or a photographic style of representation, the paint carries a human response and makes feelings and thoughts a reality. The paint also has its own sensual properties which need to be released and allowed to shine. I like paint to look like paint!
Detail “Autumn at Arcadia Garden” Pastel on paper by Jane Hindmarch
Painting Without Pretence
I draw on location and the marks I make in the process are valuable. When it comes to painting, I translate them as authentically as directly as I can. Sometimes the brushwork seems almost clumsy but I actually prefer this awkward beauty! Rather than technical perfection I aim to remain truthful, direct and authentic.
When I have the chance to study paintings by recognised masters from the past and present for example Sargent, Van Gogh, Canaletto, Hockney I notice the simple truths in their work, their personality shines through in the shorthand of brushstrokes. In the rough and unrefined details you can find that very personal connection to another mind!
Detail from “Foxglove Seed Heads , October, Arcadia Garden” WIP. Acrylic and oil on canvas by Jane Hindmarch
Learning from Artists Past and Present
Both the past and present show that artists who pursued their own truth are often faced rejection and ridicule before being celebrated, if at all! Think of Van Gogh , Monet or Picasso, amongst many others, who in their time were dismissed and rejected by parties of the established art world but later recognised for their honesty and courage.
Artists like these are mentors to us all. They remind us that art and life isn’t about popularity and success; it’s about moral integrity and the pursuit of truth, and these are values that form the foundations of justice and society itself.
Detail from “Liquidambar, Arcadia Garden” pastel on paper by Jane Hindmarch
Truth in a World of “Fake”
Today, truth feels more complicated than ever. Between biased media, manipulated imagery, and AI-generated deep fakes, we’re constantly challenged to question what’s real and what is not and also assess the grey areas in between. Its a confusing world to live in!
That’s why art matters. Artists lay themselves bare to criticism, creating from a place of vulnerability and sincerity. This is not done because they believe they are better than anyone else or for fame or fortune, but in the hope that their work will resonate with others honestly and directly and their truth will be recognised and shared through connection.
Detail of “Emerald Woodland June 1st Arcadia Garden” Acrylic and oil on canvas by Jane Hindmarch
The Value of Simplicity and Sincerity
In my own creative process, I focus on recording my own experience, valuing simplicity and honesty over embellishment or refinement, I try to make a direct connection. Please let me know what you think!
If you’d like to explore more of my paintings and sculptures that reflect these ideas, please visit my collections HERE!
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