Seeing Feelings

In the comments with the most recent snow photos, Babs (visit her at Off The Wall Art: http://www.wilsonart-babs.blogspot.com/ ) said, "I can feel that air." But she was looking at photographs! She could feel the message of the image. I thought that was telling. As artists, we all understand just what she meant and try to convey that in our work every time we are in the studio.

Now, click on that link to Bab's blog! Go on...there are lovely things to see there! But on or near the top she has posted a painting of two cats, "Callie and Frankie", she painted for her late mother. To me, that painting feels like love, and Babs says it makes her feel happy. We are both seeing the feelings, but they are different. Clearly it all depends on the viewer's frame of reference as to the feelings they see in individual works! What you might paint in anger may feel like excitement to someone else....think reds with touches of black!

Now, seeing feelings in the familiar is easier for many viewers than seeing feelings in non-realistic art. Consider this painting:

Well, really it is a corner of a painting. But what does this feel like to you? I feel scared. Maybe that is because I was sticking my neck out when I did this. But I am guessing "scared" wasn't the first thing which came to your mind. If I show you the whole thing...

...do you get a different feeling? I feel icy.

With yesterday's post posing the issue of your emotions when you create, I thought this one would be a positive follow up. Maybe my interest in this subject is connected to my interest in the psychology of environments. But Bab's comment got me going with this and I think it is something I will be exploring from time to time. The psychology of art. I would love to hear your comments on this subject. So what feelings do you see common in your own creative works?