This article is by Keith Bond, Regular contributing writer for FineArtViews.  You should submit an article and share your views as a guest author by clicking here.

Today, I need your help. I need your input. 

Before we get into that, let me begin with a short exchange I had several years ago. In a social setting I happened to meet a fellow artist. He was working on a PhD in Art History at the time. 

During our brief exchange, he asked what kind of art I did. I began to answer, "Representational landscape oil painti?.". At that point, he cut me off and said, "We won't get along, then!" 

His work was abstract. 

In actuality, we did get along. We weren't the best of pals, but we did have somewhat of a friendship. We had a mutual respect. During the 2 or 3 years that we lived in the same area, we would visit together on occasion. We agreed in some areas and disagreed in others. I quite enjoyed our conversations.

I don't know how unique it was that we got along. The stereotype would indicate that it was unique. There is a perception that abstract artists and representational artists cannot get along. There is likely some amount of truth to that. Philosophies are usually quite different. Artists tend to have very strong, impassioned feelings about art. It would be easy for arguments to ensue. I remember some heated debates in some of my college art classes. 

To debate is healthy, in my opinion. I think it is good to hear another point of view. But it doesn't need to be heated. It can be civil. Let's begin a conversation about it.

This is where I need your help.  Please share your thoughts by commenting on the following questions:

1.    What type of artist are you (representational or abstract)?

2.    Do you appreciate the other?

3.    Why? Why not?

I only ask that this conversation remain civil. Please no bashing or name calling or belittling. I know that this has the potential to become heated, but please, be mature and respectful in your comments. I hope we will treat others with respect. You have your opinion. Let others have and share theirs.

Yes, I realize that I may be opening a can of worms, but there is a purpose for this. I have a theory that I hope to address in a follow up post. I will summarize your responses along with my theory next time. I am certain that we will have some interesting perspectives. It may be eye opening for some. Don't try to write what you think I want to hear. Write your true feelings and opinions. Be honest. 

This will only work if you participate. The more artists who comment, the better the conversation will be. 

I have one following request from you. Forward this on to other artists and encourage them to comment. I especially hope that we get a fairly even distribution of representational and abstract artist.

Best Wishes,

Keith Bond

PS I realize that I am lumping numerous styles and genres into only 2 camps. There are many art styles that bridge abstract and representational art. There are others that don't fit within either category. Perhaps the question should be between traditional and non-traditional. If you wish, feel free to use this perspective.

Don't forget to have others you know add a comment.