Chapter 1

What Is Fine Art

A general art dictionary definition of "fine art" reads

like this:

Fine Art - An art form created primarily as an

aesthetic expression to be enjoyed for its own sake. The

viewer must be prepared to search for the intent of the artist

as the all-important first step toward communication and

active participation.

Let me say after growing up around fine art and eight

years as a gallery owner, I still have a hard time

understanding what this means!

A warmer definition of fine art comes from Fredrick

Hart, a notably famous American sculptor who once said,

"Art must be something which ennobles the soul,

something which makes a person strive to be better

than they are."

This I've always understood.

I believe fine art is something which touches your

soul and flames your personal desire for the better. There

are several media used to display fine art, but nothing can

define fine art clearer than the experience, which the art

itself inspires within you.

At the end of the day, fine art, like all art, is seen

through bias perception and filters of personal preference.

You cannot look to anyone outside of yourself to give

you your personal definition of fine art.