48 Artists Magazine May 2019
Francis Bacon (1909–1992) for his
“high-energy styling,” pointing out
that, “his sense of scale, paint form
and color are highly developed. The
subject matter is engaging.”... ON VIEWER
ENGAGEMENT
Being engaging as an artist is some-
thing that Katz sees as a basic
requirement for an artwork. He likens
it to having good social manners. “If
you talk to someone at a party, you
should be engaging. You should have
something interesting to say,” he says.
“Bad manners is when you sulk in a
corner. Good manners in painting
means to be always interesting and
never coarse.”
Among painters who have good
manners, Katz cites Andy Warhol
(1928–1987). “There’s no stress on
painting values so it doesn’t get in
the way of decoration,” he writes. Of
painters who have bad manners, Katz
cites Max Beckmann (1884–1950)when he painted his triptychs. “He’s
carrying on a conversation with him-
self,” says Katz. “It’s really stuff for
the psychiatrist. The heaviness of the
contents aren’t worthy of the talent.”
On the other hand, Katz greatly
admires Beckmann’s portraits.
“Everything is perfect in his Self-
Portrait in Tuxedo” (page 47),
writes Katz. It’s an unforgettable
masterpiece.”
Katz’s ability to identify both the
good and the not-so-good features of
various artists’ work is one of the most
endearing things about his book. He
admires Mark Rothko (1903–1970)
but finds the work a little “pompous.”
He appreciates the extraordinary
achievements of Bernini (1598–1680)
but remarks that, “the theatrical
rhetoric makes it slightly empty.”
“No painter does everything tops,”
says Katz. “They all have holes, the
things that they can’t do and won’t
do. On the other hand, if an artist
will stretch out a little bit, it canCape Cod Evening
by Edward Hopper
1939; oil on canvas,
30x40
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART,
WASHINGTON, D.C., JOHN
HAY WHITNEY COLLECTION
ACCESSION NO. 1982.76.6;
OPEN ACCESSNefertiti
by Thutmose
1340 B.C.; limestone,
gypsum, crystal and
wax; 19¾ H
TKACHUK/SHUTTERSTOCK