Art is inseparable from the influence of those who came before us. From music to film to visual arts, each new creation is some sort of iteration of a menagerie of past works and ideas. To be clear, this is a good thing. A natural thing. It’s one of the greatest beauties of being human: that we have an impact on each other, and that these impacts reverberate across time, distance and culture. We’re not talking about merely copying another’s work, but rather, distilling the ways in which these artists have captivated us, and then adding our own unique flavor to what I’m coining the metaphorical “creative cauldron.” Each and every artist’s contribution adds something of value to the human experience. We’re all writing our own little personal chapters here and there, and I think that is an encouraging thought.  

In this latest issue you hold in your hands are two features that approach this idea in two different ways. In Irish landscape artist Kevin Lowery’s article, he takes us through his travels across the Glenlough valley on the West coast of Donegal, Ireland, capturing the same scenes as American artist Rockwell Kent back in the 20th century. This is followed by a feature by Nancy Guzik that breaks down the techniques of her late husband, the great Richard Schmid, in a technical-focused piece that blends educational elements with heartfelt musings on Schmid’s influence on hundreds of artists across his lifetime. 

So, let’s all take a moment now to reflect on the artists who have inspired us—whether living or deceased, known across the world or known only to a few—and send our gratitude their way. Who knows, you may be that very person for somebody else.

I hope you enjoy this October/November issue!

Warmly,
Alyssa M. Tidwell
Editor
atidwell@internationalartist.com