The beauty of the moment

Article Excerpt:
What is Fine Art?
It is art that is created for purely aesthetic expression, communication, or contemplation. It is art that is created for its own aesthetic purpose rather than for a practical, utility purpose. It is a type of art primarily created for the purpose of providing beauty and enjoyment rather than for commercial use. It is often intended to be uplifting, thought-provoking, and life-enhancing.

Fine art doesn’t have to follow the rules—it just has to be enjoyed by its viewers. It doesn’t necessarily need to be judged by the theories of art. Furthermore, not everyone will enjoy every piece of fine art. Indeed, many contemporary artists create works that may be considered terrible as far as the rules of art are concerned; and yet, these same works receive rave reviews by the so-called art critics. Fine art may even include works that are disturbing to look at. However, the success in these pieces is in the emotional response they evoke from the viewer.

My personal preference is in artwork that is pleasing to look upon. A drawing, a painting, or a photograph does not necessarily need to be a window to a moment in time. On the contrary, I believe it should reflect the emotions, feelings, and beauty of that moment in time…
~Stephen G. Beck from his article What Is Fine Art Photography?