Distinguishing Greatness: The Key Differences Between Great and Good Artists

To understand the distinction between a great artist and a good artist, we must first define "great art." This will then guide us in determining the characteristics of a "great artist."

Good art is successful, meaning that the artist has chosen one of several possible approaches to create a piece of art that works well. With multiple paths to achieve a "good" outcome, the artistic journey may vary, leading to different results.

In contrast, great art possesses a sense of inevitability. Every aspect of a great work of art is precisely as it should be. If any element were to be changed, the piece would no longer be considered great. This level of perfection implies that the artist has taken the only possible path to create the masterpiece, arriving at a unique endpoint.

There are other attributes of great art, but for now, let's consider two related definitions of a "great artist":

1. A great artist is an individual who has created at least one great work of art.
2. A great artist consistently produces great works, never settling for anything less. Their standards are so high that they either create exceptional art every time or discard anything that falls short.

In practice, we often judge artists by their greatest work and overlook their lesser pieces, attributing them to the artist's developmental process.

Here are some indicators of a great artist, which also shed light on the qualities of great art:

1. Inevitability: Every element of the work is exactly as it should be, with any hypothetical change diminishing its greatness.
2. Impeccability: The work is flawless or, if there is a deliberate flaw, it is integral to the piece. The artist strives for the highest standards and discards any work that does not meet them.
3. Mastery: Great artists have complete command over their medium, displaying technical prowess that others cannot replicate.
4. Clarity of Purpose and Vision: The artist achieves their intended goal or perishes in the attempt.
5. Awe-inspiring: Both the finished work and the artist's creative process evoke inspiration and awe.

In conclusion, the differences between great and good artists lie in the qualities of their work and their consistency in producing exceptional art. Great artists create pieces with a sense of inevitability and mastery, demonstrating a clear purpose and vision in their work. Moreover, their art leaves a lasting impact, inspiring awe and admiration. While good artists can produce successful pieces, great artists consistently transcend expectations, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and inspiring future generations.