Bad Art

[bewitched]

Most of the "art" is found in trash bins, The Salvation Army, etc. and/or "donated" by the artist. When the artist (or former owner of the piece) is known, they seem to be amused and pleased. (One piece, Mary Todd Lincoln was donated by the artist after the friend to whom it was originally gifted returned the painting. Upon hearing of MOBA and its resolve to provide a home for spectacular and unwanted pieces of art, he was thrilled. "I love it, I would never hang it on my wall, and it seems I can't give it away. Then I heard about MOBA and I rejoiced that there is a place where my painting will be seen and celebrated.")

For instance, this piece, "Lucy in the Fields with Flowers", was seen by the subject's grand-daughter. She told the story of how the portrait came to be commenting:

Ms. Lawlor told us of the day that the painting arrived wrapped in paper. Everyone gathered around to watch as the paper was torn off, the thirteen year old Susan bit her lip to keep from gasping.

It was a wonderfully accurate likeness of her grandmother's face in an oddly postured and formed body against a bizarre, surreal background.

The site is generally not mean spirited and is devoted to finding the fun in bad art everywhere. Personally, I think I'd be highly amused if I found one of my paintings in its "collection".




On a separate note, I agree with GD. Get some paint brushes and just paint. Who cares if it sucks if you enjoy doing it? On the other hand, you might find out you're really talented. You just might not want to leave your masterpieces in trash bins around Boston.