There's that word again. It is used around here almost as much as the excellent button. Here are few places where I think masterpieces live: http://www.ultrafractal.com/showcase.html http://www.parkenet.org/jp/galleries.html Rick has built many masterpieces. Here's my favorite: http://www.renderosity.com/viewed.ez?galleryid=571375&Start=1&Artist=Rykk&ByArtist=Yes But, I think that word is wasted on many images, and not just his. Any thoughts? Keith

I think any term can be overused, but I tend to think of a masterpiece in the Renderosity sense of the word as being the best work I, personally, have ever seen that artist produce. I know that's not the traditional meaning of the word, which is, of course, the work of a master craftsman. I try not to use "masterpiece" but when I read it here, I think "the best work in your collection."

It can mean either...An outstanding work of art or craft, or an artist's greatest work. If you look at it from the latter viewpoint then just about everyone has created a masterpiece...I tend to look at it from the former viewpoint. Of course i'm naturally cynical and think 'masterpiece' is just another superlative used by cliquers in their endless self-promotion campaign :O) Personally, I hope it carry's on because it's always good for a laugh. Matt.

I agree with all that, but would also add that it is a work of art that is so well crafted, that it is highly unlikely that it can ever be equaled. Mona Lisa, Michaelangelo's David, and pieces like that. Stands the test of time and is loved by every generation. Of course, fractals are kinda new as far as art goes, but I would like to think that in a hundred years from now there will be fractal pieces that will be in the Louvre. Think about that before you laugh. Jeff

Gee, sounds like someone has a bad case of the bah-humbugs! Think of the term masterpiece as an emotional response.that something in a particular piece strikes a viewer on a level that sings for them. You may not see it, I may not see it, but the person who made the comment saw something very special for them. Art is like that. Whether its poetry, music or the visual arts, it speaks to each of us differently. Think of it as philosophy through art. You may not agree with my beliefs or viewpoint, but that in no way diminishes their importance for me. If you think about it, any time someone pushes outside of themselves to explore through an artistic mediumthen have the courage to present that exploration of self to the public for comment, they have produced a masterpiece. It means they want to learn and grow, and maybe try something more. I cant fault anyone for that.I applaud them! either that, or we're all crazy and in desperate need of center stage. winks Miriah

Miriah, Thanks for that perspective. Yep, I have been a little ornery latetly. I'll lighten up a little. But I have seen the comments improve, and not just on my images, so I do think that there is some value to my whining for all of us. I am just trying to keep some light on it. I really am a nicer guy than I must look right now... I think... Maybe... I don't know... I could just be ornery all the time... Keith Keith

Keith, perhaps you should not go to far in your "Terms Of Speech". Since adjectives like "amazing", "gorgeous", "fascinating", "OMG", and so on are the first used in comments one has to find new terms. And I agree with QuietRiot - you never know what moves other people. For me the term "masterpiece" is only a relative term: it changes with time, with one's own personal development (as an artist and as a viewer of art), with the images surrounding a certain "masterpiece" in the gallery here.

Well, I've never produced a masterpiece. I've written a few songs that helped pay off my truck, but I'm not enough of an idiot to quit my day job. LOL Actually, I think the push and prod factor is needed here. There is nothing worse than gushing comments when what you really crave is constructive critique. Having said that, I know that I'm not qualified to give that kind of comment for any work I see. I do know when something draws me in, and when something leaves me wondering what all the excitement is about. Doesn't politeness play a factor here? (when making comments) This would be a dull, dull place without you Keith. You're that lonely voice that maybe we all wish we could bring forth. I'm not crazy...my straight jacket laces are just too tight I just like to try and see things from the opposite point of view even if it's not my own. Miriah

While I agree that different people are moved by different things and one person's trash can be someone else's masterpiece, I also think someone's comments lose impact if they use overblown praise on everything on which they comment. I also think superlatives in themselves become watered down if they're used too often, but perhaps that's just me; I've been known to be cynical ; )