Inspiration versus copying has come up a bit lately. We have been having some great discussions in 3rd grade about the difference between copying something and being inspired by something. We are doing Romare Bearden collages (I stay doubled over in laughter watching the 3rd grade musician collages come to fruition). Also, I was commissioned to copy one of my own paintings (it was by the same organization that commissioned the first painting so no harm done to “one of a kind” even though the new one is double the size of the first one). See previous post. I tell you this: copying even your own artwork (while it is flattering to be asked to do so) takes so much of the raw expression out. Often in a copy not only is the visual work not truly “original” but the emotions are not original going into it. That’s not to say that I didn’t put any emotion into my copy of my painting… it was there but I did have to find it. Could one that is copying a painting that is not their own put that raw emotion and expression in it? This is a good one to ponder as I am inclined to say “no” yet can think of exceptions…
A few years ago I met my family in Aspen for a few great days of skiing. While at dinner one night I looked across the room and saw a Clifford Bailey painting. Or did I? I have long admired Clifford Bailey and on my own time have read about his past and his inspirations / experiences that have shaped him as an artist. But… when I approached the painting on the wall it was signed “WHITE.” What? That got me looking further into it and doing some research. The painting that I was looking at was a Todd White painting. Being a bit of an art nerd I immediately emailed both Clifford Bailey and Todd White asking them about the undeniable similarities in their work. Deep down I knew. I heard back from one artist and was blown away at the sincerity of this artist and blown away that the artist took the time to go to my website and look at my own little body of work.
I've long been a fan of Clifford Bailey's and own three of his originals. I was in Carmel, California when a friend of mine pointed through a gallery window to a wall of White's and commented how similar they are to the Bailey's I have on my wall. Unfortunately, the gallery was closed and I couldn't ask for more information on White. I've met Clifford a number of times and have wanted to ask the same question, but always felt it imprudent to ask during one of his shows.
The two are the same age and perhaps have traveled the same circles drawing inspiration from each other or perhaps they both drew inspiration from somebody else. I'm curious to know what your investigation has found and look forward to reading more.
Hello John and others that have said something in email to me or in person about their opinions on the matter… thanks for taking the time to read!
Clifford Bailey is the artist that emailed me back. I was amazed at his sincerity and willingness to talk about the subject. I never heard back from Todd or his team. Clifford seems to have a true passion for the musicians and jazz that he became known for. He spent time with these people. He painted at the clubs. He lived in the scenes that he painted. I truly am amazed by his work and I definitely was inspired by Clifford for a painting that I did many years ago for the Glover Park Concert Series here in Marietta, Ga. After conversing with Clifford in a few emails I cannot express my admiration enough. He did respectfully say that he was aware of a few copy cats out there. And he has met Todd.
At the time (a few years ago) when I originally researched Todd I seemed to find quite a bit of a celebrity image of the artist. It's not right or wrong; it's just an image that is portrayed of a person at will. I understand his background in cartoons but could not find anything on why he paints the subjects that he does. Or when he spent time with those people or in those scenes (not that it's a requirement to paint a subject at all). I looked quite a bit. It seems that he has branched out a bit since he established himself on the art scene.
I respectfully recognize my opinion as what it is: an opinion. I just like the thinking aspect of it. And I think that the style that these two share is such a unique style that it is truly unique to one. That is my thought; not a fact. I just like to investigate.
*I do not assume that my opinion on the matter is fact. 🙂
I happen to know Clifford from high school, not well, too but well enough to have seen his art work from time to time. I have personally seen it progress on websites and through mutual friends throughout the years. I can tell you with absolute certainty that Clifford created this style and that Todd White copied it. I had the same reaction as Claire, approaching a Clifford Bailey painting only to be surprised when I saw the signature. After some research I learned that apparently in earlier years Todd White had contacted him a lot with questions and comments, as he was learning to duplicate Clifford’s style. Supposedly Clifford (as a true artist) answered his questions but was a little 'weirded out' at the infatuation to copy his style. For what it’s worth.
~Mark.
I'm not well versed on Clifford Bailey's artwork. I was given a painting of his "What say you now" I believe it to be acrylic on panel. Does anyone know what it may be worth? Please let me know.
Thank you!
Jozani77@yahoo.com
Hey Mark… thank you for commenting and I agree! There is SO much feeling that comes from Clifford's work and I don't get it from Todd's work. On top of that, my email transaction from Clifford was delightful and he seems like such a genuine person to me.
Jozani… if you have an original then it most likely depends on the size and the year the painting was created. I wish that I could help you out more with the value but a Clifford original is definitely valuable in many ways!
I can also tell with ABSOLUTE CERTAINTY THAT CLIFFORD BAILEY IS NOT THE COPYCAT – the proof is out there – I have collected his work over the years and consider my paintings proof that HE is the ORIGINAL of this remarkably beautiful style of painting – HE’S THE REAL DEAL
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I have known Clifford Bailey since he was in high school, friends with my sister. We kept in touch and when he painted at Tu Tu Tango in Coconut Grove, FL during the following years, until he moved to Georgia and later, California. He is the real deal. He was painting these musicians before Todd White, who is a good imitator but not an original.
Cliff has books and books of line drawings of all types of people, musicians or otherwise. Each drawing is an inspiration, he has accumulated years of drawings and paintings and I’m not surprised by his gracious communications with you. He knows who the real deal is.