"I think most paintings are a record of the decisions that the artist made. I just perhaps make them a little clearer than some people have"

Chuck Close, the prominent American painter and photographer, is credited with this insightful statement that supplies a look into his artistic approach. At first look, the quote highlights an essential fact about the nature of painting and art more broadly: that art work serve as tangible records of the myriad decisions made by the artist throughout the innovative process. This declaration invites us to reassess how we view and translate art, highlighting the precision, intentionality, and reflective nature of artistic creation.

In saying, "I believe most paintings are a record of the choices that the artist made", Close highlights the extensive deliberation involved in art-making. Each brushstroke, color option, and compositional component in a painting is a product of a conscious decision by the artist. From picking a subject to choosing materials and techniques, the artist's choices culminate in the final work. Even aspects that might appear spontaneous or incidental-- like drips or spots-- show options, whether purposeful or instinctive, that contribute to the total story or aesthetic.

Close's assertion that he "simply perhaps make [s] them a little clearer than some people have" speaks to his specific technique to art. Known for his large-scale, grid-based pictures, Close's systematic and precise technique foregrounds the decision-making procedure itself. In his work, the clarity with which one can trace the specific choices-- the strokes, the grid, the color worths-- mirrors the clearness with which Close takes a look at and deconstructs his subject. This transparency in technique enables viewers to view the painting's building and construction, engaging with it not just as a finished product but as an unfolding series of choices.

Eventually, Close's quote challenges us to appreciate art as a vibrant procedure instead of a static object. It invites audiences to look beyond the surface area and consider the thoughtful and intentional journey of creation, boosting our understanding of both the art work and the artist's vision.