Making And Matching

A fascinating concept in the creation of visual images—whether in painting, photography, or color grading—is the idea of “Making and Matching,” as first explained by the influential art historian E.H. Gombrich.

Making

The first effort in an artist’s creative process is “Making.” This begins with internal schemas—the mental templates that have formed in the artist’s mind over time. These schemas are shaped by the artist’s life experiences, cultural background, and the artistic traditions they are familiar with. For example, the way you saw a sunrise as a child might influence how you depict the warmth and tonal value of the sky in your work. When an artist starts creating, they rely on these schemas to “make” an image. This is the initial stage where ideas are translated onto the canvas, screen, or other mediums.

Matching

After the “Making” comes the “Matching.” This phase involves comparing the created image with the real world or a visual reference. The artist critically assesses their work, looking for discrepancies between their internal vision and the actual appearance of the subject. This process of refinement is continuous—a balancing act between the internal world of the artist and the external reality. There’s an ebb and flow between what the artist envisions and what is observed, a loop that can theoretically continue indefinitely. However, from personal experience, there comes a point where the work just feels right. Like churning butter, some things can be overdone.

The Ultimate Artistic Challenge

The Making and Matching process represents the ultimate challenge for an artist. It’s the struggle to harmonize the artist’s internal visions with the world we live in. When these two elements are balanced perfectly, they result in the most powerful artistic expression.