As an amature art critic and historian, I have always been drawn to the concept of Wabi-sabi. This Japanese aesthetic is based on the beauty of impermanence and imperfection, and it is an idea that I find particularly relevant when considering the work of Claude Monet. In particular, Monet's painting "Soleil Couchant sur la Seine" … Continue reading Why I feel wabi-sabi-ness in Monet’s Soleil Couchant sur la Seine
Is there wabi-sabi-ness in Monet’s Blue Water Lillies?
When we think of the French Impressionist Claude Monet, we often think of his vibrant and colorful landscapes that capture the fleeting moments of light and atmosphere. However, in his later years, Monet became increasingly interested in the subtle and muted beauty of the natural world. One of his most iconic series from this period … Continue reading Is there wabi-sabi-ness in Monet’s Blue Water Lillies?
Arguing the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Picasso’s Pink Period Paintings
Picasso's Pink Period, which lasted from 1904 to 1906, is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the artist's career. During this time, Picasso's style underwent a dramatic shift, moving away from the dark, brooding paintings of his Blue Period and towards a brighter, more optimistic palette. The Pink Period is characterized by a distinctive … Continue reading Arguing the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Picasso’s Pink Period Paintings
Contemplating the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Picasso’s Blue Period Paintings
As an art historian, I have always been fascinated by the concept of wabi-sabi, a Japanese aesthetic that celebrates the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity. While this aesthetic is often associated with traditional Japanese art, it can also be found in the work of Western artists who were influenced by Japanese culture, such as … Continue reading Contemplating the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Picasso’s Blue Period Paintings
Reflecting on the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Picasso’s Guernica
As an art teacher and artist, I find Pablo Picasso's Guernica to be one of the most compelling and thought-provoking works of art in history. The painting depicts the horrific bombing of the town of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, and it captures the chaos, pain, and destruction of war in a way that … Continue reading Reflecting on the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Picasso’s Guernica
Considering the Wabi-Sabi-ness of The Bedroom by Van Gogh
The Bedroom is a famous painting created by Vincent van Gogh in 1888. The artwork depicts the interior of Van Gogh's own bedroom, located in the "Yellow House" in Arles, France. The painting is a study of the simple, rustic beauty of everyday life and has an undeniable wabisabiness. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic that … Continue reading Considering the Wabi-Sabi-ness of The Bedroom by Van Gogh
Considering the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers
Van Gogh's Sunflowers, a series of paintings created by the artist in 1888, is an iconic example of his unique artistic style. These paintings are a celebration of the beauty of nature and the everyday objects that surround us, but they are also an expression of Van Gogh's appreciation for the wabisabiness of life. Wabi-sabi … Continue reading Considering the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Van Gogh’s Sunflowers
Considering the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Van Gogh’s Starry Night
Vincent van Gogh's Starry Night is a masterpiece of Western art and one of the most iconic paintings of all time. Its unique and striking qualities have been analyzed by art historians and critics for years, with many identifying its distinct wabi-sabi aesthetic. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic concept that celebrates imperfection, impermanence, and the … Continue reading Considering the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Van Gogh’s Starry Night
Wabi-Sabi Aesthetics in Mark Rothko’s Paintings
Mark Rothko's abstract paintings have long been recognized for their simplicity, elegance, and profound emotional impact. However, Rothko's work is not often associated with the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, which emphasizes the beauty of imperfection, transience, and simplicity. In this essay, I will argue that Rothko's paintings embody the principles of wabi-sabi aesthetics and demonstrate … Continue reading Wabi-Sabi Aesthetics in Mark Rothko’s Paintings
Painting an Inspiration – T’Hed: Muckin’ it up with Acrylic Gels.
See T'Hed: Dry Pastels from previous musings... Sadly and happily, this painting is developing very slowly... I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to just paint over it and start something entirely different! It may happen anyway, once I decide this is finished. My goal on this one was to see how I … Continue reading Painting an Inspiration – T’Hed: Muckin’ it up with Acrylic Gels.
The New Renaissance Mindset 