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.
Painting out an Inspiration – T’Hed: dry pastels
See T'Hed: Pencil outline for previous reflections... I was really uncertain of the colour pallet I wanted to land on and felt the need to play with options and finishes at the same time. I really just wanted a glimpse of what colour might do. I've been experimenting with dry and oil pastels throughout the … Continue reading Painting out an Inspiration – T’Hed: dry pastels
Painting out an Inspiration – T’Hed: Pencil outline
This past week I decided it was time... let me rephrase that; I decided I needed to start making some art and the T'Hed project needed to get started. In my mind, I'm still experimenting with materials and design, so I am allowing myself to to take impulsive risks and then change them as I … Continue reading Painting out an Inspiration – T’Hed: Pencil outline
Study of Deibenkorn Reading The Paper – Discovering a New Balance
When you look at the last photo of this project you will see that it felt our of balance. It bothered me for days that I couldn't figure out what was off and frankly, I'm still not sure. I felt I needed to bring the striations of horizontal colours more inline with each other. Part … Continue reading Study of Deibenkorn Reading The Paper – Discovering a New Balance
Bad Birds Eight – Time To Move On
My Decision was made; I would leave the job early and get the weight of my To Do lists off my head; I would start preparing for my new school year of teaching and other adventures; I would move on. The bird figure is weary with the weight of decisions and tasks to yet complete, … Continue reading Bad Birds Eight – Time To Move On
The New Renaissance Mindset 