Reading: Debora Silverman, “Art Nouveau, Art of Darkness: African Lineages of Belgian Modernism, Part 1”, West 86th: A Journal of Decorative Arts, Design History & Material Culture, Vol. 18, No. 2 (Fall-Winter 2011): 139- 181. In Pursuit of The Irresistible Topos In pursuit of a national art identity, or “gesamtkunstwerk” (143), King Leopold II facilitated … Continue reading A Reading Reflection – In Pursuit of The Irresistible Topos
La Belle Iseult vs. Woodpecker Tapestry
William Morris, founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood interpreted Medievalism in his work as an aesthetic devotion to the cultural expressions of that period. Influenced by the ideals of Ruskin and Marx, Morris saw Socialism as a path to counteract the ugliness of industrialized production, an ideology to promote the Arts and Crafts aesthetic of … Continue reading La Belle Iseult vs. Woodpecker Tapestry
A Visual Reflection on: The Hayloft by Rosa Brett
The Autobiography Of A Painting There is far less information written about Rosa Brett than other members of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. According to Nunn (1984, 633), it was the intention of the artist to be an outsider of this group. Starting with the use of the masculine pseudonym, Rosarius, to her aversion of socializing with … Continue reading A Visual Reflection on: The Hayloft by Rosa Brett
Defining beneficial inconsistencies in pursuit of art for the masses
The history and legacy of the New Deal arts program is intertwined with the Mexican muralist movement. Its role in the evolution of public art helped define the Americana voice and opened the possibility for an ever-evolving American art scene. The practice of painting murals was present in the USA before FDRs New Deal. The … Continue reading Defining beneficial inconsistencies in pursuit of art for the masses
A little good news — this one’s for all us art nerds
http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/adopt-notre-dame-gargoyle/ In the Many parts of North America, the public can adopt a piece of the highways to contribute to public funds (and get tax breaks). For years now, my family has been adopting (fostering by donation) animals as gifts to our children. My wife now does this for an elephant and two chimpanzees. I'm … Continue reading A little good news — this one’s for all us art nerds
A little good news — Art is all around us!!!
http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/twig-saints-chris-kenny-twig-art/ The world is full of art! This artist really found that inner child we so often deny and delivered a world so full of joy and wonder, that I want to run out to the forest and explore! It reminded me of the random rock and branch sculptures I would make during walks in … Continue reading A little good news — Art is all around us!!!
A little good news… about environmentally cool art
This is cool Dir several reasons... one, the possibility of experimenting with a different paint colour on canvases, and there's more! The possibilities for architecture that contributes to the reduction of global warming!!! http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/purdue-university-indiana-whitest-paint-for-buildings/ Ok, maybe it's the art and science geek in me, but this is really, really cool!!! (The pun might be intended😏)
A little good news… about art!!!
For art nerds and artists alike we sometimes struggle with the reasons we paint what we paint... well, it can have something to do with where we are painting... at least it appears that way for Vincent Van Gogh... http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/van-gogh-painted-his-last-masterpiece-here-discovery/
The Bathers – Momentary Creative Block Caused by Distractions
I've been wrapping up academic papers and struggling to stay motivated to do them. Usually, painting is my distraction from the papers, but these particular art history essays are really not too interesting to me. I added a few little touches to the painting since the last update... mainly shadows. I feel what's left is … Continue reading The Bathers – Momentary Creative Block Caused by Distractions
Does Approaching an Abstract Require Emotional Nakedness?
For those who don't know, one of my recent art practices has been to keep a small canvas hanging near whatever I'm painting and to apply any extra paint onto it from my pallet... I became disgusted with how much paint I was wasting. Because I've been having so much fun doing faces, that is … Continue reading Does Approaching an Abstract Require Emotional Nakedness?
The New Renaissance Mindset 