As I stand before Monet's Lilac Irises, I am struck by the subtle beauty and peacefulness that emanate from this painting. The delicate brushstrokes, the soft lilac hues, and the gentle curves of the irises all combine to create a sense of wabisabiness - an appreciation for the imperfections and transience of life. Wabi-sabi is … Continue reading Consider the wabi-sabi-ness of Monet’s Lilac Irises
Little Dog Mindset – Sheet-Music Scribbles 2023
Notice how he is creeping across the bottom of the page, eyes barely raised to engage you and say how sorry he is for invading your view of the simple and unremarkable background. His shrinking attitude screams volumes of insecurity and feels rather annoying to the viewer. Is this an intended affect? Did he hope … Continue reading Little Dog Mindset – Sheet-Music Scribbles 2023
Why I feel wabi-sabi-ness in Monet’s Soleil Couchant sur la Seine
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
A Reluctant King – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
“Heavy is the head that wears the crown.” Any person who has been in a significant leadership position knows the meaning of that statement. A slightly modified version can be found all the way back in William Shakespeare's “Henry IV” and is often used to talk about the burden and difficulties of being a leader. Here … Continue reading A Reluctant King – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
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?
Presence – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Dominating the landscape with its presence, the bird is all there is to consider in its world. The orange body stands strong against its complimentary coloured background. The eye stares straight ahead and the beak points slightly upland forward... all the confidence in the world resides in this face. Who is it trying to impress? … Continue reading Presence – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
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
You Become What You Eat: Cat-Dog – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
I drew the outline for this one along with a bunch of others and when I came back to it to add colour, I forgot if it was a cat or a dog. It sort of looks like a fat cat or fat dog, but what did it eat? That's when the title came to … Continue reading You Become What You Eat: Cat-Dog – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
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
Yellow Cat – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
We have a Persian cat named Cinnamon; she's light toffee coloured and very, very fluffy. She's actually quite tiny, but looks much larger... in a nutshell, she's mostly hair. That's what I hopped to capture here: a massive lightness! I feel the canary yellow delivered the lightness and putting it against the blue background, without … Continue reading Yellow Cat – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
The New Renaissance Mindset 