A few years ago I painted an elephant for my wife, Sawsan. It's her favourite painting. It forced me out of my comfort zone to paint in that style and I've wanted to return to it ever since... plans for finishing a teaching degree, relocation to another country, selling house, moving around, and finally settling … Continue reading A New Project – Sawsan’s Elephants
An Obsession to Fill – Deconstructing Picasso’s Guernica
I feel that I became interested in Picasso's Guernica way before my time living in Spain. However, that might be where my obsession with it began, as I spent nearly every other Sunday in the special gallery for this painting at Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia. I believe it was there in 1996 … Continue reading An Obsession to Fill – Deconstructing Picasso’s Guernica
No Regrets – Stepping Forward on Blank Canvas
Yesterday, I posted about the bittersweet nature of this past year. I had intended to talk about letting go of old work I don't like anymore and using those canvases to try something new. The idea came from an Instagram post reminding me that my undo-redo shortcut (Ctrl-Z), in regard to my painting is my … Continue reading No Regrets – Stepping Forward on Blank Canvas
Coltrane – Inspired by Basquiat
Oil Pastels on black construction paper; H-45cm x W-30cm I had a day in my curriculum that needed to be filled... it didn't want to start a new. lesson unit (project) right before the holidays, so I decided to have some fun and do some material exploration work while introducing an artist's work I absolutely … Continue reading Coltrane – Inspired by Basquiat
Raffi – Inspired by Basquiat
Dry (Soft) Pastels on thin drawing paper; H-45cm x W-30cm I had a day in my curriculum that needed to be filled... it didn't want to start a new. lesson unit (project) right before the holidays, so I decided to have some fun and do some material exploration work while introducing an artist's work I … Continue reading Raffi – Inspired by Basquiat
Clyde – Inspired by Basquiat
Dry (Soft) Pastels on thin drawing paper; H-45cm x W-30cm I had a day in my curriculum that needed to be filled... it didn't want to start a new. lesson unit (project) right before the holidays, so I decided to have some fun and do some material exploration work while introducing an artist's work I … Continue reading Clyde – Inspired by Basquiat
How has cultural appropriation impacted art movements and how can we remain inspired by others without appropriating their cultures – An ‘Isms’ Overview
Cultural appropriation in art has been a controversial issue for many years, as it involves taking elements of a culture without proper understanding or respect for its significance. Art movements, in particular, have been impacted by cultural appropriation, as artists have sometimes used cultural elements of other communities without proper acknowledgement or permission. One way … Continue reading How has cultural appropriation impacted art movements and how can we remain inspired by others without appropriating their cultures – An ‘Isms’ Overview
How and where does identity influence art movements – An ‘Isms’ Overview
Identity can play a significant role in the emergence and evolution of art movements. Artists' identities, which include their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, and socioeconomic background, can shape their perspectives, experiences, and artistic expressions. These factors can influence the themes, techniques, and styles of their artworks, as well as their interactions with … Continue reading How and where does identity influence art movements – An ‘Isms’ Overview
How and where did culture influence art movements – An ‘Isms’ Overview
Culture has played a significant role in shaping art movements throughout history. Art movements reflect the values, beliefs, and attitudes of the society in which they emerged, and they are often influenced by the social, political, economic, and intellectual developments of the time. One example of culture influencing art movements is the Renaissance, which was … Continue reading How and where did culture influence art movements – An ‘Isms’ Overview
How and where did technology impact art movements – An ‘Isms’ Overview
The use of technology in art has been present for centuries, with examples such as Leonardo da Vinci's mechanical inventions or the camera obscura used by Vermeer to create his paintings. However, the emergence of technology as a central theme in contemporary art began in the mid-twentieth century. One of the earliest technology art movements … Continue reading How and where did technology impact art movements – An ‘Isms’ Overview
The New Renaissance Mindset 