Ernst Haeckel’s Art Forms in Nature (original German title: Kunstformen der Natur, first published between 1899 and 1904) stands at a fascinating crossroads of science, art, and philosophy. Though often referenced primarily for its breathtaking lithographs of organisms—radiolarians, diatoms, jellyfish, and countless other invertebrates—Haeckel’s work extends far beyond mere naturalistic illustration. He fashioned a visual and intellectual manifesto … Continue reading The Adaptable Educator’s Book Review – Art Forms in Nature by Ernst Haeckel
The Adaptable Educator’s Book Reviews – The Art of Urban Sketching: Drawing On Location Around The World by Gabriel Campanario
Gabriel Campanario’s The Art of Urban Sketching: Drawing On Location Around the World is an illuminating anthology that transcends the boundaries of art instruction and morphs into a cultural journey. This book is not merely a technical guide to the practice of urban sketching but a vibrant tapestry of global perspectives, woven together through the intimate immediacy … Continue reading The Adaptable Educator’s Book Reviews – The Art of Urban Sketching: Drawing On Location Around The World by Gabriel Campanario
A New Project – Abstract, Cubism, Neo-Expressionism, or something more?
If you've read the last two posts, you know I've decided to do multiple works at the same time, in order to slow down my process and to incorporate more reflection into it. I hope that working in multiple styles and with multiple techniques / materials I will also stave off those moments of self-doubt … Continue reading A New Project – Abstract, Cubism, Neo-Expressionism, or something more?
A New Project – Sawsan’s Elephants
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
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
Jubilation – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
It's amazing to me how often I forget to what extent I love drawing expressive faces and just how much it scares me to start new ones at the same time. Ahhh, that imposter syndrome is deeply ingrained in me! I started this with the blue background and red-orange hair. On a side note, I'm … Continue reading Jubilation – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
Colourful Pastures – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
I started worrying about the3 angles and perspectives of this odd bull-cow thing, then let that go when I knew it was going. to be about rendering a fun Southwest colour palette. here are not really the traditional oranges, reds, yellows and browns I associate with Southwest art, but the warmth of my pastel crayons … Continue reading Colourful Pastures – Sheet-music Scribbles 2023
The New Renaissance Mindset 