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
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
Reflecting on the Wabi-Sabi-ness of Picasso’s Guernica
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 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 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
Working out an Inspiration – T’Hed Nine
See T'Hed Eight for previous progressions... Where am I in this one? A dark mood emerging, resolute to move forward with this project... sounds good to me. I used the slate grey paper with gouache on top... I blended the base colours with white to give them more depth and volume. I can't decide if … Continue reading Working out an Inspiration – T’Hed Nine
A Creative Block Project – Day 5
I needed to do something different today or get too bored and stop this project cold. I started with the stylized flower with a black brush marker and then drew halo-lines around it with my ink brushes. I really disliked the halo and found the colours just didn't mix well that way. I let myself … Continue reading A Creative Block Project – Day 5
Isolation Landscape – Repainted on Commission – Of Course! It’s Yellow!
Yesterday we discussed the crossroads one might face when painting... initial colours don't always work best for the composition, for the expression. I had in mind that there was a need for yellow and that need was expressed clearly by my nephew Mat, for whom I'm painting this. I also mentioned that I was still … Continue reading Isolation Landscape – Repainted on Commission – Of Course! It’s Yellow!
The New Renaissance Mindset 