PARA LAS ARTES

Art Insight TV.com

2009-06-24T21:20:00.008-04:00

My Art Appreciation Video Blog

Please check out ArtInsightTV.com hosted by Aladine Vargas.

I started Art Insight TV because I've grown increasingly annoyed at the lack of intelligent conversation, education and production of fine art. I wanted a place to intellectually stimulate and encourage artists. Artists that have something to say and have worked hard at developing theirs skills in order to finesse the science of Art -- to communicate their ideas.

I also created Art Insight TV because I hate when the public feels they're stupid or uninformed or feel that they're not sophisticated enough to appreciate and discern good Art. So I want to help give the public some insight into what makes artwork work. All with the hope that the art market and the appreciating public together will change the how and why Art is cared about and consumed.

Draw a Portrait using the Fibonacci Series

2008-05-06T21:34:00.002-04:00

In composing this portrait the Fibonacci number series was used. The Fibonacci series is 1,2,3,5,8,13,21 ...etc. Notice how 21 is 13 and 8 added together and 13 is 8 and 5 added together and so on. Before drawing you can take the width of the eye and use it as your basic measurement is which you will measure everything by. So for example the nose is two eye widths tall by 1 eye width wide or the distance from the right side to the left side of the nostril is 1/3 of an eye width and so on. Notice how the face, not the head, just the face which is ruffly the center of the forehead to the middle of the chin and from eye to eye is 5 eyes widths tall and 3 eyes widths wide. The 3 x 5 notional space is constructed with a Fibonacci ratio. Now the next step is placing the face in the head.

To keep the Fibonacci pattern extend the height of the grid 3 more eye widths and the width of the grid 2 more eye widths. Why 2 and 3? 2 and 3 are the units that correlate to 3 and 5 in the Fibonacci series. 1,2,3,5,8...etc. Now the grid for the notional space of the head is 5 eyes wide (face=3 eyes wide plus 2) and the height of the head is 8 eyes wide. Again this is the face's height which = 5 plus 3 more now = 8 eyes high. Later we will add 5 more eyes to the height of the head giving us 13 eyes wide and 3 to the 5 eyes of the head's width giving us 8 eyes across. In this new notional space of 8 x 13 you can design the top of the shirt and some background elements. After that the last notional area will be 13 x 21. This will be the field of the design or the canvas size.

To see other modern artists employing the Golden Section or Fibonacci schemes visit the Barnstone Studios website.

Reflection

2008-05-06T19:47:00.005-04:00

The computer was working at a snails pace. The gears were churning hard. Watching the little hour glass spin gave me flash backs to movie scenes of helicopters flying over Vietnamese swamplands. So my head heavy with impatiences fell like a dieing giraffe. And I saw myself staring back at me. It was my reflection in the glass top on the desk. Cool i thought and 40 minutes later I had two sketches. One really sucked even though there were a few nice things going on in it. And the other was pretty cool; except for the one eye that looks like it was removed by force with a .... choose the blunt object of your choice and insert it here __________. The image is of the second sketch.

The Mathematics of Beauty

2006-10-14T16:12:00.001-04:00

In 1180, an Italian mathematician named Leonardo Fibonacci discovered a strange sequence of numbers that have since attracted the attention of many perceptive observers:

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233 ... etc.

Each number is the sum of the previous two. It turns out that the ratio of any adjacent numbers approximates (1 + 5^(�))/2 = 1.618. It would be several hundred years before these sequences would be broadly recognized in nature. In floral arrangements, the lily has 3 petals; the yellow violet, 5; delphinium, 8; mayweed, 13; aster, 21; pyrethrum, 34; helenium, 55; and the Michaelmas daisy, 89 - all Fibonacci numbers!

In the study of phyllotaxis, the spiral arrangement of leaves around a plant's stem, the leaves of the elm are arranged at 1/2 circumference; the beech and hazel, 1/3; the apricot and oak, 2/5; the pear and poplar, 3/8; the almond and pussy willow, 5/13; pines, 5/21 or 13/34; etc. In a review of 434 Angiospermae and 44 Gymnospermae, they all involve Fibonacci numbers! It turns out that this maximizes their exposure to sunlight and air without shading or crowding from other leaves.

In the study of seeds, the rows of bracts on pinecones are 8 and 13; pineapples, 8, 13, and 21; etc. The optimum divergence angle of 137.5^o produces the best packing. That's why you see Fibonacci spirals in the seed heads (sunflowers, etc.) But what's really astonishing is that this peculiar sequence is far more pervasive than in just botany alone.

In art, it has long been recognized that there is a relationship known as "the Golden Rectangle". This has the peculiar property in that if you remove a square, you still retain the same "ideal" rectangle in the remainder. You find this relationship exploited in the Parthenon in Greece, the Great Pyramid in Egypt, the United Nations Building, credit cards, playing cards, postcards, light switch plates, writing pads, 3x5, 5x8 index cards, etc. In classic art, Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, Vermeer, John Singer Sargent, Monet, Whistler, Renoir, Mary Cassatt, Giotto, Durer and others relied on this "golden rectangle" in their designs.

In music, the various scales are all Fibonacci numbers: most beautiful chords found in music are the major and minor sixths.

Musicians like Bach, Beethoven, Bartok, et al., would divide musical time into periods based on the same "golden" proportions to determine the beginnings and endings of themes, moods, texture, etc.

This same "Golden Rectangle" is the basis for the "Golden Spiral," which is the only spiral that does not alter its shape as it grows. This is often noticed in the chambered nautilus, but this "Golden Spiral" also appears in hurricanes, spiral seeds, ram's horns, sea-horse tails, growing fern leaves, the DNA molecule, waves breaking on the beach, tornados, galaxies, the tail of a comet around the sun, whirlpools, seed patterns of sunflowers, daisies, and dandelions; the ears of all mammals; and, the cochlea of the human ear.

What is also surprising is that even the orbits of the planets reveal a relationship suggesting the Fibonacci numbers. Penetrate into nature wherever he [the scientist] may, thought has been there before him. Clearly, the same architect that designed the plants, designed the animals, and the universe itself! His fingerprints seem to define beauty itself. God is, indeed, a mathematician.

This article is an snippet from www.khouse.org
Also see the Golden Section Blog

From my Studio Window

2006-10-14T16:07:00.000-04:00

Other than the 8 flight walk, Myron has a sweet building for the studios. He leases two 5,000 square foot floors from an old textile warehouse. The studio's second floor, which is the fourth floor of the building, has many windows and several extremely large patio-like glass doors.

Being that high up you really get some nice views of Coplay's Pennsylvania landscape. Out of one window you see an old bridge. The angle the bridge takes in relationship to the rectangle of the window frame is quite impressive. It's calming to see how pássage dissolves the bridge behind the tree line as it directs the viewer's eye to a small town across the way.

Well from my studio window... I get a wonderful view of the Giant grocery store and its parking lot. And though that may seem facetious, it isn't. I really enjoy some of the remarkable views that are created out my window. Because the view is high above the horizon line the relationship of sky to land ratio is very different then if we were walking on the streets. So some times the sky makes some interesting gestures has it interacts with the earth below. Check out some of the pictures from my window.

New Yorking

2006-10-05T17:35:00.000-04:00

Went to New York on Saturday. The lights, the energy, the variety, the languages...so many different languages were being spoken everywhere. I wish you were there. You would have had a great time. It was awesome. After dinner at Sardi's, which you must goto one day, I went to StarBucks for a cup of hot Awake Tea of course. There I sat for a moment to enjoy the sounds, lights, people and to think about a few things.

One of the thoughts was, "Could I live in New York?" Could I handle the mental and physical aggressiveness of these people? Could I be here and not be intimidated or eaten by this Lion they call the city? Questions I asked myself years before. Then driven by fear and concern, I turned down a great job offer. But now, years later I stand before the massive feet of this great giant and I am asked once again, Who are you among us? And as I walk through the city the buildings, the traffic, the people, and the cultures all try to audit me like wolves sniffing their next meal. The city asks of me, Who are you among us? And like a Roman Gladiator I stood strong, absent of fear in my gained years, maturer and more self-aware as my mind and heart spoke harmoniously in one voice to this Colosseum of Lions , "I am King Aladine, the one who kills Lions with his pencil and brush!"

As I walked through the river of people, I had the grace and nature of a Salmon swiming up stream. The crowd's current was pushing and bumping into me. It was crazy... yet... it was alive. I felt like nobody or nothing, no matter how big or how strong could push me over. It was impossible for me to fall. The greater the pressure, the stronger my legs grow making my smile larger. It was obvious that over the last few years I was made strong. I know now it is time to build a relationship between the City of New York and Aladine.

... Since that letter was written, I have built a relationship with the City. Becoming of member of the Metropolitan Art Museum, visiting Evelyn's family and uniting with an old Turkish roommate form my University days has brought me to New York for a few days every other month. I will now need to focus on making acquaintance with the creative / design / art circles throughout New York.

Self Portrait - One

2006-09-29T15:50:00.000-04:00

I am taking a portrait class. Since I have done caricatures for years, my ability to create a serious portrait has become difficult. So I decided to enter into an intense portrait class at the Barnstone Studios. I am learning some much as well as reinforcing skills that I already have. So let me know what you think of an earlier attempt. Keep checking my blog to see my progression. At this time I am simply trying to master a simple measured drawing of my head. This will become the foundation for more expressive portraits. But to be great, I must master the basics first.

Planes of the Face

2006-09-29T14:21:00.000-04:00

I have been studying the planes that construct the structures of the face. From the boxing flesh that makes the folds of the eye to the truncated boxes that form the nose, lips, cheeks, chin and head. Really notice how light will roll over the forehead creating a value-scale of flesh. What about the eyes and how they sit in a very well defined 'flowering pot' like structure. See the following two images:

In my experience of mastering these planes my mind has been going through that phenomena where you become aware of something and you begin to see it everywhere. Like a friends new car, seem the same kind of car is suddenly everywhere you look. So it is with the planes that form the face.

Two quick examples of this craziness. The first one was the other day when I went to the movies to see the Illusionist, starring Edward Norton. (I highly recommend this movie!) On the big screen the close up shots of the heads are like 7 feet tall. So it was easy to see the lines, planes, values and textures that form the structures of the eyes; as well as other structures of the face. So this 'awareness' phenomena was quite distracting.... but very much appreciated.

The second example, came during a passionate, fresh tasting, latin kiss. As I was making love to the lips of my Evelyn, the sunlight came in like a bird and perched on her ear. The light molded the ear and revealed the planes that made her ear so. I got distracted from that kiss by the revealing of the design and form of her ear; I just busted out laughing at my foolishness. I am astonished that Beauty continues to intimately unveil her Designs to me... even through my Evelyn's little Guatemalan ear. So again... what a distraction... but very much appreciated.

Creative Catalyst Productions Inc.

2006-04-03T19:24:00.000-04:00

This website, www.ccpvideos.com, allows you to buy Art videos. Check some of these samples.

ACRYLIC PAINTING Hugh Greer
Landscape Studies in Acrylic : VIDEO SAMPLE more...

DRAWING, PASTEL & CHARCOAL Carl Dalio
Carl Dalio on Perspective: VIDEO SAMPLE more...

OIL PAINTING Craig Nelson
Quick Studies in Oil : VIDEO SAMPLE more...

WATERCOLOR Mark Mehaffey
Build Design & Color Using a Mouth Atomizer: VIDEO SAMPLE more...

COLLAGE & MIXED MEDIA Claudine Hellmuth
Collage: Textures and Techniques : VIDEO SAMPLE more...

Marjolein Bastin

2006-03-17T17:45:00.000-05:00

Marjolein is a modern Dutch illustrator. She lives is The Netherlands were she takes care of her animals, gardens and of course illustrations. I found her, due to my curiosity regarding some greeting cards and a plate my mother. When visiting my mother, I noticed these neat greeting cards. The emblem “MB” was on the back of the card. The illustration style and signature mark seemed very familiar. It took a moment. Then it hit me, The Plate!, with the little bird illustration that decorates the computer table. Sure enough, it was the same illustrator. I goggled her and found her site (www.marjoleinbastin.com). I really enjoyed art works and reading about her life’s passions. But what impressed me the most was how she entwines them both. Her passion for garden life and art makes her, in my point of view, a wonderful illustrator and an inspiring example of Art-hood

Here is one of her of her illustrated characters, Vera.

Value

2006-03-13T00:22:00.000-05:00

Wow... it has been awhile since my last blog. I have been tackling one of my weakness skills in my draftsmanship.... Value. Without a strong grasp of value an artist can’t paint. For the last 12 years I have focused my attention on developing my line. I am confident in my lines. I can make them sing, dance, direct and communicate. For the last few months I have been trying to support my lines with oil paint. My problem is that I keep "painting" and since one needs to understand value to successfully paint and value happens to be a weakness of mine... this causes my paintings to simply suck! Yeah, maybe to others the paintings are nice, good or even great. But I think what makes my paintings at this time "seem" successful is the lines, not the painting. I will continue, and I am confidence that my value awareness will become very sharp. And the marriage between my lines and value will birth the style that I long for.

DE, SI, GN, SO, LO

2006-01-08T17:59:00.000-05:00

This is something I truly believe. Maybe my Virgo nature affects my outlook and causes me to compartmentalize or organize everything. I have been given the gift to experience the reality of Design through my Art education via my lessons in the Golden Section and principles of design. I experienced Design in my faith, that though the evidences for evolution is seen all around , it still doesn't contradict my understanding of a greater intelligence that has,is and will always be fashioning the realm of awareness that our bodies are constrained to. This realm of awareness that interestingly and sometimes confusingly is made up of many "Dialectic" relationships such as intentional purpose being accomplished through evolutionary responses, peace deriving from war, and good blooming from evil...such as a future social worker who was born due to the violent rape of a young woman.

I have also come to learn from my father ... "To fail to plan, is to plan to fail." This form of design, which is to control one's life, thoughts, energies, desires, skills and contributions is beautiful. And the more power or more governance one has over one's self and ultimately over one's surroundings is not in contradiction to my faith but the purpose and fulfillment of my faith.

So this is why "ONLY DESIGN" matters. In Art a successful piece of art is created in the design decision an artist makes. Their decision on composition, the design choices made in terms of color and texture and the plans of the artist's presentation. It all comes down to design. An Artist who fails to Design, designs there own failure. The way the artist plans or designs his business, his look, his mental game, his career, his "life's works" will determine his successfulness. It all comes down to how one designs or plans. If we can not do that ... then we as artist rely on chance, wish and romantic hopes. Which we all know is not going to get us to where we want to be. And if chance does get us there we'll not truly appreciate the glory accomplished because the seed of shame and self doubt would be present. If the artist's fame come by chance and so the artist's life has to be maintained by chance and that is a sure equation for disaster. Yes it sucks... but the survival of the fitness and the most fit are the ones who recognize the level or measurement of their own power and use it to their fullness. So design! design! design! and if you don't know how to learn it.

To read more about my thoughts on designing look for "Sought, Bought and Taught - can an Artist design his future?" blog which will be posted soon.

The Vargas Seal

2006-01-08T17:57:00.000-05:00

I created a seal that represents the "Classic Spirit" inspired by Kenya Cox's essay on the Classic Spirit, Japanese red signature blocks and signature graphics or icons found in the many great American illustrators like Rockwell or mural artists like Cox.

Because of the "Classic Spirit" I wanted to created a seal that has an old world... maybe an ancient Roman feel to it. I accomplished it.

The seal has the Vargas signature inscribed into the seal. Of course this is the presents of me, but also both the presents of my ancestors and my descendant.

There is a set of numbers 09,19, 20, 76. When read as 09 20 1976, it is the day it all started, the day I was born.

At the bottom of the seal it reads "La Vida es Bella." La Vida es Bella, means "Life is Beautiful." This is a phrase I found say to remember myself of this truth. Because I do believe this to be the case. Life is so so so beautiful and we should always appreciate it.

At the top of the seal there is a banner that crosses over the extended "V" in Vargas. The intersection of the banner and the "v" is the representation of my faith. Though I don't consider myself of any religious Christian or non-christian sect within the American culture as of the year of 2006; I do though, have a very strong faith in the power of self, in the power of community and the power and spiritual efficiency of the "Christ", which in my opinion was first evident in the example and life of Jesus of Nazareth. This banner is the standard for "real living" and the inscription on it also illuminates this idea concept.

The letters "de, si, gn, so, lo" read together as "design solo" or translated as "design only."

I believe to be successful in Art, life and participating in any type of relationship that the understanding of design is key. Designing, engineering, planning a career, a family, a life and work of Art is the only way to have some higher level of insurance in its success.

Stretcher

2006-01-08T17:53:00.000-05:00

The other day I build my first stretcher for a painting I am doing for Ryan Whitaker. Ryan is a long time friend who I meet in our middle school Art room and like a lot of people he too thought I was an asshole the first time we meet. The painting will be called "The Pool Room" because it will be hanging in his pool (billiards) room and it is of a pool game in a pool room.

Anyway I built my first stretcher and stretched a canvas on it. It was a very interesting process. Being my first time... I was very nervous because the canvas was looking all wrinkly and wavy. But as I worked through it, preserved through it I figured out how to work everything together. One hand stretching the canvas the other one stapling the canvas. Doing it with a nice rhythm. I realized that it is the corners that pull it all together. The corners will determine the beauty of the canvas stretched.

I was extremely impressed, very proud and happy with the way it came out. And I realized the work that goes into a stretched canvas. It makes me want to be more of a perfectionist with my art. It drove me back to the basic of "creating a great piece of work" and encouraged the ancient attitude of patience within me. See to put all that work into the "foundation of foundations" of my painting, the canvas... it makes me not want to mess the whole piece of Art up. I simply put to much time, energy and literately sweat into the canvas preparation for me to become haphazard with the rest of the process. So I am excited to see that finished piece, but more excited to experience the process of not only creating and finishing this painting... but I look forward to "carrying" this painting through all it's stages of development.

Dialectic

2006-01-08T17:49:00.000-05:00

My mother and I were talking about art the other day. See read my blog entry on Vetteriano and the relationship of Complex Simplicity. She also read my blog on my meaning of Art, which is the mastery of Gestalt. She said that when she was in Seminary her professors would often you the word "Dialectic." I like this word.

How does this relate to Art? Studying the word "Dialectic", I found my meaning of Art...again which is the mastery of Gestalt, can correlate to this word. In the original greek is "dialektike" which means "(ART OF) philosophical discussion or discourse." So now the question is... in the visual or audio art, what are the components to be managed successfully so ART can be achieved.

Dialectic :"Dictionary" | "Etymology"

The Other Side of the Pencil

2006-01-05T15:29:00.000-05:00

A Vargas model writes a few words on Drawing from the model's perspective.

Being that this is my first time that I posed as a model, I would like to share with you some aspects of this amazing experience. The experience of being on the other side of the pencil.

It's a fascinating thought that someone with such passion, such dedication artistically speaking, is putting his/her knowledge and inspiration in to a drawing of me. It's fascinating to know that they are observing the smallest details of my figure. Details that not even I probably had ever noticed.

Also, being on the other side of the pencil, makes your spirit reach a high level of self esteem when you realize that your figure will become a valuable piece of Artwork made with such dedication, appreciation and effort by the Artist.

Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant

2006-01-05T02:06:00.000-05:00

I was leaving this gas station when I noticed the word "Aladdin" which is the English verse of Aladine. The restaurant was open since it was lunch time... so I went in. I talked to the owner's wife who was from Turkey. I order the Chicken Kebab, which was marinated chicken breast cubes, served in a pita bread with hummus, lettuce and tomatoes.

I also tried Hummus, Baba Ghannoui and Tabouleh. Check out the recipes for these dishes.
HUMMUS
Chickpeas pureed with tahini, lemon juice, garlic with touch of olive oil.
BABA GHANNOUI
Smoked eggplant pureed with tahini, lemon juice, garlic and olive oil.
TABOULEH
Mediterranean parsley salad, with cracked wheat, mint, onions, tomatoes, oil and lemon juices. Served over lettuce and pita bread.

If you are in the Reading,PA area check out "Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant" 401 Penn Ave. West Reading,PA 19611 (610) 685-6677

Evey

2006-01-05T00:51:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of Evelyn. She is a really cool girl. Wouldn't you agree that her face really magnifies Joy. I find that to be a very important and beneficial characteristics in a person. Especially in Evelyn, because her smile is refreshing to me.

What is ART?

2006-01-03T21:16:00.000-05:00

Art is the grace that is experienced and evident when an artist skillfully harmonizes all the components of the "creating" action.

In terms of the Visual Arts,....... Art is obtained when the artist's goals are achieved through the management between the principles of design, theories of color, laws of drawing and the tools and techniques of the media. Simply said: Art is the mastery of Gestalt.

Sleeping Trust

2006-01-03T21:14:00.001-05:00

A long posed model to draw is heaven. Yet for some reason my models often fall asleep during the sessions. I don't mind because it's quiet. I can focus without interruption. But my favorite reason to draw resting or sleeping models is the Trust Factor.

Several times in my life the word "Trust" has come up and has had a deep impression on me. My mother once said that she learned, by working with abused children and raising 24 foster children along with her own three, that an abused or hurt child can with ease respect a "new" parent ,maybe even love them soon after, but they have a very very hard time Trusting the "new" parent. That really opened my eyes to alot of things. One of my closest friends share a revelation on Trust with me when he made the comment that his wife and him after sex yet still "engaged" fell asleep together. He said "We were One in Body and Trust." That was powerful to me because I have often heard the statement "One in body and Mind or One in body and Spirit"; but what the heck does that mean. Yet to hear "One in Body and Trust", well to me that is clear and truthly powerful.

Often my "sleeping" models are fully or partially nude when they fall asleep. I would believe that if the models did not feel comfortable and trusts me they would have not slept (and slept naked) during my intense observations and documentation (sketching sessions). It really is a beautiful thing to have the privilege to draw "Sleeping Trust".

As I was drawing the model, these thoguhts of trust really made me think about how trust is a powerful experience and what a great great Subject to Paint. So look forward to the creation of some paintings on this subject, "Sleeping Trust." Until then, let me hear your thoughts on the "Sleeping Trust" sketches and one drawing.

If you haves links to your artwork that would relate to the subject of "Sleeping Trust" or just want to make comments on those thoughts above, please post them here as a comment. I would love to see what and how other artists created under this inspiration.

I understand that many artists are intimidated by the figure...

2006-01-03T21:14:00.000-05:00

I understand that many artists are intimidated by the figure. One reason it's hard to see the concrete human figure separate from its abstract liveliness. So it can become an undertaking to try and "SEE" the gestalt in the Human figure as a collective mass of many tiny aesthetic forms and shapes intelligently organized into one corporative entity.

I believe to capture both the abstract liveliness and spirit of the subject and to draw with aesthetic accuracy; the artist must be able to separate the figure’s physical identity form its metaphysical identity. Physical is physical and Spirit is spirit; Concrete is concrete and Abstract is abstract; and Now is now and Then is then. etc.

Once you acknowledge the differences in each component's identity then you will be able to "create" a successful relationship, experience, or moment between the two on your canvas. The art creating process can be academically aesthetic in its representation as well as artistic in its expression. Art occurs when all the separate elements sing as a chorus making One song or play together making One team. I believe if the Artist respects and acknowledges each element "separately" then each element will contribute its all to the whole artwork for the Artist.

The Art in Separation is the creation of "Oneness" by utilizing the natures, contributions and individual traits that exist in each unique element. In "life Drawing" or "Figure Drawing" academically representing the physical concrete figure and artistically expressing the abstract figure together without drowning out the one or the other will permit the artist to create the "Living Figure.”

Fem Joy

2006-01-03T21:12:00.000-05:00

This online Magazine is amazing. I was using the internet for wholesome and holy fun... okay.. I was looking for porn, but anyways... I came across this site which in my opinion is pure female grace. FemJoy.com (Pure Nude) online magazine. From an artist prespective and from an artist who loves to draw the female form, I find this site to be a great research for female nude referennce photos.

FemJoy.com is amazing because when you look at it; it's not porn, it's Pure. Check out the eyes of the models... naked porn and nake purity is found not in the solo actions of the models but in the intention found in her eyes. The photographer(s) are more interested in capturing the art of the picture than the $elling of tits and ass. The pictures have a clean and Nature sense to them. I really can not describe it ... just check it out. Some of the photo are really creative and very sensual but not "sexy". Check it out and shoot me a comment back on your response. FemJoy.com Femjoy.com Check out FemJoy's long haired princess... titled 'Rapunzel'

Modigliani

2006-01-03T21:07:00.000-05:00

Evelyn and I went to Blockbuster to pick up some movie (of course).... Her eyes are good... she spotted this movie called "Modigliani". Modigliani is a movie about artist Amedeo Modigliani who according to the movie was a rival of Picasso. The movie was magical. The best artist movie I have every seen because the director, writers and some of the actors.... must be artists themselves. Evelyn and I laughed as we watched this movie because so many of the things that the director and actors expressed were magical, insider experiences and expressions of the Artist. And of course dating an Artist Evelyn could appreciate from first hand experience many of the neurosis’s the artists in the movie were expressing. From the way Modigliani would gracefully catch the smoke or air in his hands to the forceful trance an artist would find himself in when captured in the direct ray of beauty often radiating from the form, face or neck of a woman. It truly is a classic work of art, this movie is.

And the brotherhood, fame and rivalry of the artists were a beautiful thing to see. How I miss the days of University where the brotherhood, fame among peers and the rivalry among artists lived and breathed healthily. Soon... my heart says to me... Soon I shall breathe in the air of that atmosphere... Soon Aladine Soon Mr. Vargas.

Well... check out 'Modigliani (the movie)' starting Andy Garcia, I promise you, for the Artist … it will inspire.

Bach Company

2006-01-03T20:51:00.000-05:00

The other day I went to pick paintings of some painters I represent at the Monsoon Gallery in Bethlehem, PA to show them to another gallery (Bach Company). They sold our work before. So as I was preparing them I decided to see what response Cheryl Bach, artist and owner of Bach Company, would have to my work. So I brought along a canvas painting, "Carla", and the wooden panel oils from the last post. Her response was encouraging. I appreciate her insight as a fellow artist, but also as a no nonsense businessperson. There was a very health exchange of ideas, wisdoms and mutual respects. So what am I saying.... Simple I have my first consigned piece in a Gallery as of Dec 28th, 2005.

Vettriano

2006-01-03T14:54:00.000-05:00

Jack Vettriano is one of my favorite painters. I have eyeballed his work for years. So the other day I decided to buy two prints of his, the "Waltzers'" and "Dance Me to the End of Love." His works are amazing.

What makes them so impressive to me is his mastery of the Art of Complicated Simplicity. His compositions seem to be meticulously composed yet his painting technique seems to be not so complex. His simple grazes of paint create the illusion of complicated brushwork. It is fantastic.

Plus his subject matter is also complex in its sophistication yet his themes are simplistic. Notice the same two models are used in both these paintings (below). His themes have a simple romantic feel to them yet the experience happens in the ambiance of white ties and long gowns of a upper middle /higher economic classification of people. And again through the composing process it seems he uses the laws of design to create the visual and sub-visual experience of complex sophistication while masterfully harmonizing it with a graceful sense of romantic rest causing a simple sway.... which is the Waltz or the Dance.

And in my opinion, it is that successful union of these Dualities that makes his work, Art.