Quote of the Week

"Do not fear mistakes. There are none." Miles Davis

Van Gogh

Vincent is my latest challenge. I have been trying to paint him and get his nose and hat right (see wordless wed.). The hat is large and getting the proportion is the trick and it has that up-turned brim. Then I had never really studied the character of his nose before, and its distinctive bump. Did he and Theo box when they were kids? I may post my progress, and then I may not!

Wordless Wednesday

Sacred Sunday

I discovered this icon in a corner of Christ Church, Oxford England. I have no facts on this little gem; I can only say what I think. The subject is certainly typically iconic. It doesn't appear to be Russian to me. I would guess that's it's later than 12th century because of the modeling of the figures (which I think are charming), and that's real gold leaf and plenty of it (maybe made for someone who could afford it).

Mitch Lyons

The latest OAG newsletter has listed way down at the bottom that potter/ceramics artist Mitch Lyons would be holding a workshop in Taos in June. Ah, I thought! He was in OKC about a year ago and that workshop wasn't gong to work for me, but actually Taos is closer. So I called the contact number listed thinking that I was would be getting a person in Taos, so was surprised when Mitch Lyons answered the phone. It would have been real easy to be tongue tied. But "Mitch" was very nice, helpful, and talked all about what he was offering- BTW it is his ceramic printing technique (sounds great to a mixed media artist like myself), and gave me all the info to sign up. Let's see, a week in Taos, working with ceramics and printing techniques, and being taught by Mitch Lyons-do I want to go? YES, YES, YES!

Google

Google has a colorful dream today!

Wordless Wednesday

Dame Laura Knight

I discovered a self portrait by/of artist Laura Knight in a book of work by women artists that my sister gave me (sister Jayne is always finding an artistic gem to send me). It is a real treat and quite a surprise to discover wonderful work by women. Laura Knight was new to me, but the self portrait certainly revealed an artist who had been classically trained. She did paintings (oil & watercolor), prints, and ceramics, and even commented that maybe she tried too many different things. I have felt the same, but it's like I can't stop myself. Laura's estate maintains her website (wouldn't she be surprised); and I bet she'd be surprised by the prices her art is going for.
http://www.damelauraknight.com/

Google

Google shows us the Adams Family on black and white.

Epiphany

Adoration of the Magi

Self portrait

Today the church celebrates the visit of the wise men to Jesus, and presenting the newborn King with gifts. 16th century artist Albrecht Duer celebrated the event in traditional style with a painting: Adoration of the Magi (seen here far too small). Duer built his artistic reputation on his engravings but this substantial work was done in oils. I understand that it is at the Uffizi in Florence; I don't remember seeing it, but so much to see and so little time.