One messed-up dude
But Egon Schiele certainly could paint a lovely boat. Segelschiffe im wellenbewegtem Wasser (Der Hafen von Triest), 1907, Egon Schiele, private collection I have a hard time loving the work of Egon Schiele. Erotic paintings, emaciated figures, and anguished self-portraits leave me cold. I far prefer the Expressionism of Käthe Kollwitz and Gabriele Münter. They weren’t happy, …
We’re all emerging artists
It’s not really a question of labels, but of who can work his way through the shifting sands of market change. More work than they bargained for, by Carol L. Douglas Recently I had the opportunity for a nice chin-wag with a friend. I don’t remember what the subject was, but she told me, “I’m …
Symbol and subconscious
Leonardo da Vinci painted two Madonnas set in caves. Why? Madonna of the Rocks, Leonardo da Vinci, c. 1483-86, courtesy of the Louvre. We moderns are very good at seeing subconscious imagery in everything. In contrast, our ancestors communicated with universally-understood symbols. These represented an idea, a person, or even a relationship. Earlier this week, …
Monday Morning Art School: Mark Making
Mark-making can be loose and gestural or very controlled. It’s personal, but it’s also something you can learn. Dining Room in the Country, 1913, Pierre Bonnard, courtesy Minneapolis Institute of Art. Bonnard used small brush strokes, intense colors, and close values. When I was a student, I often left heavy edges in my paintings. A …
Saying goodbye
Portraits of the dead are difficult, but they’re also satisfying and meaningful to paint. Reunited with Jesus, by Carol L. Douglas Occasionally I have the opportunity to do a portrait of someone who has shuffled off this mortal coil. These are the most difficult portraits to paint, because there are never good reference photos available. …