Painting African American Life

One of my all time favorite artist is Jacob Lawrence. As a teenager Lawrence began working in inexpensive media known as tempera. He used poster paint and painted Harlem street scenes. To these scenes he would add African American History.

Trained in New York City at the height of the Harlem Renaissance, Lawrence’s style of painting has been compared to Matisse’s cut-outs and Picasso’s cubism. He is one of the few painters of his time who grew up in the black community and was primarily taught by black artists.

Lawrence‘s subjects were taken from black history and from his daily observations. A nice example of his work is Genesis Creation Sermon VI: and God Created All The Beast of The Earth.

Art and Melancholy

Reading about a recent exhibition of the drawings of one of the great post-impressionist, Georges Seurat, reminded me of artwork by another artist I recently viewed.

Some of the work in the Seurat collection was described as “dark, lacking of sunshine and luster.” Many of the figures in Seurat’s drawings were faceless. His drawings were said to reflect his “darker vision of modern life.” Many of his drawings were done with conte crayon on textured paper. A theme seen throughout most of this exhibition was the minimum amount of light used.

A recent exhibition at a museum in my home town reminded me of how art can influence the observer. A massive dark sculpture consisting of thousands of feet of painted rope was placed in the main entrance. This all imposing artwork is hard to miss. The visitor must move around the sculpture to get to their destination. The work is so huge it affects the light coming from outside. There are many dark shadows even on a sunny day due to the size of this sculpture. This artwork definitely creates a somber mood. I believe Seurat would have appreciated this work.

A Win-Win for Dan Brown

This past weekend, I visited a large chain book store. While browsing for books near the information desk, I overheard a conversation with a customer and the store clerk about books by author Dan Brown. The customer had requested a copy of the newest book by Dan Brown. The woman said that she had heard that Brown had written a new book but was not sure of the name. The store clerk quickly responded to her with a statement (which I’m sure he had plenty of opportunities to rehearse) that the new book, The Lost Symbol, would not be available until this fall.

On the counter of the information desk was a large stack of hardcover copies of Brown’s bestseller, Angels & Demons. This prequel to the Da Vinci Code is soon to arrive at the movie theaters. I noticed the woman taking a long look at these books and perhaps considering buying a copy of this book.

I would think that many customers looking for something new and have not yet purchased Angels & Demons would take this opportunity to add this one to their collection.

This is a win-win situation for Dan Brown and the book store. His new movie, coming soon to a theatre near everyone, helps promote the previous bestseller as well as the new book soon to be released.

Time To Buy Art

If you were wondering if now is the time to invest in a great work of art the answer may be yes.

I recently read that major artwork is selling for a lot less than it had a year ago. Fewer collectors are putting their art work up for auctions and fewer are buying. This means that for those pieces that are currently for sale, the prices may be very good.

The large auction houses are selling fewer pieces. A lot of artwork is being sold privately. Sotheby’s Impressionist and modern art sale bought in over $200 million dollars last year. The upcoming sale next month is expected to gain only $81 million dollars.

If you have always wanted to purchase a major work, it may not be a bad time to look for art at a good price during this economic down turn.

Straight Photography

From the late Modernism through Post-Modernism period , several types of photography were practiced. Like Stieglitz, Weston and Paul Strand, Ansel Adams was a leading supporter of the type known as “straight” photography.

Straight or, “undoctored photograpy” was used by Ansel Adams as a medium of expression. Adams used a large-format view camera to capture the landscape. His photographs reveal his technical expertise by presenting texture, shapes and excellent tonal range. His spectacular photographs have appeared in many books.

You can find a book on Ansel Adams and other artist, art exhibition catalogs and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.



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The Birth of Modern Architecture

The Birth of modern architecture appeared along with the development of new materials, new technology and new needs in the late 1800s and early 1900’s. The credo of this time was “Form Follows Function.

The first modern architect, Louis Sullivan, a Midwestern, was known for designing buildings with a revolutionary and influential design in Chicago. Sullivan was one of the first to use the steel frame. Frank Lloyd Wright ,who became one of the most innovative architects of his time, was a student of Louis Sullivan. Wright was influenced by many of Sullivans ideas. Wright’s work included both domestic and commercial architecture and he eventually became better known than Sullivan as an architect.

You can find art history books, art exhibition catalogs and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.



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The Birth of Modernism

Precisionism, one of the three modernist movements, was prevalent in America in the 1920’s. The artists representing this movement were concerned with new subject matter and had new attitudes toward form. One of the most popular artist for this period was Georgia O’Keeffe.

At a time when the international art world was dominated by Europe, O’Keeffe appeared on the scene. Most famous for her large flower paintings, O’Keeffe once stated that she “…could say things with color and shapes that she couldn’t say in any other way.”

Her monochrome charcoal drawings and watercolors captured the attention of Alfred Steiglitz. Ten charcoal drawings by O'Keeffe were exhibited by Stieglitz at an exhibition in his gallery in 1916. A year later some of O'Keeffe's watercolors of landscapes were exhibited and according to Steiglitz, "This was the beginning of what people know as O'Keeffe."

You can find art history books, art exhibition catalogs and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.



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Culture Matters

I attended a rally to support the arts in my home town today. Being an art lover, museum supporter and volunteer I was excited about attending this event. The purpose of the rally was to bring recognition to the arts and to spread the word that art cannot be forgotten. There was emphasis on how cultural organizations representing the arts contribute to the community.

I was impressed with the turnout. There were culture designation employees, boards, supporters, young and old in attendance. The visual arts as well as the performing arts were represented. This started me thinking what it would be like if we did not have art. What would be our legacy to the future generations?

I believe these same thoughts and ideas were approached in ancient and medieval times. Art has been and always will be an expression of culture.

You will find art books, art catalogs, local history books as well as magazine back issues both new and recent at Nella’s Books and Collections.



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Intoxicating Color

From 1904 to 1908, Fauvism, the first major avant-garde art movement in the 20th century began. It is believed that this crucial moment in art history changed forever the way we look at the world.

At first this new movement was not received well by the public. The actual way color was used by the Fauves was a significant departure the traditional.

One of the most influential modern painters from this period was Henri Matisse. Matisse believed that color was given to us “so we can express our own emotions”. He also believed that the painting should not only be beautiful but also should bring pleasure to the viewer. Matisse experimented with color by painting a male figure in pure blue.

You will find books that feature Matisse’s artwork, as well as art catalogs, magazines and other art books at Nella’s Books and Collections.

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Painting With Precision

French Artist, Georges Seurat was influenced by the Impressionists use of bright pure colors and outdoor themes. As a Post-Impressionist, Seurat’s work took on a different style. Seurat’s artwork was very precise. He used a method referred to as “pointillism.” By applying confetti-sized dots of pure color over the whole canvas he created a grainy-like effect to the canvas surface.

Seurat did not complete many paintings in his time because of the labor that went into each piece and due to the fact that he died at the age of 31. His most famous work, “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte” inspired a Broadway musical, Sunday in the Park with George.

You will find books that feature Georges Seurat’s artwork as well catalogs, magazines and other art books at Nella’s Books and Collections.



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Painting with Passion

Romanticism appeals to many of us because of its ability to evoke emotion. The name Romanticism comes from the renewed interest in medieval tales called romance. Nature worship was also a characteristic of Romanticism. It was said that J.M.W. Turner “painted nature in the raw”.

Definitely a Romanticist, Turner began painting at a young age. He began selling his work at the age of 12 and had an exhibition at the Royal Academy at the age of 15. Although Turner did not consider himself an abstract painter, his later paintings became more and more abstract.

One of the largest collections of Turner’s work can be found at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. An exhibition catalog of Turner’s work at the museum along with other art books and magazines can be found at Nella’s Books and Collections.

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Masters of Light

Johannes Vermeer, one of the most well-known Dutch artists, mastered the use of light. Some believe he did so better than anyone with the exception of van Eyck. There are only a few of his paintings known to exist today.

Not only did Vermeer use color and light well but his work revealed perfectly balanced compositions. Vermeer was said to have used a dark box with a pinhole opening to aid his compositions. This is probably one of the reasons why critics noted that Vermeer focused on extreme detail.

There’s been a lot of interest in Vermeer recently with two new books published in the last year—The Forger’s Spell by Edward Dolnick and The Man Who Made Vermeers by Jonathan Lopez. Both of these books deal with the forgery of Vermeer’s paintings by Han van Meegeren.

You can find books on Vermeer and other artists as well as magazines at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

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Color and Light - Part 2

I have stated how my love for the outdoors has influenced by preference for the artists and work that was created during great Impressionistic art movement. The artists who concentrate on portraying immediate sensations of a scene still capture my attention today.

If you examine some of the current magazines or attend gallery shows , you will find that artist today are still influenced by the Impressionist principles of Renoir and Manet’s time. Several American artists were known to have visited Giverny between 1885 and 1915 to study painting. Painters along with architects, muralists, sculptors, illustrators, fashion designers and musicians mingled together in the popular village.

You can find art history books and magazine back issues both current and vintage at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.



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Color and Light

One of my favorite periods of art is the Impressionism movement which began around 1862.

My love for outdoors is probably why I have so much admiration for the Impressionist artists. Two of my favorites are Pissarro and Monet. These painters were the masters of capturing nature out-of-doors.

During their time, the use of light and color was considered shocking. The purpose of the first Impressionist painters was to portray the immediate visual sensations of a scene. To say these artists were driven by this purpose is an understatement. It was said that Monet was so obsessed with conditions of light that he made the outdoors his studio and worked outside regardless of the weather.


You can find books on the Impressionists and other artists, art exhibition catalogs and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

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Admiring Art

I admit that my tastes in art would not be considered sophisticated. I am not saying that I don’t enjoy the new, contemporary or art that is different. I fell in love with the classical artists from early Greece and Roman periods, the old masters and have developed an appreciation for the art of the Renaissance period.

I had some exposure to the visual arts in my youth during my infrequent visits to art museums. My formal introduction began with an art history class in college. Later, as an adult, I took a trip to Europe and visited Rome Venice and Florence. I was greatly impressed with the work of Venetian artist, Titan and the sculptures of Michelangelo.

I believe the combination of the art history class and the trip that allowed me to be personally involved with magnificent art was the catalyst for my fondness for the classical artists.



You can find art history books, art exhibition catalogs and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.



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Looking for Art - Part II

We last discussed the importance of art exhibitions and their value to the seeker of art. I ran across an interesting piece of information the other day about what is thought by some to be one of the first pictures exhibited abroad that was painted in America .

Viewing works of art in John Singleton Copley’s time for the most part had been limited to private collectors. William Hogarth, a London painter, was said to have had the idea to exhibit art work to the public. One of Hogarth’s works was donated to a hospital in London. Soon this idea caught on and others thought that they should also let the public view their work. This was the beginning of art exhibitions and in 1759 London had its first public art showing. Yearly exhibits of the Society of Artists of Great Britain took place.

In 1765 John Singleton Copley painted a portrait of his half brother entitled, Boy With A Squirrel, and shipped it to a friend living in London. This painting was entered into the London exhibition in 1766. This painting was well received. Copley received accolades from the art critics.

You can find art history books, art exhibition catalogs and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.



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Looking for Art

As a frequent visitor of art museums I decided that I needed to expand my world of visual arts. I typically focus on certain areas and refrain from others. In order for things to stay fresh and new and to attract more visitors, museums provide art exhibitions. Some times these exhibits are large, representing major artist’s work or a popular period of history. Some times exhibits provide a show place for the work of a new and upcoming artist

Traveling exhibitions can provide you with an up close look at work that you might otherwise have to travel a great distance to see. Often exhibitions are made up of art from private collections. It is therefore quite possible that you would not have an opportunity to view this work again.

Visiting museum and gallery exhibitions is one way of finding new art. There are catalogs produced for many exhibitions. You can find some very good exhibition catalogs at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.


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Art During Difficult Times - Part II

The art community like the rest of the nation is experiencing some difficult times because of the economy. A recent article in the local newspaper discussed how cut-backs in donations and the recession in general have affected museums and galleries. Although many are making concessions, most are enduring because history tells us that things will get better.

If you take a look at history through the ages, we can learn that art has not only endured but flourished. Art has endured in good times and bad. The visual arts will continue to thrive regardless of the economic conditions. Great artists will continue to be inspired and art will continue to exist whether its architecture, painting, graphic arts, sculpture or drawings.

One thing for sure is that there are some real values available today. Speaking of good deals don’t forget to check out the art books, catalogs and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

visit my store at: www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com

Art During Difficult Times

During times or war or during economic hard times it seems sometimes hard to focus on art or on any of the non-necessities of life. In an article by W. B. Pollock, Jr., in American Artist Magazine, January, 1944, he challenges the artist-craftsman to "make his skills a weapon of war". He goes on to suggest that during peacetime as in war man needs recreation. It could also be argued that art is a necessity for all.



An easy and inexpensive way for the art lover, student of, or art teacher to continually experience and learn more art about art is to read. Perhaps a museum catalog, a book or an art magazine could be the answer.



Nella's Books and Collectibles has a nice selection of art books, art catalogs both new and used. Magazine back issues are also available.



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Art During World War II - Part 2

One interesting way of examining art during World War II is to look at the advertisments produced in art magazines during this period. Advertising art was an important part of American Artist Magazine during the 1940s. Companies that produced art supplies like Winsor & Newton, Hurlock Helpers, and Koh-I-Noor provided innovative ads for the magazine during this period. One cannot help but be impressed with the excellence of advertising illustration during this period of history. Many artists were very enthusiastic in providing the world with illustrations about the men and machines of war.



You will find a nice selection of 1940's American Artist magazines at Nella's Books and Collectibles.


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Art During World War II

One of the top art magazines today is American Artist Magazine. This magazine has provided a wealth of information for artists, teachers, and art lovers for nearly 40 years. In the early years the pubishers were Ernest W. Watson and Arthur L. Guptill. Watson and Guptill later became well known for their wonderfully illustrated art and art instruction publications.


American Artist Magazine during war times contained some of the best work being done in the fine arts, illustration, advertising and the crafts. Don't expect to see lavish color reproductions in the magazines of this period. During this time it was very expensive to produce color images for magazines. Some of the issues had 1 or 2 or no color photographs.


You will find a nice selection of American Artist Magazines dated from 1941 to 1945 at Nella's Books and Collectibles.



Visit my online books store at http://www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com/.