Why We Need Museums

I am fortunate to live in a city that has a large museum. I truly enjoy visiting museums and I often volunteer my services. It seems that museums are often taken for granted. Museums are important part of our culture.

Museums are different today than they were 40 years ago, but they still exist for the same purposes. Here are 5 reasons why I believe we need museums.


1. A museum provides a central place for viewing art.

2. Museums allow great artist to be recognized.

3. Art and history are preserved at museums.

4. Museums provide an educational resource.

5. Museums are a place to express our culture.

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Trends in Western Art - Part 2

It could be said that Western art produced today is more innovative and imaginative than in the past. I previously discussed the trend for modern creators of paintings and sculptures of Western art breaking away from the traditional.

An article in a magazine recently listed the top10 western artist to watch in 2009. The magazine referred to these individuals as “rising stars on the horizon”. One of the artist listed was landscape painter Jill Carver. A picture of an oil painting by Carver, Colors of Autumn, was included with this article. This picture reminded me of the way a landscape would look in a dream.

Contemporary artist, Will Pope is another artist whose work definitely takes a new direction from the traditional. Pope refers to himself as a “postmodern landscape artist”. Pope is unconcerned with accurate renderings of figures or objects. Instead, Pope includes imaginative animals, people and symbols in his landscapes.

You will find art books and catalogs and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

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Trends in Western Art

I have always admired Western art. Having spent several years living on the west coast, I became familiar with the art work of traditional Western artists. In the last few years, I have developed an interest in western art trends.

The art of the American West was not given serious attention except in a few Western states until recently. The traditional Western art included the old masters of Taos. The old masters of Taos painted their environment as reflected in their work. The artists in this group included Joseph Henry Sharp, Victor Higgins and of course Georgia O’Keeffe. Another one of my favorite traditional Western artist is Charlie Russell. Russell is frequently referred to as the “cowboy artist.” His paintings and sculptures reflect his knowledge and passion for life in the west.

Today’s top painters and sculptures of the West are taking a new approach. Their work can be described as innovative and imaginative. These artists are not so much concerned with accurate renderings of figures or objects. They seem to allow their dreams and imaginations direct their creative processes.

You will find art books and catalogs and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

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Understanding Art - Part 2

I recently discussed how I sometimes have difficulty getting a handle on new and contemporary art. We know from studying history, accepting modern art has been difficult for many art patrons for years. Even Picasso, who later became very influentail in the development of modern art had critics early on. Another example of an artist who had difficulty with early acceptance of his work is Henri Matisse.

Matisse, a French painter, sculptor, graphic artist and designer struggled to earn a living early in his career. Like Picasso, he revolted against realism. He believed that art does not represent but reconstructs reality. At first the reaction to his work was not good. He later became associated with the Fauves and his popularity grew.

Matisse today is considered one of the greatest influences on modern art. His work is represented in most important collections of modern art. There are Matisse museums in Nice, France, his birthplace.

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

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Understanding Modern Art

I will have to admit that I sometimes struggle to understand some of the new contemporary art that I see today at museums and in art magazines. Although I find some modern art interesting, I can honestly say that I don’t have a real appreciation for the work. I suspect my experience can be compared to many others over the years.

I recently had an opportunity to read a 1947 art magazine. My attention was drawn to a comment in the Letter to the Editor section. The writer stated “... I do not understand cubist, futurist, abstract, or other modern art.” “We not only do not understand this so-called art but detest it.”

Today, nearly 60 years later, innovators like Picasso and Matisse are known to have led the forces of artistic innovation by introducing new style and are considered the most influential artists in modern art.

You can find several vintage art magazine back issues along with art books and catalogs at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

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What is Afro Cuban Art

I recently viewed a clip on Cuban Art on one of my favorite sites, ArtBabble.org. This site is a great source of art videos. I have been curious about Cuban Art and wanted to learn more.

A video presented an artist who discussed his perspective and inspiration for this work. I learned that Cuban art is a diverse blend of African, European and North American design that represents this diverse part of the world.

Many Cuban artists early on were influenced by European modernism. The movements later adopted by the Cuban artists were characterized by a mix of several artistic genres.

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

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A Day at The Fair

I love this time of the year. This is when I get to do one of my favorite things—attend art fairs. I am not an artist. I would not call myself an art collector. I do, however,manage to purchase something at most art fairs I attend. I think I could be classified as an art lover.

The fair I attended today was the first of several that will take place locally during the spring and summer months. We were interrupted by a brief and light rain shower. I found it interesting to see how people handled it. I like many others did not come prepared with rain gear. Most of us did not let the rain keep us from having a good time.

I found out about a new online site for art information today. It’s called ArtBabble.Org. This is a site with videos and is a source of free-flowing conversations about art. Everyone is invited to join in an open and ongoing discussion about art. I visited the site today and found some great information on one of my favorite artists, Jacob Lawrence.

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

www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com