January 2016 Artist of the Month | Susan Brandsema
Congratulations to our January Artist of the Month, Susan Brandsema! Susan was a finalist in The Artist’s Magazine‘s Annual Art Competition! Her painting Almost Home is below. Read more about how the artist how nature, photography and family all inspire her equally!
Babylon, Long Island, NY ~ rsbabylon.fineartstudioonline.com
Almost Home (oil, 11×14) by Susan Brandsema
My artistic journey began when I was four-years-old, in a home filled with framed illustrations by my grandfather, Joseph Franke. One morning, upon discovering one of my mom’s paintings, I decided to “help paint” even though I barely reached the easel. With the touch of my fingers in the fresh piles of oil paint, I “painted”, while imagining myself as an artist, marking the beginning of a lifetime passion to create.
Flashes of lightning and the sound of distant thunder, combined with torrential rain pummeling the windshield, inspired Almost Home. The electric sky was luminous and created the misty reflections on the bridge, the roadway and the windshield, which were so interesting to paint.
Most of my work begins with late afternoon plein air sketches and color studies. Nature provides an ever-changing source of inspiration, with pristine untouched woods, snowy mountains, city streets or quiet streams. When working in my studio, I keep a window open and I love to listen to instrumental music. I also enjoy the company, conversation and creativity of friends and family who occasionally paint with me.
My plein air and studio palettes are arranged the same way, starting with titanium white, then adding both cool and warm yellows (cadmium lemon and cadmium yellow deep), reds (alizarin crimson and cadmium red), greens (viridian and sap green) and blues (cobalt blue dark and ultramarine).
A small plein air painting or study can be finished in just one day. Sometimes, if the light and weather conditions are similar, I will continue a plein air painting for several days at the same location. According to the size and detail of the painting, I will then take it into my studio and continue to work, letting each layer dry before adding to the next.
The difficulty faced with Almost Home was that it was primarily painted from my photograph. After painting the bridge perspective, the roadway and the vehicles, the challenge was painting the raindrops on the windshield. This was accomplished by spraying droplets of water onto a pane of glass and painting the drops from this observation, into the dry painting.
My future plans are to continue painting and drawing every day—in the studio and plein air—and to seek the inspiration provided by nature that brings energizing and endless possibilities for a new canvas.
Painting in nature inspires me to observe the amazing minute-by-minute changes in light, weather conditions, seasons and temperature. My goal with each painting is to choose a focal point, then use color and paint strokes that convey the light, charm and emotions unique to just one moment in time.
I am thankful that my husband, family and friends are supportive of my art career. Many of my plein air studies and paintings are painted at the 80-acre home and property of one of my relatives, and I am grateful that they welcome me to spend days at a time painting there.
The post January 2016 Artist of the Month | Susan Brandsema appeared first on Artist's Network.
SOURCE: Artist’s Network – Read entire story here.
Our 2015 Doodle, Draw and Illustration Year in Review
As we close out 2015 and set out to make 2016 another amazing year, I wanted to quickly thank our community of friends, fans, readers and artists that make Doodlers Anonymous such a thriving community of inspiration, creativity and art.
Now on to the good stuff. This past year we highlighted hundreds of artists, projects and artworks (you can revisit the complete archive here). As a short recap, I'm featuring a few of the more popular and memorable ones below (click their titles to read further about each).
There's Something About These Drawn Girls
An Analog Drawing Project About Personal Data
Blockheads – Faces Doodled on Post-It Notes
Seeing Through a Doodler's Eyes with POV Sketches
The Element of Chaos in Watercolor
Funny Doodles That Never Fall Flat
Big Things Come in Small Drawings
SOURCE: Doodlers Anonymous – Read entire story here.
Artist Defends Controversial Project to Stay Local in Glasgow
Ellie Harrison, left.
Photo: via Kickstarter.
Ellie Harrison may have a tough time in Glasgow over the next year, where she'll stay as part of an art project that has offended some Glaswegians. But she's standing by her project, called The Glasgow Effect, as is the public body that funded it.
Harrison got a £15,000 (about $22,000) grant from Creative Scotland, a public agency that supports art and filmmaking ventures with funds from the government and the national lottery. The organization gave out about £31 million (around $45,500,000) in 2015 to visual and performing arts in 2014–15.
The project is titled for an expression that refers to low life expectancy and high rates of disease among Glaswegians compared to the rest of Europe, a phenomenon that epidemiologists have been unable to explain.
Many Brits have taken to the project's Facebook page to criticize it. One poll, from January 4, found nearly 7,000 voters calling it “pretentious shite and a waste of money." (Nearly 700 voted for the response “How the fuck do I buy tickets to watch someone stay in Glasgow for a year?")
“You have given me so much material to digest," the artist said in a Facebook post to her not-so-loving public, "that it will take the whole year to do so. I hope to follow-up by meeting many of you face-to-face, when all the fuss has died down."
Creative Scotland has put out a statement defending Harrison, calling her "a recognised artist with an MA with Distinction from the Glasgow School of Art."
"Ellie's project is based on the premise that if society wishes to achieve global change, then individuals have to be more active within their communities at a local level," it goes on.
"In restricting herself to staying within the city boundaries she is keen to explore what impact this will have her on her life and on her work as an artist with national and international commitments."
Harrison's intent is partly to cultivate her connections to local arts and community organizations and to reduce her carbon footprint. But the project is about more than that, the artist pointed out in the post, saying that it also intends to “highlight the absurd mechanisms at play within Higher Education," adding that that was actually the "initial impetus for the project.
Harrison isn't actually cashing the check, she points out. The funds will go to Duncan of Jordanstone Art College in Dundee, where she is a lecturer, to cover the costs of hiring a replacement while she is on leave.
"I have been careful to stipulate that the money be used solely to cover my teaching responsibilities and that a post be advertised externally, in order to: a) create a job opportunity for a talented artist in Scotland b) provide the best possible experience for my students in my absence," she said.
“The fact that this University," she said, "like most others in the UK, now requires its Lecturing staff to be fundraisers and is willing to pay them to be absent from teaching as a result, should be the focus of this debate."
She has published the full text of the application that helped her obtain the grant on the project's Tumblr page.
She ended her Facebook statement on something of a cheeky note, pointing out that even the harsh criticisms of the project have helped her to earn the public funds.
“At least now, thanks to you all, I have ticked Creative Scotland's ‘Public Engagement' box and fulfilled the University's 'Impact' agenda and so can get on with the real work."
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SOURCE: artnet News – Read entire story here.
Philly Ballet Company Crafts Perfect Response To Sexist Eagles Fan
Another disappointing season for the Philadelphia Eagles has left ;the franchise down a coach ;and its fan base incensed, willing and wanting to hurl the worst possible insults at the organization and its players. ;
For one fan, that insult came in its laziest form: emasculation. The fan wrote on Facebook ;that the Eagles “played like they were wearing tutus!!!” — suggesting that those who don tutus are weak and ineffectual, fundamentally lesser than those who, say, suit up in pads and helmets every week.
Of course, that claim is entirely incorrect. Year after year, these dancers work endless hours, train until they can barely stand, in order to perfect the pas de bourrées and sautés requisite for a given performance.
Seriously, has this man not seen “Black Swan”?
Last week, the Pennsylvania Ballet decided to say as much when ;it responded to the Eagles fan, shutting down the derisive remark so entirely that the post has subsequently garnered over ;30,000 Facebook likes. ;
Here is the ballet’s response in its entirety: ;
With all due respect to the Eagles, let’s take a minute to look at what our tutu wearing women have done this month:
By tomorrow afternoon, the ballerinas that wear tutus at Pennsylvania Ballet will have performed The Nutcracker 27 times in 21 days. Some of those women have performed the Snow scene and the Waltz of the Flowers without an understudy or second cast. No ‘second string’ to come in and spell them when they needed a break. When they have been sick they have come to the theater, put on make up and costume, smiled and performed. When they have felt an injury in the middle of a show there have been no injury timeouts. They have kept smiling, finished their job, bowed, left the stage, and then dealt with what hurts. Some of these tutu wearers have been tossed into a new position with only a moments notice. That’s like a cornerback being told at halftime that they’re going to play wide receiver for the second half, but they need to make sure that no one can tell they’ve never played wide receiver before. They have done all of this with such artistry and grace that audience after audience has clapped and cheered (no Boo Birds at the Academy) and the Philadelphia Inquirer has said this production looks “better than ever.”
The Pennsylvania Ballet has once again proved that there is no room for sexism at the barre or on the gridiron. Looks like the Eagles lost this one by way of their fan, too. ;
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Also on HuffPost: ;
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SOURCE: Arts News on The Huffington Post – Read entire story here.
A ‘Cathedral’ Of Characters In Northern Spain
It’s a cathedral of characters, this abandoned furniture factory 40 kilometers outside of Barcelona, Spain. Cartoons, illustrations, portraits are everywhere; a curious collection of aerosol spray pieces that highlights the popularity of the animated and exaggerated personalities among graffiti and street artists in this region of the world.
The character may be salty with a haggard stare, or reference a topic with a bit of satire. The scene may be serious, comical, ridiculous or purely sci-fi and horror. You discover the stories and allegories as you walk through the empty manufacturing rooms now flooded with natural light and dust. Expressions and situations here are full of drama that trigger your empathy, startle your attention, elicit a shiver, or creepily fondle your funny bone.
Traveling Spanish urban photographer Lluis Olive Bulbena tells us that the economic crash of 2008 killed many factories like this in Spain and high youth unemployment drove many artists to adorn them with paintings. Because of the calm, serene environment of this particular ex-factory where artists roam freely and take long hours to complete these figures in the open air, the colorful forms may call to mind stained glass windows you see in more hallowed houses. Perhaps that is why Bulbena feels so moved that he’s christened this place “La Catedral” (The Cathedral).
We thank him for sharing these images from his latest pilgrimage with BSA readers.
Included are works by @Rim Chiaria, @ManuManu, @S.V. (Simon Vázquez), @Enric2309 (Enric Font), @S.Wakiane (Sebastiane), @ArjaMila, @Aryz, @MixedMedia, @Enric Sans, @Antuan72, @iagazzo, @Melbs, @Kram, @Cisco, @Aone, @Japon+Aryz+Gemeo5, @Sener, @MarinaCapdevila, @Llopart, @Julien, @Kamy, @Beecone, @Cadmium, @ClassicBasic, @Vi990, @Cloe-Mia-Mai, @Otto, @LonsDops, @DBL.TRBL, @Larry Bros, @MM, @Jaba, @GR107, @Rostro
https://www.brooklynstreetart.com/theblog/2016/01/06/a-cathedral-of-characters-in-northern-spain/#.VoyW6FJ6iAc
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— This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
SOURCE: Arts Blog on The Huffington Post – Read entire story here.
Slideshow: HINDS at Other Music
Madrid based band HINDS made an in-store appearance at Other Music in New York City, days ahead of the release of their debut album, Leave Me Alone. Photos by DeShaun Craddock.
— This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
SOURCE: Arts – The Huffington Post – Read entire story here.
28 Authors On The Books That Changed Their Lives
“We asked a number of writers across the board – from Eileen Myles to David Mitchell to Chuck Palahniuk to Alexander Chee to leading genre authors – about the books that changed their lives. Here’s what they had to say, in their own words.”
SOURCE: ArtsJournal – Read entire story here.
Ancient Egyptian Shrines, Once Thought Destroyed, Reveal Six New Statues
“A team of archaeologists in Egypt has discovered six rock cut statues inside two adjoining shrines, previously believed to be completely destroyed by an earthquake that shook the region centuries ago.”
SOURCE: VISUAL – ArtsJournal – Read entire story here.
ArtsBeat: Art Dealer’s Fraud Trial in Paris is Delayed
The tax fraud trial of the international art dealer Guy Wildenstein was delayed until May.
SOURCE: NYT > Arts – Read entire story here.
The 22,000-strong art treasure trove ‘publicly owned but hidden from public view’
Works currently hanging in MPs’ offices and behind the walls of secure Government buildings should be placed in new free gallery, says Shadow Culture Secretary
SOURCE: Art news – Visual arts news and gallery info – Read entire story here.
Photographer Charlie Carter chooses path of tradition
An Overlooking Presence of History, Charlie Carter
by Meg Glasgow
Few art methods have changed as dramatically as photography. Shaped by innovation and technology, the process of making photographs has undergone a revolution since its invention 125 years ago. Black-and-white silver gelatin printing is a fading art. It requires a highly skilled and experienced darkroom technician. Yet a devoted band of film fans still adhere to the traditional method of gelatin silver printing.
Meet artist and photographer Charlie Carter. Clinging to the traditional means of the gelatin silver process, photographers like Carter continue the practice through the use of film and silver-coated papers.
“I am inspired and influenced by technique. My interest in the past is becoming more prominent in my work today,” says Carter.
His compositions are a contrasting mix of 19th century bookplate images combined in the darkroom with his contemporary landscapes. It is in the darkroom manipulation where science becomes art. The selection of the appropriate negative and the preparation for the selected negative in the enlarger is a long procedure. The process of printing these ideas into a single photograph is complex and very time consuming. It’s not uncommon for Carter to produce several images before creating the one that fits the highest standard.
“Each photograph is unique due to how it is printed and the paper it is printed on,” Carter says. “The complexity and spontaneity that occurs in the printing of my photographs ensures its originality to the collector.”
Untitled, Charlie Carter
Carrying photography equipment into Idaho’s backcountry, it is easy to understand where Carter’s passion lies. Being a native Idahoan, his pursuit of the perfect black and white photograph has led him all over the west in hopes of capturing the majesty and grandness of the Western landscape. His strives to create images that inspire and emotionally move the viewer into looking at the natural world around them. Creating an appreciation for the art of silver gelatin black-and-white photography is a bonus.
“My goal is to produce imagery that evokes appreciation to technique, creative merit and intellectual thought while upholding the traditional process of fine art photography,” he says.
Carter received a BFA degree from Boise State University while studying under Professor Howard Huff. He has worked in his chosen medium for the past 20-plus years and is steadfast in making his photographs the “old fashion way.” The artist resides in Meridian, Idaho.
Carter’s latest exhibit, The Path Chosen, opens Friday, October 4 and continues through early November at the Gallery at Finer Frames in Eagle, Idaho.
SOURCE: Art Business News » Latest News – Read entire story here.
Ivan & Natalia: Solo for Two
Summers in London have never been hotter. Ditto for its dance scene. This week for instance, celebrated artists like Carlos Acosta and Wendy Whelan are in town exploring cross collaborations outside the classical dance genre. One of the most awaited events of this kind is Solo for Two, an evening built around the superstar duo Natalia Osipova and Ivan Vasiliev, who will be showcasing new pieces by contemporary choreographers Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Ohad Naharin and Arthur Pita.
The project debuts in LA this week, and ahead of its run of four shows at the Coliseum, we have some pictures of the pair rehearsing with Arthur Pita, taken by Doug Gifford:
Solo for Two is on at the London Coliseum from 6 to 9 August, 2014. For more information and booking, visit the ENO Website.
© The Ballet Bag, 2013.
The post Ivan & Natalia: Solo for Two appeared first on The Ballet Bag.
SOURCE: The Ballet Bag – Read entire story here.
GENERAL HARDWARE – Alex Bierk “Pitfalls and Withdrawals”
Alex Bierk’s solo show opens TODAY at General Hardware Contemporary. I caught up with the artist and GHC Director, Niki Dracos, for a sneak preview.
By: Stephanie Anne D’Amico
Alex Bierk and his former self, as depicted in Self Portrait, Looking Back, from 2006, (2013)
You would never know Alex Bierk had struggled with addiction. The clear-eyed and ebullient artist is a new father with a full-time painting career, and he just mounted his first solo exhibition at General Hardware Contemporary. The show is a significant survey of works from the past two years, and features more than a dozen oil paintings, several works on paper, and a video contributed by the artist’s brother, Jeff. Based on digital snapshots taken during the difficult years of 2002-2006, during which Bierk (and his brother) struggled with substance abuse, these high-realist, black and white paintings are not your typical peek into the violent and exotic world of chemical addiction. On the contrary, the deeply personal object matter is handled with incredible poise and sensitivity. Bierk doesn’t rely on the sensational aspects of drug culture to unsettle his audience; there are no black eyes, bloody noses, or infected injection sites. Instead, “Pitfalls and Withdrawals” offers unresolved juxtapositions, like a tender depiction of leaves from a dying orange tree next to a hand-scrawled list of drug debts.
Debts, acrylic on linen, 2013 and Untitled (Orange tree), ink on paper, 2013
“Every painting has a story,” explains General Hardware Director, Niki Dracos. Walking through the exhibit, Bierk shares a few of the narratives: he points to a mid-sized canvas depicting a worm’s-eye view of a residential window, and explains that it’s the view from outside his bedroom, the view he had after being forced to leave the house. The gaze is at once longing and prying, trying to regain access to both the physical space of the home, and to the emotional space where the memory of family resides. Depictions of windows, driveways, bottles, and heaps of chalky pills line the walls, with a few potent canvases isolated, much like vivid memories that become branded on your consciousness. These small works, which include Self Portrait, Looking Back (from 2006) (2013), have more than enough psychic weight to hold an entire wall. Incidentally, many of them have already found their way into major corporate collections.
The big leagues aren’t entirely new to Bierk. He was formerly Kim Dorland’s studio assistant, and worked for many years under his father and painter, David Bierk. David was a formative figure in his son’s early artistic practice, and his death in 2002 marked the beginning of a particularly challenging period in Alex’s life. In “Pitfalls and Withdrawals,” a framed painting of the artist’s father occupies an entire wall. David appears to be presiding over the exhibit, but his neutral expression makes it hard to tell if he’s as impressed as the rest of us.
A portrait of the artist’s father, David Bierk.
Bierk is astutely aware of the specter of his parents in this body of work. He describes his painting as a way to “make amends” for the wasted years during which he lost both his mother and father. “It still gives me chills to look at this,” he says, pointing to a painting of the exterior of his former family home. For Bierk, these sharp renderings of psychologically charged spaces are far more haunting than the goriest of belt-strapped veins and needles – and I have to agree. There is a hard honesty in these poetic images that is not immediately apparent. On the surface, they are beautifully painted canvases that offer visual delights like the pool of light on a slick road or the fine line of a window grille. Dig deeper, and it becomes clear that by bringing into view a past that is forever inaccessible, these works are razor-sharp reminders of time, people, and opportunities that can never be fully recovered.
Pitfalls and Withdrawals is on view through February 15th, 2014
General Hardware Contemporary is located at 1520 Queen Street West.
SOURCE: Art Bitch | Toronto art review and blog – Read entire story here.