So you want to paint like Rembrandt? Should you?!!

Should an artist aim to develop his/her own style?

Skill and artistry are not the same. Developing a style is what makes the difference.



 History and the recent example of Odd Nerdrum are proof of this point.



Honest copies of the great masters and paintings made "in the style of" Old Masters require tremendous skills and part of a sound education in the visual arts. They help an artist survive financially, but are these true art in the pure sense? As much as I myself value it and like seeing this, I think this actiivty is not itself art.



Why would the world want 2 Rembrandts? Or 2 of Van Gogh?

Most likely, the second version will not be remembered as an artists.

Dali's mustache still makes it to the news!

Art and Politics...do they mix? History has the answer!

 

Art and politics have interacted since the beginnings of humanity as a species. For some artists, it has been a catapulting event into fame and wealth, beginning with the times when artists had patrons. Artists have worked for powerful people like kings, popes, cardinals and rich influential families (e.g. the Medici!) and painted them to create a mangnanimous image and, in so doing, increase or maintain their power. Artists have also denounced injustice and triggered revolutionary thoughts in populations throughout history, most notably (I think!) in France. It still happens today.

Although I try to avoid such theme in my paintings, it takes a strong determination not to paint about it because I feel strongly about political issues ( I just keep my mouth shut!). Lately, I've been reconsidering the idea...Visit my video in Youtube (above) and leave a comment...I want to know what you think!  :)
Oh....and while you're there...care to subscribe? :D

Fast and Simple Art Studio 1: The Easel

Setting up an art studio: the Easel

One of the most important parts of an art studio is the easel!
I started drawing on the floor as a child, later at a restaurant table or my desk as a teen...and eventually I got serious and bought an easel. Some artists prefer a drawing table, others use easels. And yet others who produce large pieces of art, use a mounting on the wall. Some like to stand while they paint, some sit. Therefore, knowing your style is the first thing you have to do...After you become aware of that and of your budget, choosing an easel becomes an easy decision.
I do use an upright easel because I stand while I paint and because the media I use (primarily acrylics and oils) are suitable for an easel. For artists that use watercolor or ink, which are runny, a horizontal surface like a table easel or horizontal easel are probably the best options.
Easels will display your art at an angle that aligns with your head axis so that you see the painting the way it's going to look on the wall. Most easels also adjust for various sizes of surfaces (canvas or other) so that you can choose to have an easel that holds the sizes of paintings you usually make. And, if you are like me, you can always choose to hang it on the wall and step back now and then to double-check....from the beginning of the creative process.
If you work outdoors like the impressionists, consider a field easel. These easels are lightweight and usually include a handle or shouder strap as well as a storage box for your brushes, paint, jars of turpentine or water, rags and more. I've found that, in choosing plein-air easels (as field easels are also known), you have to accept a compromise between portability and stability. While a lightweight easel of this kind might be good for carrying it to the place where you want to paint, if it's too light it may not be stable enough to withstand the slightest breeze. Keep that in mind when choosing one.
Here are some easels to consider:
Great for indoors:

Table easel:

This one is great for all of you impressionist plein air (outdoor) painters!

H-frame Easel

If your budget is the budget I dream to have... here's a wall-mounted option to consider:

These are but a few of a variety for easels...your style of painting, the size of your studio and whether you're indoors or not..and hey...your budget too. You may choose these I love or you may want to shop around for the one that fits you the best! :)
Happy painting!

ArtesVives : Animal Paintings

All available at my shop: ArtesVives Fine Art America shop
 Some available as originals (while they last), some only as prints.

Check it out! It's my new little space at Fine Art America! :D I hope you visit and see my paintings. Some are available as originals (while they last... remember I sell locally too!) or as canvas prints. This is additional to my Zazzle posts. Fine Art America has more a affordable pricing schedule for the prints and is more focused on art itself. Thus, I've added more of my paintings at Fine Art America than at any other site, and will continue to do so! Please, do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or inquiries. You can contact me through this blog or through the link in my art pages in Fine Art America. Here's the link to my shop!