Art news

Eye Candy for Today: JMW Turner etching and mezzotint

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 00:14:56 +0100

The Woman and Tambourine (Liber Studiorum, part I, plate 3), Joseph Mallord William Turner and Charles Turner, etching and mezzotint, roughly 7 x 11″ (21 x 29 cm). In the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

This was one of the prints Turner created for a 70 plate “book of studies”, he published in the early 19th century.

It was the practice of many artists at the time to work with printmaking specialists, for whom they would create drawings or watercolors as guidelines.

In this case, JMW Turner made brown watercolors as a guide for tone, and etched the basic drawing into the plate himself, turning to frequent collaborator Charles Turner (no relation) to create the tones in mezzotint. (There is a nice short description of the mezzotint process here.)

Braids and Bowlers: Indigenous Bolivian Women Skateboard in Style in Celia D. Luna’s Empowered Portraits

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 18:04:38 +0100

All images © Celia D. Luna, shared with permission

Against the pastels and earth tones of a skate park in Bolivia, Miami-based photographer Celia D. Luna captures the vibrant energy and determination of women who express solidarity and strength through a love of skateboarding. Part of her series Cholitas Bravas, “Cholitas Skaters” focuses on a group of Indigenous Bolivian women who wear traditional clothes while practicing extreme sports. “I’ve always admired brave women and culture; it’s in my DNA,” she says, describing that her upbringing by a single mother in the Andes Mountains of neighboring Peru instilled an admiration for courage and perseverance.

As recently as the last two decades, Bolivia’s Indigenous Quechua and Aymara women, known derogatorily as “cholitas,” were marginalized and ostracized from society. Distinguished by their long braids, wide skirts, and bowler hats—an amalgamation of styles resulting from Spanish colonizers forcing Indigenous people to adopt European styles during the Inquisition—the style evolved into a symbol-rich, empowered look.

Indigenous Bolivian women were historically banned from entering some public spaces, could not use public transportation, and were burdened by extremely curtailed career opportunities. They have been advocating for their civil rights since the mid-20th century, but it wasn’t until the election of the nation’s first Indigenous president in 2006 that the Cholitas finally achieved some success in restoring their rights, and the pleated skirts, lace blouses, and sombreros prevail as emblems of their cultural roots.

Luna tells Colossal that the women’s choice to don traditional apparel is for “some of them in honor of their ancestors and some of them because that’s what they wear in their everyday life. I was taken by their courage and their love for their culture, and I wanted to capture that.” Her portraits highlight each individual as she skates around the park, gathers together with the group, and poses with her board as she gazes commandingly at the viewer.

“Cholitas Skaters” is one of a trio of sub-series that comprise Cholitas Bravas; the other two chapters focus on female rock climbers and wrestlers. Find more on Luna’s website and Instagram.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Braids and Bowlers: Indigenous Bolivian Women Skateboard in Style in Celia D. Luna’s Empowered Portraits appeared first on Colossal.

Is it still worth it to be a professional artist in 2023?

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 16:22:19 +0100

I'm kinda in the same situation as Arleesha Yetzer since I would consider myself a content creator and Youtube artist.

Artful Weekend January 28 – 29

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 15:21:40 +0100

Welcome to Artful Weekend

-our listing of area art exhibits and events-

This weekend: Heart’s Desire at the League; RINGGOLD | SAAR: Meeting on the Matrix at David C. Driskell Center; Ghost Count at Cody Gallery; and A SKY OF SHATTERED GLASS REFLECTED BY THE SHINING SUN at Culture House.

Heart’s Desire

Picking out the perfect flower arrangement in late summer. By Tish Tyson; Oil

Merriam-Webster defines heart’s desire as “something someone wants very much”. In Heart’s Desire, our first member exhibit of 2023, longing is interpreted in myriad ways. From the romantic and pleasurable to the philosophical and political, Heart’s Desire features 151 artworks in oil, acrylic, watercolor, ceramic, photography, printmaking and more. It was juried by Allyson Vieira, a sculptor and Assistant Professor of Foundations at the Corcoran School of Art at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

This months Best-in-Show Award winner:

Picking out the perfect flower arrangement in late summer. By Tish Tyson; Oil

Honorable mentions:

The Cocktail Party by Linda Bankerd; Acrylic

Miss Statement by Andrea Barrett; Mixed media

Glimmer by Amber DeCicco; Mixed media

Lots of Pez by Barry Dunn; Photography

Waiting by Timothy Felker; Oil

At the Salon by Sharon Frey; Acrylic

Bridal Shop by Willa Friedman; Photography, archival inkjet print

Let the Vacation Begin! By Angela Lacy; Watercolor

Romantic Memory by Liz Santulli; Collage on wood panel

Intimate Escape (with apologies to Eadweard Muybridge) by Elizabeth Matthews; Oil triptych on canvas

La Dolce Vita by Monzen Tzen; Palette knife, oil stick, and oil on canvas

Heart’s Desire is on view through January 29.

RINGGOLD | SAAR: Meeting on the Matrix

For decades, Faith Ringgold and Betye Saar have incorporated printmaking as a vital component of their multidisciplinary practices, yet their mutual connection to printmaking remains under-recognized. RINGGOLD | SAAR: Meeting on the Matrix, at the David C. Driskell Center, highlights the print work of these two landmark artists, providing a window into the material and conceptual explorations at play in their distinct practices. Both artists have uniquely utilized the matrix—the printmaking surface which transfers ink onto paper or fabric—as a site of possibilities for experimentation, storytelling, and activism. RINGGOLD | SAAR: Meeting on the Matrix places the prints of these two artists in thematic and formal conversation to cast each other’s work in a new, dynamic light while simultaneously emphasizing the singular power of each artist’s contributions to the medium. It is on view through May; 1214 Cole Student Activities Building, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.

Ghost Count by Amanda Burnham

Image courtesy of Cody Gallery.

In magic, a “ghost count” is the name of a technique for hiding a particular card. Much like a card trick, the works in Amanda Burnham’s Ghost Count rely on misdirection: competing fragmentary images muscle to the surface, at times cancelling each other out, distracting from, or defying their sublimated narratives. Exuberant, manic line and color mask darker undercurrents. Ghost Count is on view at Marymount University’s Cody Gallery through February 26. Come for the opening reception Friday, January 27, 6 – 8 pm. The Gallery is located at 2807 North Glebe Road, Arlington, Virginia.

A SKY OF SHATTERED GLASS REFLECTED BY THE SHINING SUN

Sonic Fracture is drawn from sounds made by the artist throwing bullet casings into her crucible. Different pitches and tones are pulled from the sounds and are transformed into a composition. Cast forms made through this process to reflect the sounds are scattered on the floor. (2022) Soap, Bullet casings, aluminum, bronze, wax, sound

D.C.-based artist Stephanie Mercedes employs sound, drawings, motors, metal casting, and a series of installations to express the vulnerability of the queer body in A SKY OF SHATTERED GLASS REFLECTED BY THE SHINING SUN. It is on view through February 25, at Culture House, 700 Delaware Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. Join the gallery for an opening reception Friday, January 27, 6– 8 pm.

Enjoy the weekend!

“American Glitch” by Photographers Andrea Orejarena and Caleb Stein

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 15:00:44 +0100

“American Glitch” by Photographers Andrea Orejarena & Caleb Stein

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 15:00:44 +0100

Featured Artist Brandy Hurt

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 13:00:30 +0100

Enjoy the delightful portfolio of jewelry artist Brandy Hurt, who uses sterling silver and resin to create whimsical designs.

The post Featured Artist Brandy Hurt appeared first on Artsy Shark.

“Norma and Norman” by Photographer Terry Graham

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 12:41:54 +0100

Terry Graham

Terry Graham’s Website

Terry Graham on Instagram

Artist Opportunities #627

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 00:28:35 +0100

Every week, we gather a variety of artist opportunities from the DC area and beyond. Find one below and apply today — good luck! Click here for recent opportunities posts, and submit your opportunity listing here.

Opportunities

Call to Artists, SlowArt Productions Neoteric Abstract XI — Hudson, NY

Deadline: January 31 This exhibition is exclusively for the abstract artist and will represent a full range of abstraction, from the geometric to the lyrical, from the precise to the raw. Entry is open to all artists working in any media. The exhibition will be held at Limner Gallery, April 13 – May 6th, 2023. For more information, click here.

Call for Entries, 2023 Toyota Dream Car USA Art Contest for Kids

Deadline: January 31 The Toyota Dream Car USA Art Contestis designed to inspire creativity in youth, ages 4-15, and help them imagine the future of mobility. Nine U.S. art contest winners are selected each year: the top three in three age categories (4-7 years; 8-11 years; and 12-15 years). There are three judging criteria for the artwork: execution, uniqueness, and artistry. For more infromation, click here.

Call to Artists, Scaled Down for Spring, Wheaton Arts Parade Gallery — Wheaton, MD

Deadline: February 20 The Wheaton Arts Parade (WAP) Gallery will host “Scaled-Down for Spring” an exhibition of art that is 20″x20″ or smaller. All media may be submitted: painting, drawing, photograph, sculpture, fiber etc. Artists must be from MD-DC-VA metro area. For more information, click here.

Call for Entry, 19th Annual Bethesda Painting Awards — Bethesda, MD

Deadline: February 28 The Bethesda Arts & Entertainment District invites local artists to submit work to the 19th annual Bethesda Painting Awards. This juried art competition awards $14,000 in prizes to four selected winners. For more information, click here.

Job Opportunity, Washington Project for the Art Executive Director — D.C.

Deadline: March 3 The Washington Project for the Art is looking for an Executive Director. For more information and to apply, click here.

Call for Entry, Montpelier Arts Center Library Gallery Competition 2023 — Laurel, MD

Deadline: March 12 Montpelier Arts Center is holding a competition for exhibitions that will be held in the Library Gallery, September 2023 – July 2024. To be eligible, artists must be 18 years and older and reside in Maryland. Previous winners from 2018 to the present are ineligible. The juror may elect to exhibit artists who apply for solo shows or artists who apply as groups. Learn more here.

Re-runs: These were previously posted, but it’s not too late to enter!

Call for Entry, Layers–Material and Meaning, Site:Brooklyn — Brooklyn, NY

Deadline: January 30 Layering is both an integral part of longstanding artistic practices, Site:Brooklyn is looking for works that continue this exploration of the relationship between layering and artmaking, knowing that layering both is central to the history of art while always remaining aware of, and engaged with, its future potential. We are looking for artists that work across, and within, all mediums. For more information, click here.

Open Call, Clay Bash 2023, A Triennial Ceramics Juried Exhibition — Clinton, NJ

Deadline: February 1 Hunterdon Art Museum invites applications to our first triennial juried exhibition of ceramics. The form and content of your work will be up to you, the artist/maker. We are seeking lively and interesting interpretations of clay as material and idea. Your work may or may not fall within the traditional terms of description as “functional” or “sculptural”. For more information, click here.

Fine Arts Work Center Fellowship Residency — Provincetown, MA

Deadline: February 1 Each year, the Fine Arts Work Center Fellowship in Provincetown offers 20 seven-month residencies to a juried group of emerging visual artists, fiction writers, and poets. Residencies run from October 1 through April 30. For more information, click here.

Cultivate La Baldi Residency — Montegiovi, Italy

Deadline: February 1 Located in the historic village of Montegiovi, Italy, in southern Tuscany, Cultivate’s La Baldi Residency is open to artists, writers, and researchers. The multi-disciplinary, international residency expands Cultivate’s investigative platform centered on land, place, and the commons. Individuals and collaborative teams are free to experiment, develop ideas and projects, rejuvenate, and explore the land and culture of this special area for two-week or one-month stays. Two month-long residencies are awarded each year. The residency awards cover all fees. For more information, click here.

Call for Photography, Texture, Falls Church Arts Gallery — Falls Church, VA

Deadline: February 5 Photographers are invited to explore how visual or tactile surface characteristics of objects or scenes can be enhanced or downplayed through the manipulation of light and angle. Because texture may either be real or implied, participants are also invited to take a broader look at the topic and to submit entries that convey texture through the basic or overall structure of an image. For more information, click here.

Call for Entries, 2023 Creative Crafts Council 34th Biennial Exhibition —

Deadline: February 5 The Creative Crafts Council 34th Biennial Exhibition will present some of the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia region’s top work in ceramics, enamel, fiber, glass, metal, mixed media, wood, book arts, and more at The Mansion at Strathmore. Applications to enter the exhibition are now being accepted. For more information, click here.

2023 Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW) Visiting Artist Program

Deadline: February 6 The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) today announced the opening of its 2023 Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW) Visiting Artist Program application period. The program invites visual artists to the remote wilderness of Maine for two consecutive weeks of solitude. One artist and a guest will receive lodging at the AWW Lock Dam Camp for two weeks of the artist’s choosing during August and an orientation and regular visits from AWW Rangers. Learn more and apply here.

Call for Entries, 9th Annual Allegany National Photography Competition & Exhibition — Cumberland, MD

Deadline: February 10 This 9th Annual Allegany National Photography Competition & Exhibition (ANPCE), sponsored by the Allegany Arts Council, will meld the region’s rich concentration of photographic artists with an influx of national photographers in a juried competition offering $6,500 in cash prizes. For more information, click here.

Proposals Wanted, ARTsites Public Art — Ellicott City, MD

Deadline: February 23 We are currently seeking proposals from artists and sites for ARTsites 2023, a one-year outdoor sculpture exhibit on display from August 2023 to July 2024. Selected artists will be awarded a $3,000 grant to participate in the exhibit. For more information, click here.

Call for Entry, Artist on the Rise Teen Juried Competition — Greenbelt,

The Human Connection to Machines: Frank Soenke Haseloff’s Artistic Exploration

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 23:22:29 +0100

Painter Frank Haseloff’s work is highly reflective of his childhood growing up on a farm. He spent many hours working with machines on the farm, and this is where he...

The post The Human Connection to Machines: Frank Soenke Haseloff’s Artistic Exploration appeared first on RedDotBlog.

Whimsical Woodland Creatures and Sea Life Carved by Zoe Feast Inhabit Raw Wood Rounds

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 19:40:52 +0100

All images © Zoe Feast, shared with permission

Designer Zoe Feast has an affinity for patterns, and her practice revolves around motifs of flora, fauna, and organic forms that she creates for a variety of personal projects and commissions. After a visit to her local library and an encounter with its laser engraver, Feast decided to translate her whimsical illustrations to a three-dimensional surface. She sourced slabs of wood from a nearby habitat restoration project and carved seals in whispy waves, hedgehogs lounging among flowers and foliage, and a family of wide-eyed owls perched on branches. Nestled within the gnarled, bark-laden edges, the woodland creatures add a playful texture and motif to the raw material. See more of the collection on Feast’s site, and shop prints and other goods featuring her designs on Society6.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Whimsical Woodland Creatures and Sea Life Carved by Zoe Feast Inhabit Raw Wood Rounds appeared first on Colossal.

Finding Beauty in the Everyday with Devon Grimes

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 18:51:08 +0100

Brooklyn-based artist Devon Grimes creates illustrations and paintings focusing on the intersection of fine art and graphic design. After working in auction houses and art galleries in New York City, Devon strived for a more creative outlet and started to paint in her off time, producing floral still life paintings rendered in oil pastels, oil paints, and acrylic. Devon hopes to have art for everyone, from light and uplifting subjects like florals and friendly portraits to more political “wearable art” from her “Where Are the Women?” sweatshirt line that addresses problems surrounding women’s representation in US politics.

Often complete with simple and sleek wooden frames, Devon’s affectionately named “little guy” paintings and graphic prints offer multiple ways to enjoy her warm and engaging artwork. Devon received her BFA in painting from the University of Virginia and has exhibited at The Other Art Fair, Brooklyn, and will be showing her work at The Other Art Fair, London, in March 2023. Her recent paintings are on view at Danny Meyer’s iconic Union Square Cafe in Manhattan.

Tell us about who you are and what you do. What’s your background?

My name is Devon Grimes, and I am a Brooklyn-based painter. I was born and raised in Virginia. I have a degree in Oil Painting (focusing on portraiture) from the University of Virginia. I moved up to NYC for a sales internship at David Zwirner with the intention of working in galleries (to the dismay of my painting professors). After two art internships and about two years working at a startup outside of the arts, I moved back into the creative world when I started working in floral design. From there, I worked on floral installations and set styling for about eight years before returning to painting full-time during the pandemic. A lot of my work over the past decade has been floral-based, influenced by my career at the time.

What does your work aim to say? What are the major themes you pursue in your work? Can you share an example of a work that demonstrates this?

My work is based on everyday observations and interactions. I’ve always been heavily moved by human faces and bright, playful colors. To me, there is nothing more fascinating than the people we surround ourselves with, which is why I gravitate toward painting portraits. When people haven’t been readily available, I’ve found floral arrangements and food make for interesting alternatives. One of my favorite recent portraits is that of my stepmom’s sister and her 6-month-old baby, “Kathryn and Liam” (36 x 48 inches, acrylic on canvas).

Can you walk us through your process for creating a work from beginning to end?

I’ve always worked very fast. I’ve never had a lot of interest in mulling over a work. I typically have an idea of what or who I want to paint and what colors I want to use first. Then I let the idea sit in my head for a while, where I visualize it until I feel like I have to get it out of my system. I then complete the painting in one or two goes- typically within a few days. I have, in the past, gone back and reworked paintings but only after letting them sit for a year or more. For commissions, it’s a longer process that includes a round of mockup paintings and sometimes a revision of the final work, which is a much longer and more involved process.

Who are your biggest influences, and why?

My biggest influence is Alice Neel. When I was learning to paint in college, my advisor sat me down and told me that I have a strong liking for Neel’s works, of which I was unfamiliar. He gave me a number of print-outs of her paintings, and for the first time, I felt like my work was not “wrong” or “weird” but that it was naturally and instinctively grounded in a broader context that established and successful artists (like Neel) explored. I find other inspiration in works by Lucian Freud, Egon Schiele, Henri Matisse’s still-lifes, and living contemporary artists like Jordan Casteel and Karyn Lyons.

How does your work comment on current social and political issues?

My work reflects my everyday interests and what is immediately in front of me. I would not say my works make explicit political or social commentary- rather, I look at my work as mirrors of my somewhat-ordinary reality. Throughout history, studies of the every day have acted as important accounts of the time they were made. I hope that when I’m 90 and looking back, my works reflect the changes in the world I lived in, all undoubtedly impacted by societal, political, and cultural issues throughout my lifetime.

How do you hope viewers respond to your works? What do you want them to feel?

The most common feedback I receive from the public is that my work makes them happy- that the colors, shapes, and looseness of the paintings bring a lot of lightness to those viewing them. I think my greatest wish for my works is that they make the viewer feel a strong sensation in their gut, whether it’s happiness or otherwise. I want my works to spark a feeling that stays with the viewer indefinitely (which is a big ask as, on average, people move on from viewing a work after approximately 17 seconds). I would like my paintings to be overwhelmingly evocative, even if the emotion that arises is unpleasant. It’s less important for me to have people love my works than it is for me to know that my paintings make a strong and lasting impression- that they strike a conversation that viewers want to engage with.

If you couldn’t be an artist, what would you do?

If I couldn’t be an artist, I would be a doctor. I’m completely fascinated by medical discoveries and how the human body works. I feel like doctors are artistic by nature- to be a doctor, you have to see both the minute and whole details of a person to address their ailments, both inquisitive and discerning.

What was the best advice given to you as an artist?

When I was 21 years old and interning at David Zwirner, I ran an errand for the artist Christopher Williams who, upon my return, said to me, “What are you doing here, behind a desk? Quit the gallery world as soon as possible and never look back. You’ll never ever be happy in a traditional job. You’re an artist. Go do it.”

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Folk Art and Bold Geometric Shapes Flourish in Lisa Congdon’s Joyful Paintings

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 17:13:32 +0100

All images © Lisa Congdon, courtesy of Chefas Projects, shared with permission

A sense of lively optimism permeates Lisa Congdon’s work. Through vibrant palettes of yellows, pinks, and blues, the Portland-based artist pairs bold geometries with folk art symbols, rendering abstract compositions or minimal scenes that capture a joyful outlook. Her acrylic paintings are on view now at Chefas Projects as part of The Opposite of Sorrow, a solo show that considers what it means to be positive. “One cannot know joy without also knowing darkness,” Congdon says, sharing that her practice originated as an antidote to depression. “It was through art that I began to see and feel the beauty of life and to feel happy for the first time.”

The Opposite of Sorrow is on view through February 11. If you’re in Portland, Congdon runs a shop with originals, prints, and other goods. Otherwise, find more of her paintings and illustrations on her site and Instagram.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Folk Art and Bold Geometric Shapes Flourish in Lisa Congdon’s Joyful Paintings appeared first on Colossal.

Artist Spotlight: John Zimmerman

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:00:33 +0100

John Zimmerman

John Zimmerman on Instagram

Featured Artist S. Manya Stoumen-Tolino

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 13:00:17 +0100

Artist S. Manya Stoumen-Tolino creates visual magic with complex allegorical paintings based on change and cycles of life.

The post Featured Artist S. Manya Stoumen-Tolino appeared first on Artsy Shark.

Artist Review: Montblanc Meisterstück 149 Calligraphy Curved Nib

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 10:43:40 +0100

Montblanc Meisterstück 149 Calligraphy Curved Nib (MB129275) is a high end special edition fountain pen released in December 2022. The previous and discontinued Montblanc Meisterstück 149 was fitted with a Calligraphy Flexible Nib (MB119699). I still remember being tempted to get that pen but decided otherwise because I'm don't actually enjoy using flexible nibs for drawing. That saved me a lot of money.

This Montblanc pen that I have for review actually belongs to my fellow artist friend Annabella. I lent her some of my Sailor Specialty Nibs and she lent me this. I only got to know of this pen's existence through her post on the local Singapore Fountain Pen Lovers Facebook group.

The official retail price of this pen is US $1055 and here in Singapore it's SGD 1460 (with tax). And below's the marketing text from Montblanc's website:

Montblanc Meisterstück 149 Gold-coated collection is a design that writes history. Introduced in 1924, a word meaning “Masterpiece,” the Meisterstück has become one of the symbol for high quality luxury. The cap and barrel are crafted in black precious resin featuring the iconic white Montblanc emblem inlaid in the cap top. The fountain pen is crowned with the innovative curved nib, hand-crafted in Au750 / 18K solid gold and garnished with three delicate parallel lines; a symbol inspired by calligraphy movements. The curved nib allows a variety of writing styles and line widths, depending on the angle and the orientation at which the writing instrument is held.

My perspective
My review is from the perspective of an artist. I use fountain pens for drawing and I have reviewed many fountain pens on my blog over the years. The pens I'm interested in are those with nibs that can produce line variations. I don't create calligraphy or calligraphy art.

A Montblanc to me is a pen for collectors due to its high pricing. How is a Montblanc Meisterstück 149 with standard F, M or B nib US $975 when you can find cheaper pens with black resin body designs, gold nib and gold plated cap and trimmings that sell for less? Branding, obviously, is why a Montblanc is more expensive.

Bottom line

Montblanc Meisterstück 149 is a beautiful pen with a huge 18K gold Calligraphy Curved Nib that can produce line variations depending on how the pen is held. The line variations are not as expressive compared to a fude nib fountain pen though when you don't pay attention to how the pen is held.

It definitely feels quite satisfying to draw with such a pricy and gorgeous pen. Whether it's worth the money is really subjective -- see this video. Anyway, if you think it's worth the price, it is. If not, it's not.

There's no mention on whether this is a limited edition nib, but chances are it's probably is. The previous Calligraphy Flexible Nib was limited and has been discontinued. I suppose this pen should hold its value well should you need to sell it in the future for whatever reason.

The only downside is the company used a sticker as one of the design elements on the pen.

Things included

That's the packaging box with the calligraphy strokes as design.

This is the flip cover box the pen is in.

The overall presentation is nice. This is nicer than the box that expensive Sailor fountain pens come with.

Included in the box are the pen, warranty and servicing info and a manual on usage.

The box has felt coated on the inner sides. The pen holder can be removed so you can actually reuse the box to hold other items.

What would be really cool is for someone to make a multi-piece pen holder than can fit into this Montblanc box.

Design

Here's a size comparison with other fountain pens I have, namely:

Pilot Custom 743
Platinum 3776
Sailor 1911
Montblanc Meisterstück 149

The Montblanc Meisterstück 149 is a noticeably bigger pen.

The design is almost cigar-shape and it's a comfortable pen to hold. The pen measures 14.7 x 1.7cm (5.80 by 0.68 inches) and weights 39.87g.

The body is made with high gloss black resin, or as Montblanc calls it "black precious resin".

All the metallic parts are gold-plated.

The iconic white Montblanc emblem is inlaid in the cap top. The white snowcap symbolises the peak of the Mont Blanc mountain with its six glacier valleys.

This looks like a piece of sticker to me. When I run my hand over, I don't feel the texture of the lines because the lines aren't carved. I could also see some paint flaking off the surface.

This is definitely not acceptable for a luxury pen at such high pricing. A sticker will wear down with usage. This is glaring mistake on design.

That sticker will only align with the pen clip in one of three positions when you screw the cap back on.

This pen does look very classy.

The words on the cap ring are "Montblanc Meisterstück No. 149" in uppercase.

Filling this fountain pen with ink involves turning the end. The refilling mechanism probably uses a piston. There's a translucent section near the screw threads where you can see how much ink is left.

This pen does hold a good amount of ink and it has to since this pen uses a lot of ink.

The nib

The Calligraphy Curved Nib is the main selling point of this pen. Without this nib, I won't even consider getting a Montblanc with a F, M or B nib.

The beautiful nib is hand-crafted in Au750 / 18K gold and adorned with three parallel lines inspired by calligraphy. There are also carvings inside the parallel lines.

This is a big nib that measures 2.75cm (1.08 inches).

On the nib you'll also see the number 4810 engraved which represents the height of the Mont Blanc mountain.

The ink flow is really good.

I'm not sure what the feed is made of. I did not dismantle the pen for the fear of not being able to put the pen together again, and it's not my pen.

The broad side looks like a 45 degree angle.

Interestingly, the gold colour does not extend all the way to the tip of the nib.

All the edges are curved.

This point can be used for drawing thin lines or dots.

These are the lines you can create with the nib.

Writing on the reversed with the tip produces very thin lines
Writing with the pen at a tilted but upright angle
Writing with the pen at 45 degrees
Writing without paying special attention to the angle of the pen

Ink flow is fantastic and is able to keep up even with the broadest stroke. Do note that the more ink there is on the paper, the more time it takes for the ink to dry.

This was written with the nib upside down using the point.

This was written with the pen at a tilted but upright angle.

This was written using the broad side.

This pen is probably more suited for people write big as the line width will be medium to extra broad unless you hold the pen more vertically to make the lines thinner.

These are Chinese characters.

These are Japanese characters.

The pen nib is good enough for writing Asian calligraphy although the strokes don't really taper.

Here's a quick sketch I drew with the pen. You don't really have to pay special attention to how the pen is held when drawing unless you want to create specific lines, e.g. extra thin or extra thick lines. You will get some line variation with your usual hand movement.

For this sketch, I held the pen more vertically to draw the thinner lines. The ink blobs I used to represent the windows were drawn with the broad side.

The broad side of the nib is good for drawing thick lines, in this case it's convenient to draw thick horizontal windows.

You can turn the nib over to use the extra thin lines for hatching. The broad nib can be used for cover large areas with ink.

How it compare with the Sailor specialty nibs?

The Sailor Cross Nib (above) is probably the equivalent of the Montblanc Calligraphy Curved nib. The broad end of the Montblanc is slightly thicker that's all.

How it compare with a fude nib?

A fude nib is a bent nib with a broad side and can create the same line variations as the Montblanc Calligraphy Curved Nib.

The boxes above were drawn with the Montblanc and those below were from a cheap Sailor My First Pen.

I did not pay special attention to how the pen was held while drawing those boxes. When drawing normally, the fude nib can produce more noticeable line variation compared to the Montblanc. The ink flow with the cheap Sailor fountain pen wasn't as good though.

This was drawn with the Montblanc.

This was drawn with the fude nib. Again the line variation is more noticeable and obvious compared to the Montblanc. The ink flow isn't as good so the lines are not as dark as those from the Montblanc even though I used the same black ink.

While the Montblanc Calligraphy Curved Nib is versatile for drawing, you will have to make a conscious effort to hold the pen at certain angles to get the line variation you want. In a way, this nib can be considered to have consistent performance. The line variation you can get with a fude nib is more unpredictable but it's automatic without having to bother with how the pen is held. For drawing purposes, the fude nib is considered to be more expressive.

Conclusion

As mentioned in the bottom line earlier, this is a beautiful pen and the calligraphy curved nib is quite versatile for drawing although not as versatile compared to a fude nib. I'm not sure how good the pen is for calligraphy since I'm not familiar with calligraphy art. But since it is a so called Calligraphy nib, I'm sure it can be used to create calligraphy or calligraphy art.

This pen is more suited for people who write bigger since the line width is at least a medium.

The use of that sticker as part of a design element, if it's really a sticker, is unacceptable on pen this expensive. What was Montblanc thinking?

Is it worth the money? You can decide.

Do check out my other fountain pen reviews.

Five Things My Parents Taught Me I Could Live Without

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 06:43:53 +0100

As a reader of this blog, you may know that my dad is an artist and has been a full-time professional artist for over three decades. Much of what I...

The post Five Things My Parents Taught Me I Could Live Without appeared first on RedDotBlog.

Memories Emerge in Stephen Wong Chun Hei’s Paintings as Vivid Saturated Landscapes

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 22:26:00 +0100

“MacLehose Trail Section 4” (2022), acrylic on canvas, 150 x 200 centimeters. Photos by Bonhams HK, all images © Stephen Wong Chun Hei

Vivid palettes of blues, greens, and pink saturate Stephen Wong Chun Hei’s landscapes, which translate memories of travel into dream-like paintings in acrylic. The artist considers each work a vessel for the impressions of places he’s traveled or hiked. “I never try to capture just one moment in a landscape. The colours are ever-changing through time,” Hei tells Colossal. “This is the reason that the colours in my paintings are not realistic or naturalistic in appearance. I would like them to be more subjective.”

Many of the paintings originate in a sketchbook, which the artist brings along on his adventures and back to his Hong Kong-based studio. “When I work on canvas, I also got the feeling of travel with every brushstroke and colour used,” he shares.

Hei is currently preparing for a show in May at Tang Contemporary, a process that involves travel to multiple countries to explore their landscapes, which he hasn’t been able to do since before the COVID-19 pandemic. One of his works will also be on view with Gallery Exit for Art Basel Hong Kong. Find more on the artist’s site and Instagram. (via This Isn’t Happiness)

“MacLehose Trail Section 2” (2022), acrylic on canvas, 150 x 200 centimeters

“MacLehose Trail Section 6” (2022), acrylic on canvas, 150 x 120 centimeters

“MacLehose Trail Section 5” (2022), acrylic on canvas, 150 x 150 centimeters

“MacLehose Trail Uphill at Section 5” (2022), acrylic on canvas, 40 x 30 centimeters

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Memories Emerge in Stephen Wong Chun Hei’s Paintings as Vivid Saturated Landscapes appeared first on Colossal.

Delicate Knots, Velvet, and Beads Entwine in Julia Shore’s Mossy Embroideries

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 19:21:37 +0100

All images © Julia Shore, shared with permission

Dappled with French knots, glinting materials, and pieces of moss, botanical embroideries by Julia Shore replicate the forest floor’s supple textures in fiber and beads. The Los Angeles-based artist also uses hand-dyed velvet, wool, felt, and sequins to add a variety of hues ranging from emerald green to golden yellow. “I tried to capture its intricacy—all the different shades and forms of moss; its soft and calming nature,” she says.

Shore’s next series of moss pieces will be released on Etsy in February. She shares embroidery tutorials on YouTube and has kits and downloadable patterns available for purchase on her website. You can also follow more updates on Instagram.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Delicate Knots, Velvet, and Beads Entwine in Julia Shore’s Mossy Embroideries appeared first on Colossal.

Vibrant Makeup Mirrors Sweet Frozen Treats in Max Siedentopf’s ‘Pleasure Portraits’

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 16:48:12 +0100

All images © Max Siedentopf, shared with permission

London-based artist and creative director Max Siedentopf has a knack for portraying more than meets the eye in his distinctive portraits. A series titled Pleasure Portraits looks forward to summer, featuring the distinctive pastels and jewel tones of ice cream bars alongside subjects whose decadent makeup mimics the hues and embellishments of their paired confection.

No stranger to fashion and makeup artistry in his collaborative, creative development role with the Italian brand Gucci, Siedentopf cast models who were ornamented with gems, baubles, and vibrant patterns. In this playful study of duality, there is a twist of irony: despite the association of frozen treats and the sunny colors of summertime with pleasure, Siedentopf’s subjects sit inert and gaze expressionlessly at the viewer in a similar format to passport photos.

Siedentopf is currently preparing a few upcoming exhibitions, fashion campaigns, and a forthcoming book of photographs. Follow updates on Instagram, and find more of his work on his website.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Vibrant Makeup Mirrors Sweet Frozen Treats in Max Siedentopf’s ‘Pleasure Portraits’ appeared first on Colossal.

Artist Spotlight: Thérèse Mulgrew

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:01:13 +0100

“Chilluns’ Croon” by Photographer Mateo Ruiz Gonzalez

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 15:00:05 +0100

Build Your Art Business Locally

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 13:00:46 +0100

The easiest place to sell your work might be right near your home. Use these tips to meet local business people, contacts and collectors.

The post Build Your Art Business Locally appeared first on Artsy Shark.

Collector Favorites: Bestselling Artists of January

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 11:00:22 +0100

Ever wondered what other people are buying for their personal art collections? Though your tastes may differ, seeing what others are purchasing can help you discover new artists whose works you might not otherwise have considered.

Below, meet 5 artists who have proven to be popular favorites with our collectors. For more ideas, browse our recently sold works and contact our curators who can help you find similar works in your budget.

Noa Heyne

Interdisciplinary artist Noa Heyne uses sculpture, installation, and performance art to explore movement and body in natural and urban environments. Her sculptural works often utilize industrial materials that take on a nearly organic form. Noa relocated to the US from Israel to study at the Maryland Institute of College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore, where she earned her MFA in 2017 and currently teaches. See more of Noa’s work here.

Genevieve Leavold

Genevieve Leavold is a British abstract artist known for her freeform, organic paintings. Embracing ancient Eastern philosophies celebrating the beauty of play, Genevieve translates these principles into sweeping gesturalism and organic movement. She has shown her works at The Other Art Fair Chicago and London and numerous galleries nationally and internationally—most recently, she had a solo show at Fitzrovia Gallery, London. See more of Genevieve’s works here.

Nina Enger

Inspired by the unpredictability of life and nature, self-taught painter Nina Enger visualizes transformation in light-filled abstract landscapes. Resembling clouds in perpetual motion, Nina allows color to blend and movement to materialize through quick brushstrokes. The Norwegian artist has exhibited nationally, as well as in Luxembourg, Italy, Spain, France, and Monaco. See more of Nina’s works here.

Francesco D’Adamo

Francesco D’Adamo pulls from Abstract Expressionism and Italian informalism to craft lyrical abstractions. He often employs strong palettes and heavy mark-making, allowing color and shape to find a natural rhythm that carries a viewer through the composition. The Italian artist’s extensive exhibition history includes numerous solo shows and art fairs across Europe and Asia. See more of Francesco’s works here.

Brandon Borgelt

South African artist Brandon Borgelt worked on wildlife reserves for 20 years before teaching himself bronze sculpting in 2000. His subjects include the nude form and African wildlife. In addition to his works being held in private collections worldwide, Brandon has shown his sculptures in Johannesburg and Durban. See more of Brandon’s works here.

10th Edition of Art Wynwood Returns to Miami President’s Day Weekend February 16 – 19, 2023

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 01:39:46 +0100

Miami’s foremost winter art fair, Art Wynwood, produced by Art Miami, returns for its 10th edition. Taking place over Presidents Day Weekend, the fair will launch with an exclusive VIP Preview on Thursday, February 16 benefit The Bass Museum, before opening to the public Friday, February 17 through Sunday, February 19 at One Herald Plaza.

Art Wynwood

Art Wynwood provides a unique opportunity for collectors to discover and explore the world’s most prestigious contemporary, emerging and modern art galleries in the vibrant cultural hub of South Florida. Since Art Wynwood’s ninth edition in 2020, the city’s real estate boom has been one of the country’s largest transfers of wealth, making Art Wynwood 2023 the best opportunity to collect some of the most important art works of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Art Wynwood

More than 50 leading international galleries from countries spanning England, Italy, the Dominican Republic, Canada, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Venezuela, Austria, and throughout the U.S. will showcase an elevated array of murals, pop surrealism, street art and other modern and contemporary genres by innovative emerging artists as well as top names.

Art Wynwood

Art Wynwood 2023 will coincide with the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, taking place on Biscayne Bay between the Venetian and MacArthur Causeways, adjacent to Art Wynwood.

VIP Preview
Thursday, February 16, 2023 | 6pm – 10pm
Access to Art Wynwood VIP Passholders and Press

Public Hours
Friday, Feb 17 | 11am – 7pm
Saturday, Feb 18 | 11am – 7pm
Sunday, Feb 19 | 11am – 5pm

“100 Amigos” Art Show

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 22:52:51 +0100

The legendary 100 Amigos Exhibition returns after a two-year hiatus, once again featuring 100 artworks by 100 artists. The new show aims to celebrate Vancouver’s most exciting visual artists from a full spectrum of disciplines. All participants have been selected based on skill and motive — not marketability — as it is the intention of 100 Amigos to provide artists with the opportunity to create without bounds. This year’s show is curated by Pablo Zamudio, Drew Young, and Douglas Coupland. Obviously each of these artists have had their own unique influence on the city’s culture, whether through fashion, design and public art, so we’re super excited to see the cross-section they’ve come up with!

A must-see if you happen to be in Vancouver this weekend.”100 Amigos” opens Friday January 27th, 8pm – 11pm, at their new venue, 1021 West Hastings (entrance through 355 Burrard, Marine Building). Check out a little sneak peak of some of the works in the show below!

Art by Mega McGrath

Art by Atheana Picha

Art by Luke Ramsey

Art by Jillian Mundy

Art by Jake Johnston

Art by Yumi Eto

Art by Graeme Zirk

Art by Jérôme Berthier

Art by Katie So

Art by Ratur / Arthur Maslard

Art by Anaïs Lera

Art by Jeff Simpson

Art by Pablo Zamudio

Art by The Coal Cinder

Art by Sandeep Johal

Art by Carolyn Wong

Art by Peter Taylor

Art by Caroline Weaver

Art by A Woodward

Art by Kathy Ager

Art by Paul Hetherington

Art by Kristian Adam

A New Monograph Follows the Evolution of Wangechi Mutu’s Mythologizing Practice

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 20:53:12 +0100

“Water Woman” (2017), bronze, 91 x 165 x 178 centimeters. All images © Wangechi Mutu, courtesy of Phaidon, shared with permission

A new monograph published by Phaidon delves into the multi-faceted work of Kenyan-American artist Wangechi Mutu (previously). The first of its kind, the volume packs hundreds of artworks, glimpses into Mutu’s Nairobi studio, and her own writings within its 160 pages. Known for mythologizing, the artist often incorporates found, organic materials like soil, feathers, bone, and ephemera into her collages and sculptures. The works broadly explore gender, sexuality, politics, and the natural world through expressive, hybrid figures imbued with otherworldly lore.

To coincide with the book’s release, Phaidon has a limited-edition print available featuring Mutu’s dreamlike “WaterSpirit washed Pelican.” Explore an archive of her works on Instagram.

“Water Woman” (2017), bronze, 91 x 165 x 178 centimeters. Installation view at The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria, 2017

“You Are My Sunshine” (2015), collage painting on paper, 61 x 91 centimeters

“Mamaray” (2020), bronze, 165 x 366 x 488 centimeters

From left: “Mirror Faced I” (2020), soil, charcoal, paper pulp, wood glue, emulsion paint, gourd, brass beads, mirror, teak base, hair, wrought iron stand, 174 x 37 x 34 centimeters, bust 58 x 28 x 31 centimeters; “Mirror Faced II” (2020), soil, charcoal, paper pulp, wood glue, emulsion paint, desiccated baobab fruit, brass beads, mirror, teak base, hair, wrought iron stand, 168 x 31 x 36 centimeters, bust 50 x 25 x 28 centimeters; “Mirror Faced III” (2020), Soil, charcoal, paper pulp, wood glue, emulsion paint, brass beads, rose quartz, mirror, teak base, hair, wrought iron stand, 176 x 43 x 37 centimeters, bust 60 x 27 x 33 centimeters

Wangechi Mutu, Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco, 2021

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article A New Monograph Follows the Evolution of Wangechi Mutu’s Mythologizing Practice appeared first on Colossal.

Donating Artwork to the 2023 Patrons’ Show Fundraiser

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:29:49 +0100

YOU Make The Patrons’ Show Fundraiser Possible!

A sculpture by Chris Malone watches over the other artworks in the 2021 Patrons‘ Show Fundraiser.

The Patrons‘ Show is our largest fundraiser of the year, and each donated work is an essential part of the event. We could not do it without YOU and your generosity!

We are in great need of framed or gallery-ready works. (We will still accept unframed pieces (very gratefully!!) from those who donate two or more framed works.)

Who can donate artwork?
We will gratefully accept donations from exhibiting artist members, Art League faculty, students, and TFAA members are eligible to donate to the fundraiser. The value of each artwork donation matches or exceeds (!) the cost of a ticket to the fundraiser ($235)

When can artists donate artwork?
We are accepting donations at the gallery during the following hours:
Mon-Sat, 10:00am-5:30pm and Sun, Noon-5:30pm. (Please note, sometimes the Art Center closes at 5:00pm for private events. Check the schedule here.)

Donation deadlines: Wednesday, February 8, 5:30pm, to be eligible for juried awards.
Wednesday, February 15, 5:30pm to be included in the fundraiser.

The 2023 Patrons‘ Show Artist Awards Juried by Phil Hutinet, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of East City Art

Best in Show: $3500
determined by Patrons’ Show judge
Faculty Award: $2500
determined by Patrons’ Show judge
Torpedo Factory Artist Award: $1000
determined by Patrons’ Show judge
Collector Award: $1000
first artwork chosen/drawn for the evening
Collector Award: $1000
second artwork chosen/drawn for the evening
Collector Award: $1000
third artwork chosen/drawn for the evening

Special Recognition Awards
Geri Gordon Award: $500
awarded to artist chosen in the First Choice Raffle

Brenda B. Kollman Award for 3D Artwork: $500
determined by Patrons’ Show judge

Marian Van Landingham Award: $500
determined by Patrons’ Show judge

Danielle Clough Reimagines Sportswear and Athletic Gear in Vibrantly Expressive Embroideries

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 17:33:43 +0100

All images © Danielle Clough, shared with permission

Utilizing vintage tennis rackets, T-shirts, and tie-dyed fabrics as canvases, Danielle Clough’s expressive embroideries (previously) sport summery motifs like flamingo pool floats, bright citrus, and bucket hats. The artist continues to expand upon the traditional hoop as the framing device and considers how the medium translates to unexpected surfaces like surfboards or apparel. And she isn’t afraid to experiment: her design for a surfboard—a bird perched on a large flower with a stem that trails into loose threads—didn’t go as planned when the time came to apply the piece to the physical board. However, the learning experience shaped the way she approaches future projects.

A recent series of vibrant human eyes stitched onto Adidas shirts comprise a collaboration with the brand to produce limited-edition wearable artworks. “The brief was broad: to create a sense of individual expression through the community,” Clough explains. “This collection of ‘expressions’ looks out from the wearer’s chest. Standing alone, but all together; a part of a group, like a bouquet.” She has also been experimenting with different threads and watercolor, focusing on the fabric background as an important part of the overall composition.

Clough says, “I’m currently working with a South African clothing brand called Poetry on creating a collection for spring using a variety of techniques to translate my work onto apparel,” and shares that she is also collaborating with Florida-based boxing glove maker 1V1 to create embellished mitts. Toward the end of this year, Clough will also present a series of workshops at Paradigm Gallery in Philadelphia. Find more of her work on her website, and follow the latest updates on Instagram.

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Danielle Clough Reimagines Sportswear and Athletic Gear in Vibrantly Expressive Embroideries appeared first on Colossal.

Sketching Panorama Scenes: An Urban Sketching Course

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 17:14:03 +0100

I've just launched a new art course on sketching panoramas. The course is now available on Skillshare (membership needed) and Gumroad (US $19).

In this course, you'll learn process and techniques to sketching a panorama scene with pen, ink and watercolour.

This is an intermediate course that requires you to have basic knowledge to observation drawing. If you're a beginner, I recommend you check out my beginner course to urban sketching first.

Sketching panorama scenes can be intimidating so in this course, we'll learn how you can break down the process into more management parts.

This course is 176 minute long and has 2 hands-on project and 1 timelapse tutorial. You can download the reference photos to follow along. Additional photos are also provided for more practice.

The lessons are as follows:

Intro - 1 min
What's a panorama? - 12 min
Planning before sketching - 5 min
Tools and supplies - 3 min
Project 1: Sketching a street scene - 10 min
Project 1: inking - 22 min
Project 1: Colouring - 21 min
Project 1: Adding details - 12 min
A word on perspective - 9 min
Thumbnailing - 20 min
Project 2: Cityscape - 3min
Project 2: Inking - 22 min
Project 2: Colouring - 22 min
Sketching an indoor panorama - 13 min
Outro - 1 min

At the end of the course, you should be familiar with the process of sketching a panorama scene, and have to confidence to sketch one yourself.

Travel the World Through the Bizarre and Unexpected Sights of ‘Wonders of Street View’

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 15:35:58 +0100

All images via ‘Wonders of Street View’

A man with three legs, a vintage car scaling a building, and an unsettling formation of people donning bird masks are a few of the scenarios highlighted in the terrifically bizarre Wonders of Street View. One of the many sites of coder Neal Agarwal, the project showcases photographs of offbeat landmarks, digital glitches, chance encounters, and people who prepare to pose for the famous camera-laden Google Street View cars as they drive by. The playful platform is similarly interactive to allow viewers to explore the surroundings and generates scenes at random, taking visitors from San Francisco to Hesse, Germany, to Samburu, Kenya. Head to Wonders of Street View to traverse the globe one strange sight at a time. (via Waxy)

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Travel the World Through the Bizarre and Unexpected Sights of ‘Wonders of Street View’ appeared first on Colossal.

Featured Artist Doug Stuckle

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 13:00:03 +0100

Featured artist Doug Stuckle is a Midwestern oil painter capturing the changing face of the landscape and nature.

The post Featured Artist Doug Stuckle appeared first on Artsy Shark.

Artist Spotlight: Laurent Proux

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 11:03:52 +0100

Client Testimonials – Worth Their Weight In Gold

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 06:43:25 +0100

We recently received this note and the photo above from a client who purchased and donated a major sculpture to a hospital in his home area: Just wanted to let...

The post Client Testimonials – Worth Their Weight In Gold appeared first on RedDotBlog.

Fanny Sanín - Acrylic No. 13, 1970

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 02:54:34 +0100

Fanny Sanín - Acrylic No. 13, 1970 barita Mon, 01/23/2023 - 17:54

Tombstone

Fanny Sanin
Colombia, born 1938, active United States
Acrylic No. 13, 1970
M.2014.220

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Exhibition Drawers

Exhibition Drawer Body

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Acrylic No. 13, 1970

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 02:54:34 +0100

Acrylic No. 13, 1970 barita Mon, 01/23/2023 - 17:54

Tombstone

Fanny Sanín
Colombia, born 1938, active United States
Gift of Fanny Sanín
M.2014.220

Hide title?

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Exhibition Drawers

Exhibition Drawer Body

https://open.spotify.com/track/2PkrRGe8FELQYmmqQAgvtv?si=42dc4ed773d745…" style="border-radius:12px" width="100%">

Exhibition Drawer Open

Off

Acrylic No. 13, 1970

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 02:54:34 +0100

Acrylic No. 13, 1970 barita Mon, 01/23/2023 - 17:54

Tombstone

Fanny Sanín
Colombia, born 1938, active United States
Gift of Fanny Sanín
M.2014.220

Hide title?

Off

Exhibition Drawers

Exhibition Drawer Body

https://open.spotify.com/track/2PkrRGe8FELQYmmqQAgvtv?si=42dc4ed773d745…" style="border-radius:12px" width="100%">

Exhibition Drawer Open

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‘Glass Microbiology’ Magnifies Viruses, Bacteria, and Other Organisms to 1 Million Times Their Actual Size

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 20:00:39 +0100

Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram (previously) continues to add delicate specimens to his Glass Microbiology collection. The ongoing project is a collaboration with scientists at the University of Bristol, who aid Jerram in scaling three-dimensional renderings of avian flu, papillomavirus, the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, and other tiny organisms into sculptures approximately one million times their actual size. Transparent and impeccably detailed, the models are designed to showcase the structures of each microbe without distorting the viewer’s perception with non-existent colors, which are often used to distinguish various parts in illustrated renderings.

Jerram documents the process behind his swine flu sculpture in the video below, which begins with two artists hand-blowing the larger structure. The team then shapes hundreds of individual proteins that will later be fused to the virus’s exterior. Find more of the scientifically minded project on the Glass Microbiology site, and follow Jerram’s latest works on Instagram.

“Papillomavirus”

“Avian Flu 2012”

“EV1 (Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease)”

Detail of “AstraZeneca vaccine”

“Giardia”

“Ameoba”

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article ‘Glass Microbiology’ Magnifies Viruses, Bacteria, and Other Organisms to 1 Million Times Their Actual Size appeared first on Colossal.

Shantell Martin’s Signature Lines Grace a Meditative Limited-Edition Candle Collection

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 17:05:26 +0100

Photo by Eli Schmidt. All images courtesy of Shantell Martin, shared with permission

The ever-optimistic artist Shantell Martin (previously) brings her meditative, joyful line drawings to a collection of limited-editions candles. Minimal faces, birds, flowers, fish, and pithy affirmations like “You Time” and “Relax” grace the glass and ceramic vessels made in collaboration with Joya Studio. With burn times of 3,000 and 8,7000 minutes respectively, the candles release uplifting, stimulating scents with notes of shaded green tea, ocean air, heliotrope petals, and vanilla flowers.

Both designs are hand-poured in Joya’s Brooklyn studio, and the porcelain edition contains layers that emit different fragrances after 10, 30, or 60 minutes, making each piece both a timekeeper and a source of warm light. “My wish is that these candles can burn in the background during your creative process, much like a playlist, invigorating your senses and bringing you back to self,” the artist says.

Shop the collection on Joya’s site, and follow Martin’s latest collaborations on Instagram.

Photo by Joya Studio

Photo by Eli Schmidt

Photo by Joya Studio

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Shantell Martin’s Signature Lines Grace a Meditative Limited-Edition Candle Collection appeared first on Colossal.

Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary (PBM+C), Presented by Art Miami, Returns for its Sixth Edition

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 16:22:12 +0100

Palm Beach Modern + Contemporary (PBM+C), presented by Art Miami, returns for its sixth edition opening with an exclusive invitation-only VIP Preview benefiting the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens on Thursday, March 23rd and running through Sunday, March 26th, 2023 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

The most important contemporary art fair of the winter season, PBM+C brings together world-class investment quality art presented by an internationally acclaimed group of galleries.

PBM+C will coincide with the world-renowned Palm Beach International Boat Show, located along the waterfront and Flagler Drive in Downtown West Palm Beach, FL. The show will feature more than $1.2 billion worth of yachts and accessories, including hundreds of boats ranging from 8-foot inflatables to super yachts nearly 200 feet in length.

FAIR HOURS

Thursday, March 23, 2023
VIP Preview: 5pm – 9pm
Access for PBM+C VIP Passholders & Press, benefiting the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens

GENERAL ADMISSION
Friday, March 24 11am – 7pm
Saturday, March 25 11am – 7pm
Sunday, March 26 11am – 6pm

FAIR INFORMATION
+1.305.517.7977 or info@artpbfair.com

Tickets available 60 days prior to opening.

Dramatic Flora and Fauna Emerge from Maude White’s Exquisitely Detailed Cut Paper Sculptures

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 15:41:36 +0100

Created from single pieces of paper, Maude White’s sculptures (previously) reveal the veins of petals and leaves, braided locks, and vivid animal portraits. Making countless tiny incisions on archival sheets with a size 11 blade, the artist begins by referencing a photograph and creating a loose sketch to maintain general dimensions. She then carefully selects the location of the first cut, telling Colossal that “every cut expands outward from there, and I have to make sure that the piece can maintain its integrity when complete and not fall apart.”

White continues to pursue nature as a subject, focusing on expressive animals and diverse flora. “I will always come back to my love of elephants and flowers,” she says, sharing that she has been experimenting with new forms that are less visually literal. The net-like, “sketchy” composition pictured below appears at first glance like a bird’s nest, but upon closer inspection, an elephant’s eye and trunk emerge. “I really enjoyed this piece, and it was quite a challenge to design and execute!” she says.

In December 2022, White published Resilience Alchemy, a deck and guidebook featuring her artwork that focuses on creative self-discovery and empowerment. “I’m really proud of this project, and even though it’s a departure from the more intricate cut-paper work, it explores resilience in a way that I think can be helpful and hopeful for a lot of people,” she says. Find a copy on Bookshop, and keep an eye out for a new deck slated for release this December. Follow White’s updates on Instagram, and explore more work on her website.

Photograph by Melissa Hope

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Dramatic Flora and Fauna Emerge from Maude White’s Exquisitely Detailed Cut Paper Sculptures appeared first on Colossal.

Featured Artist Laurie McKern

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 13:00:21 +0100

Inspired by vintage textiles and patterns, artist Laurie McKern creates engaging figurative paintings with a retro flair.

The post Featured Artist Laurie McKern appeared first on Artsy Shark.

Photographer Spotlight: Ramie Ahmed

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 11:46:33 +0100

Artist Spotlight: Tristan Martinez

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 11:45:32 +0100

Tristan Martinez

Tristan Martinez’s Website

Tristan Martinez on Instagram

“Malla Horizontal” a New Work by Jorge Pomar in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 09:21:14 +0100

Jorge Pomar was formed in the early 2000s between graffiti and rave culture. He is co-founder of the publishing house Bucle, La Baranda gallery, Hogar parties and founder of Casa Omar, a space for residencies and exhibitions active between 2012 and 2022 in Buenos Aires.

In 2018 he was selected for the artist program at the CIA. He held workshops with Diana Aisenberg, AB-ELE and participated in seminars led by Alberto Goldenstein, Guillermo Ueno, Martín Reyna, Dolores Casares, Oscar Smoje, Mariano Sapia, Jorge Gonzáles Perrin and Javier Abarca.

Pomar maintains a marked interest in the urban landscape. The exploration of the wall as a surface of enunciation is deployed in the development of large-scale murals in public and private spaces, as well as the deconstruction in exhibition contexts. His body of work opens a varied materiality that encompasses textiles, ceramics and printed publications. The projects that Pomar developed can be found in more than twenty countries such as Argentina, Brazil, the United States, France, Italy and Ukraine.
Jorge made collaborations with Diego Bianchi, RICAS Estudio, Franco Fasoli, Julia Sbriller, and Elian Chali and solo and group exhibitions at Quimera, MUNAR, Pasto, MARCA Museum in Italy, V9 gallery in Poland and Palais de Tokyo in France.
Lives and works in Buenos Aires.

“Malla horizontal” work was made with acrylic paint on a 3 x 43 m concrete wall, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2023.

Take a look at more images below and check back with us soon for more updates.

Henry Justice Ford

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 21:20:03 +0100

Henry Justice Ford (AKA Henry J. Ford or H. J. Ford) was a popular British illustrator active in the late 19th and early 20 centuries.

Ford’s primary medium was pen and ink, but he also worked in watercolor. Though his skill in those mediums may not have been quite as refind as that of some of his contemporaries, he was nontheless imaginative and entertaining — particularly when illustrating fantasy subjects that included dragons, monsters, ogres and demons.

Practical Matters: Asking a Gallery for Artwork from Their Inventory to Supply Another Gallery

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 06:40:11 +0100

I recently received the following email from Steve, an artist in Arkansas. Steve has been working to expand his gallery representation and is in discussions with a new gallery that...

The post Practical Matters: Asking a Gallery for Artwork from Their Inventory to Supply Another Gallery appeared first on RedDotBlog.

Artful Weekend January 21 – 22

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 14:30:54 +0100

Welcome to Artful Weekend

-our listing of area art exhibits and events-

This weekend: Heart’s Desire at the League; SEQUENCE at Touchstone Gallery; Palace of Power at Mehari Sequar Gallery; and Capital Light: Oil paintings by Bradley Stevens at Zenith Gallery.

Heart’s Desire

Picking out the perfect flower arrangement in late summer. By Tish Tyson; Oil

This months Best-in-Show Award winner:

Picking out the perfect flower arrangement in late summer. By Tish Tyson; Oil

Honorable mentions:

The Cocktail Party by Linda Bankerd; Acrylic

Miss Statement by Andrea Barrett; Mixed media

Glimmer by Amber DeCicco; Mixed media

Lots of Pez by Barry Dunn; Photography

Waiting by Timothy Felker; Oil

At the Salon by Sharon Frey; Acrylic

Bridal Shop by Willa Friedman; Photography, archival inkjet print

Let the Vacation Begin! By Angela Lacy; Watercolor

Romantic Memory by Liz Santulli; Collage on wood panel

Intimate Escape (with apologies to Eadweard Muybridge) by Elizabeth Matthews; Oil triptych on canvas

La Dolce Vita by Monzen Tzen; Palette knife, oil stick, and oil on canvas

Heart’s Desire is on view through January 29.

SEQUENCE

AI House 50, Iteration 4 by Michelle Robinson. Hand cross stitch on aida cloth, personally trained GAN. 12” x 12”.

Touchstone Gallery presents SEQUENCE; an international open call exhibition which invited artists to submit artworks created with, or influenced by, technology. SEQUENCE showcases an extensive range of how technology is utilized in art, from 3D printed sculpture, to AI-generated images translated into hand cross-stitch to digital paintings, time-based media, animation photography, NFC-embedded mixed media and more. It is on view through February 20. Touchstone Gallery is located at 901 New York Avenue NW, Washington, D,C.

Palace of Power

Celeste, 2016 Oil and gold leaf on canvas

The history of the land of Brazil is one fraught with the legacies of human trafficking, nearly encircled by a haunted Atlantic, and characterized by the intricacies of “race.” And yet, in all of its darkly rich complexity, people often call Brazil “the land of perpetual promise.” In this solo exhibition of Werrlayne Nunes, the perpetuity of promise is honored and located honors the creative and resilient spirit of childhood in the face of structural adversity. Palace of Power imagines this source and establishes a visual for the impact of promise in their lives. It is on view through February 26 at Mehari Sequar Gallery, 1402 H Street NE, Washington, D.C.

Capital Light | Oil paintings by Bradley Stevens

Images l-r: Pei’s Gift | Memorial Light | A Long Way Home

Rare among the world’s great capitals, D.C. isn’t dwarfed by monoliths blocking sunlight to the web of life below,” says artist Bradley Stevens. “We who live, work and play here can witness the ever-changing light show that plays upon the city’s architecture and surrounding landscape. It is this beautiful illumination of some of our city’s most treasured spots that I attempt to capture in these paintings.” With Capital Light, his new series of luminous D.C. paintings, Stevens shows us how familiar city scenes are rendered breathtaking and magical, bathed in light. It is on view through January 28 at Zenith Gallery, 1429 Iris Street NW, Washington D.C. There will be an artist talk with Stevens on Saturday, January 21, at 2 pm.

Enjoy the weekend!

Nighttime Reveals the Inner Vitality of Reskate’s Dynamic Glow-in-the-Dark Murals

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 14:00:45 +0100

By day, Reskate Studio’s bold, deceptively simple murals outline the forms of rope, a mountain, or a dog in a neutral palette. When the sun sets, though, an entirely new image emerges from within the unassuming motif. María López and Javier de Riba, who work collaboratively as Reskate, continue to paint bold, light-sensitive works as part of their ongoing Harreman Project (previously). The artists say their intention is “to try to light up dark corners of cities, both installing new lights and encouraging citizens to interact with the wall—painting with light on it.”

“Harreman” is a Basque word meaning “relationship,” a combination of two verbs: hartu, which means “receive” and eman, which means “give.” The duo is interested in etymology, duality, and the way language can present multiple interpretations or how some information can only be revealed in a certain light. During the day, Reskate’s compositions appear uncomplicated in cream white and dark gray, but this discloses only half the story. At night, lights illuminate scenes created with photo-sensitive paint, like a koi fish appearing in a net or dogs brawling within the silhouette of a larger, much calmer canine.

Reskate installs vibrant, monumental murals with a focus in locations around Europe. Find more work on Behance and on the artists’ website, where you can also shop limited-edition screenprints.

“Rivalité,” (2022), Maison de Jeunes et de la Culture Nelson Mandela, Fontaine, France

Nighttime view of “Eulalia” (2022-23), Mérida, Extremadura, Spain

Daytime view of “Eulalia”

“Domestication,” Wien Museum, Vienna, Austria

“Domestication”

Nighttime view of “Connectivity,” Shenzhen, China

Daytime view of “Connectivity”

“Connectivity” in progress

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $5 per month. The article Nighttime Reveals the Inner Vitality of Reskate’s Dynamic Glow-in-the-Dark Murals appeared first on Colossal.

Book Preview: How to be a Spy

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 03:10:35 +0100

In order to be a spy, you don't need to wear a trench coat, have an elegant mustache, or carry a special briefcase
All you have to do is be an ordinary person (with great instincts) and be willing to read this handbook from cover to cover!

How To Be a Spy tells you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about spies, teaching you everything you’ll need to get going.

This book is written by Daniel Nesquens with illustrations by Mathias Siefeld. The 64-page hardcover is published by Gestalten. The targeted readers are you can tell by the beautiful artworks are for young children.

Daniel Nesquens is a multi-award winning author specializing in children's literature. He has published more than 80 titles. His books are full of humor and have been translated into many languages (Korean, Italian, English…)

Mathias Siefeld (Oyemathias) is an illustrator and designer. He is a freelance artist and has published three books. His work has also been exhibited in galleries and has appeared in magazines. He makes cartoons of humor and social criticism on his instagram account.

Visit Amazon to check out more reviews.

The links below are affiliate links, which means I earn some commission from each purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

Art news

Eye Candy for Today: JMW Turner etching and mezzotint

Braids and Bowlers: Indigenous Bolivian Women Skateboard in Style in Celia D. Luna’s Empowered Portraits

Is it still worth it to be a professional artist in 2023?

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Artful Weekend January 28 – 29

Welcome to Artful Weekend

-our listing of area art exhibits and events-

Heart’s Desire

RINGGOLD | SAAR: Meeting on the Matrix

Ghost Count by Amanda Burnham

A SKY OF SHATTERED GLASS REFLECTED BY THE SHINING SUN

“American Glitch” by Photographers Andrea Orejarena and Caleb Stein

“American Glitch” by Photographers Andrea Orejarena & Caleb Stein

Featured Artist Brandy Hurt

“Norma and Norman” by Photographer Terry Graham

Artist Opportunities #627

Opportunities

Call to Artists, SlowArt Productions Neoteric Abstract XI — Hudson, NY

Call for Entries, 2023 Toyota Dream Car USA Art Contest for Kids

Call to Artists, Scaled Down for Spring, Wheaton Arts Parade Gallery — Wheaton, MD

Call for Entry, 19th Annual Bethesda Painting Awards — Bethesda, MD

Job Opportunity, Washington Project for the Art Executive Director — D.C.

Call for Entry, Montpelier Arts Center Library Gallery Competition 2023 — Laurel, MD

Re-runs: These were previously posted, but it’s not too late to enter!

Call for Entry, Layers–Material and Meaning, Site:Brooklyn — Brooklyn, NY

Open Call, Clay Bash 2023, A Triennial Ceramics Juried Exhibition — Clinton, NJ

Fine Arts Work Center Fellowship Residency — Provincetown, MA

Cultivate La Baldi Residency — Montegiovi, Italy

Call for Photography, Texture, Falls Church Arts Gallery — Falls Church, VA

Call for Entries, 2023 Creative Crafts Council 34th Biennial Exhibition —

2023 Allagash Wilderness Waterway (AWW) Visiting Artist Program

Call for Entries, 9th Annual Allegany National Photography Competition & Exhibition — Cumberland, MD

Proposals Wanted, ARTsites Public Art — Ellicott City, MD

Call for Entry, Artist on the Rise Teen Juried Competition — Greenbelt,

The Human Connection to Machines: Frank Soenke Haseloff’s Artistic Exploration

Whimsical Woodland Creatures and Sea Life Carved by Zoe Feast Inhabit Raw Wood Rounds

Finding Beauty in the Everyday with Devon Grimes

Tell us about who you are and what you do. What’s your background?

What does your work aim to say? What are the major themes you pursue in your work? Can you share an example of a work that demonstrates this?

Can you walk us through your process for creating a work from beginning to end?

Who are your biggest influences, and why?

How does your work comment on current social and political issues?

How do you hope viewers respond to your works? What do you want them to feel?

If you couldn’t be an artist, what would you do?

What was the best advice given to you as an artist?

Folk Art and Bold Geometric Shapes Flourish in Lisa Congdon’s Joyful Paintings

Artist Spotlight: John Zimmerman

Featured Artist S. Manya Stoumen-Tolino

Artist Review: Montblanc Meisterstück 149 Calligraphy Curved Nib

Bottom line

Things included

Design

The nib

How it compare with the Sailor specialty nibs?

How it compare with a fude nib?

Conclusion

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Five Things My Parents Taught Me I Could Live Without

Memories Emerge in Stephen Wong Chun Hei’s Paintings as Vivid Saturated Landscapes

Delicate Knots, Velvet, and Beads Entwine in Julia Shore’s Mossy Embroideries

Vibrant Makeup Mirrors Sweet Frozen Treats in Max Siedentopf’s ‘Pleasure Portraits’

Artist Spotlight: Thérèse Mulgrew

“Chilluns’ Croon” by Photographer Mateo Ruiz Gonzalez

Build Your Art Business Locally

Collector Favorites: Bestselling Artists of January

Noa Heyne

Genevieve Leavold

Nina Enger

Francesco D’Adamo

Brandon Borgelt

10th Edition of Art Wynwood Returns to Miami President’s Day Weekend February 16 – 19, 2023

Art Wynwood 2023 will coincide with the Discover Boating Miami International Boat Show, taking place on Biscayne Bay between the Venetian and MacArthur Causeways, adjacent to Art Wynwood.

“100 Amigos” Art Show

A New Monograph Follows the Evolution of Wangechi Mutu’s Mythologizing Practice

Donating Artwork to the 2023 Patrons’ Show Fundraiser

YOU Make The Patrons’ Show Fundraiser Possible!

Danielle Clough Reimagines Sportswear and Athletic Gear in Vibrantly Expressive Embroideries

Sketching Panorama Scenes: An Urban Sketching Course

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