Famous Paintings

Have a Brief Information about African Paintings

2008-12-04T20:08:00.000-08:00

African Painting

To say that African painting is complex and diverse is an understatement. To be ironically referred to the Dark Continent, this region has produced some of the most visually stunning and emotionally moving pieces of art the world has ever seen. Both in the past and in the current African art world, the people of this part of the globe are famous for their thought provoking depictions of their lives. As similar as many paintings may be in subject matter, they are incredibly diverse in theme and composition. Some display the despair of a sometimes chaotic political climate while others offer a refreshing look at life in such a natural, beautiful environment.

One of the most famous forms of African painting is the amazing works that have been found created on rock. The carvings and paintings discovered are considered to be the oldest form of art on the continent. While many of these unique African paintings date to prehistoric times, the tradition lives on to the present day. Many are thought to depictions of sacred gods or deities and are images of creatures that have both human and animal traits and characteristics. To come forward a little in time, other rock paintings show clear examples of the native people’s clashes with European settlers in the time period in which Africa was being colonized. African painting had its beginning in these well composed and artfully rendered rock paintings.

Modern African painting is no less complex and visually enchanting. As with the past artists, modern African painters also depict the ever changing world around them for good or bad. While the choice of materials, techniques, and styles vary widely there is one element that seems to tie many African artists together. That is a common use of iconography. That isn’t to say that there is no discernable difference in artists’ work, there certainly is, only that they seem to work with a common bond.

One example of a modern African painter who has enjoyed much influence during his lifetime is Cheri Samba. This Congo born painter began his career without any formal training and has produced several African paintings which depict life in an area that is torn apart by civil unrest and corruption. The ability of his African art pictures and commentary to so clearly paint a picture of a world constantly interfered with by outside forces, like the Western world, is a remarkable gift to African painting.

Another well known African artist is Zwelethu Mthethwa. His contributions to African painting are often a portrait of life in South Africa. He tends to render his visions in pastel chalks. Having lived through apartheid and the social ramifications of that time period, he paints with the themes of alienation and separatism. Mthethwa’s work is truly a reflection of one of Africa’s darker eras.

From its conception of rock paintings to the present day artists who teach us all a little more about this fascinating region, African art painting is a rich, diverse art form. From strife and unrest has come some of the most remarkable artwork in the world.

Mr. Moyo Ogundipe has a Bachelors of Arts degree in Fine Art from the University of Ife, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and a Master of Fine Art degree in Painting from The Hoffberger School of Painting, Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore, USA.

One of Africa’s most celebrated and renowned contemporary Nigerian artists, Mr. Ogundipe has exhibited extensively in Africa, Europe and the USA. His paintings have been described as hypnotic, colorful and densely patterned.

In 1996, Mr. Ogundipe was awarded the Pollock-Krasner Fellowship. And in 2005 he was invited to become a member of Africobra, an organization founded in the 1960s and whose membership comprises of distinguished African-American artists.

By: Maigida africanarts

A Comparison of Art Prints and Reproductions: Learn the Difference

2008-12-04T19:56:00.000-08:00

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If you collect art or enjoy decorating your walls with paintings, you might be wondering what the difference is between art prints and oil painting reproductions. These terms are used interchangeably in the art world often, but they can differ greatly. Knowing the difference is important when you're considering an art purchase.

Art Prints Defined

Art prints are identical copies of original works of art, often produced by a photomechanical process. The word "giclee" is used to describe the method of reproducing art using a printing process. Making prints is similar to making a photocopy of a hand-written letter instead of rewriting it. You have a copy of the handwriting, but not an actual hand-written letter. Artists often create prints in limited editions, and sign each painting. Prints are coveted by collectors who wish to invest in art for future profits.

Oil Painting Reproductions Defined

Oil painting reproductions are hand-painted recreations of original works of art, created by someone other than the original artist. A skilled artist analyzes the original and paints a closely matching replica. Reproductions are painted with oil paint on canvas to create an amazing resemblance to originals. Reproductions are often preferred over prints when used in decor because they are usually very affordable.

When searching for art, you might encounter these terms being used interchangeably. For instance, a print might be called a reproduction also. Technically, a print is a reproduction because it is a copy. However, a reproduction might not always mean "print." If you feel the term reproduction is being used to describe a print, you might want to ask questions before buying to be sure you're getting the right type of painting.

In a nutshell, art reproductions are actual paintings, only not by the original artist. Prints are copies of the original work. If you want real paintings without a high investment, reproductions provide both. If you're looking to invest for future profits or to build a collection, and are unable to buy an original, prints are the next best thing.

Add Class to Your Office Decor with an Art Reproduction

2008-11-08T17:42:00.000-08:00

Office decor doesn't have to be boring, or even all businesslike. You can spruce up your office walls with elegant oil paintings even if you're on a tight budget. Art reproductions are beautiful works of art that are hand-painted by talented artists to capture the true colors and meanings of famous paintings from the past. With the low cost of art reproductions, anyone can decorate their office using famous paintings.

Enhance Office Waiting Areas

Use artwork throughout your office waiting area to enhance your decor. Paintings can be matched with chairs, couches, tables, lamps and carpeting to create the mood you want. If you desire a cheerful atmosphere, consider using colorful paintings of animals or landscapes. For a dramatic effect, use old-fashioned portraits of people or paintings of serious scenes with darker color patterns.

Create an Office Theme

You can also use painting reproductions to build a theme for your office. For example, if your office is related to finance, paintings depicting a financial theme will make a great addition to your decor. Another example is to hang cheerful, lifelike paintings of children in a pediatric office. Or, a travel agency might use paintings of fascinating places around the world. There are paintings to create almost any theme.

Inspire Your Employees

Art reproductions can also be used to inspire your employees as they work. Hang inspirational works of art near employee desks and in break rooms. Paintings of relaxing scenes might be used to help reduce stress in the workplace. For example, the gorgeous "Fishing in Spring" painting by Vincent van Gogh will give your employees a visual getaway at a glance. "Landscape with a Rainbow" by Peter Paul Rubens offers a peek into a faraway land of beauty. Your employees will enjoy working in a motivational environment.

Build a Reputation

Decorating your office with art reproductions will give it the look and feel of a high-class work environment. Your clients and business associates will assume you spent a fortune decorating your office when you really didn't. Art reproductions make this possible because they usually cost so little while their original counterparts might cost thousands of dollars. This enables you to have a professional office decor while also saving money.

Artwork in the office can add tremendously to your decor. You can use it to create the colors and themes you want, and build an atmosphere your clients will appreciate.

By: David De Groot

Design and Branding Trends: Olympic Games

2008-11-08T17:37:00.000-08:00

Over the years of the modern Olympic era we have witnessed design take a forefront in the planning and execution of the event. It has seemingly gone from a casual, low key sporting event, with each venue taking their turn hosting, into a full scale media orgy of Superbowl proportions.

Cities have good reason to want to hold one of the the world's greatest sporting events, with the potential economy boost, infrastructure developments and revitalized international attention, but for many cities hosting the Olympic games has been not always been a great success -- in 1984 Los Angeles was the only city to make a bid for the games due to the massive cost overruns during the Montreal Games.

With the enormous costs that cities face to hold the games, more energy, and money, is being focused on branding in hopes at creating a memorable and rewarding event. Host countries now reach out to the best designers, architects, and artist, to create a spectacle the world will never forget, and the one symbol that will be plastered on the streets, merchandise, and computer and television screens across the globe: the logo. And while most designs have stuck close to the blue, yellow, black, green and red of the Olympic colors, we have begun to see new colors emerge from the more recent games, including the first logo to come in multiple colors, which will be seen in 2012.

Today were taking look at the Summer Olympic logos from 1896 to 2012 London along with some noteworthy facts from each games and palette inspiration from some of the more colorful posters and logos. For more info about each year of the Olympics, click on the corresponding image.

By Evad

Classic Colors: Art Nouveau

2008-11-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

Art Nouveau was an international art movement during the late 1800's that focused on decorative arts such as glass work, interior design and jewelery, along with other departures from tradition in design, painting and sculpture. The movement was characterized by an elaborate ornate style of flowing curvilinear forms that frequently depicted leaves and flowers.

The book-cover by Arthur Mackmurdo for Wren's City Churches (1883) is often cited as the first realization of Art Nouveau

Key artist in the movement included: Gustav Klimt, Louis Comfort Tiffany, Otto Wagner, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Stanisław Wyspiański.

Although Art Nouveau took on distinctly localized tendencies as its geographic spread increased some general characteristics are indicative of the form. A description published in Pan magazine of Hermann Obrist's wall-hanging Cyclamen (1894) described it as "sudden violent curves generated by the crack of a whip", and this description became well-known during the early spread of Art Nouveau. Subsequently, not only did the work itself become better-known as The Whiplash, but the term "whiplash" is frequently applied to the characteristic curves employed by Art Nouveau artists. Such decorative "whiplash" motifs, formed by dynamic, undulating, and flowing lines in a syncopated rhythm, are found throughout the architecture, painting, sculpture and other forms of Art Nouveau design.

By Evad

Spittelau District Heating Plant Vienna, Austria

2008-11-08T17:15:00.000-08:00

Photo by loungerie

Being an environmentalist, Friedensreich originally refused the offer to redesign the exteroir of the Spittelau district heating plant, but when it was promised that the plant would be equipped with the most modern emission-purification technology, and that 60000 apartments would be heated whose emissions would otherwise be a further source of pollution, Hundertwasser agreed to do the design.

Hundertwasser Haus Vienna

2008-11-08T17:13:00.000-08:00

The Vienna house features undulating floors, a roof covered with earth and grass, and large trees growing from inside the rooms, with limbs extending from windows. Hundertwasser took no payment for the design of the house, declaring that it was worth it, to prevent something ugly from going up in its place.

Within the house there are 52 apartments, four offices, 16 private terraces and three communal terraces, and a total of 250 trees and bushes. The Hundertwasser House is one of Austria's most visited buildings and has become part of Austria's cultural heritage.

Photo By Antoni

Waldspirale Residential Complex

2008-11-08T17:11:00.001-08:00

Photo by Joachim S. Müller

Waldspirale (wooded spiral in english) which is colorfully painted with earth tones, is located in Darmstadt, Germany and was built in the 90's. It features 105 units, a green roof, an inner courtyard and playground, small artificial lake, 1000 unique windows and unique handles on every door.

Colorful Architecture By Friedensreich Hundertwasser

2008-11-08T17:03:00.000-08:00

Friedensreich Hundertwasser was an Austrian painter, architect and sculptor. Born in Vienna, he became one of the best-known contemporary Austrian artists, although controversial, by the end of the 20th century.

Hundertwasser's original and unruly artistic vision expressed itself in pictorial art, environmentalism, philosophy, and design of facades, postage stamps, flags, and clothing (among other areas). The common themes in his work utilized bright colors, organic forms, a reconciliation of humans with nature, and a strong individualism, rejecting straight lines. He remains sui generis, although his architectural work is comparable to Antoni Gaudí in its biomorphic forms and use of tile. He was inspired by the works of Egon Schiele from an early date, and his style was often compared to that of Gustav Klimt. He was fascinated with spirals, and called straight lines "the devil's tools". He called his theory of art "transautomatism", based on Surrealist automatism, but focusing on the experience of the viewer, rather than the artist.

Although Hundertwasser first achieved notoriety for his boldly-colored paintings, he is more widely renowned today for his revolutionary architectural designs, which incorporate natural features of the landscape, and use of irregular forms in his building design. Hundertwasserhaus, a low-income apartment block in Vienna, features undulating floors ("an uneven floor is a melody to the feet"), a roof covered with earth and grass, and large trees growing from inside the rooms, with limbs extending from windows. He took no payment for the design of Hundertwasserhaus, declaring that it was worth it, to "prevent something ugly from going up in its place".

He felt that standard architecture could not be called art, and declared that the design of any building should be influenced by the aesthetics of its eventual tenants. Hundertwasser was also known for his performance art, in which he would, for instance, appear in public in the nude promoting an ecologically friendly flush-less toilet.

By Evad

Top 10 Most Expensive Paintings Ever

2008-10-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

1. Garçon à la Pipe by Pablo Picasso ($ 104,100,000)

Garçon à la Pipe is painted during Picasso's famous Rose Period, a period in which Picasso preferred cheerful orange and pink colours. The oil on canvas painting, measuring 100 × 81.3 cm (slightly over 39 × 32 inches), depicts a Parisian boy holding a pipe in his left hand.

The record price paid for this painting in an auction at Sotheby's New York on May 4, 2004, was a bit of a surprise. While aesthetically pleasing, the painting is not made in the Cubist style that Picasso is so renowned for. Many even state that the record price was more due to the artists name than the quality of the painting.

2. Portrait of Dr. Gachet by Vincent van Gogh ($ 82,500,000)

This painting by the Dutch Impressionism master Vincent van Gogh suddenly became world-famous when Japanese businessman Ryoei Saito paid $82.5 million for it at auction in Christie's, New York. Saito was so attached to the painting that he wanted it to be cremated with him when he died. Saito died in 1996 but the painting was saved.

Vincent van Gogh actually painted two versions of Dr Gachet's portrait. You can view the other version, with a slightly different color scheme, at the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

3. Au Moulin de la Galette by Pierre-Auguste Renoir ($ 78,000,000)

Bal au moulin de la Galette, Montmartre is an 1876 painting by French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir. On May 17, 1990, it was sold for $ 78,000,000 at Sotheby's in New York City, New York to Ryoei Saito, who bought it together with the Portrait of Dr Gachet.

4. Massacre of the Innocents by Peter Paul Rubens ($ 76,700,000)

This painting by Peter Paul Rubens, painted in 1611, is the only one painting in this list which was not painted in the 19th or 20th century. It was sold to Kenneth Thomson, 2nd Baron Thomson of Fleet for $ 76,700,000 at a 2002 Sotheby's auction.

5. Portrait de l'Artiste sans Barbe by Vincent van Gogh ($ 71,500,000)

Portrait de l'artiste sans barbe ("Self-portrait without beard") is one of many self-portraits by the Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, that he painted in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France in September 1889. The painting is a oil painting on canvas and is 40 cm x 31 cm (16" x 13").

Van Gogh painted this just after he had shaved himself. This is an uncommon painting since his other self-portraits show him with a beard. The self-portrait is one of the most expensive paintings of all time since it was sold for $71.5 million in 1998 in New York.

6. Rideau, Cruchon et Compotier by Paul Cézanne ($ 60,500,000)

This painting by Paul Cézanne, painted in ca. 1893-1894, sold for $ 60,500,000 at Sotheby's New York on May 10, 1999 to "The Whitneys". Whitney, born into one of America's wealthiest families, was a venture capitalist, publisher, Broadway show and Hollywood film producer, and philanthropist.

7. Femme aux Bras Croisés by Pablo Picasso ($ 55,000,000)

This painting, painted in 1901, was a part of Picasso's famous Blue Period, a dark, sad period. The painting depicts a woman with her arms crossed staring at the endless nothing. The beautiful different tones of blue ofcourse are typical for the period Picasso was in.

Femme aux Bras Croisés was sold for $ 55,000,000 November 8, 2000, at Christie's Rockefeller in New York City. With four paintings by Picasso in the top ten, we can name him without a doubt the most expensive painter ever.

8. Irises by Vincent Van Gogh ($ 53,900,000)

With 3 paintings in this top ten, van Gogh is also a main supplier of expensive paintings. Vincent van Gogh painted this at Saint Paul-de-Mausole in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, France in 1889, only one year before his death. In 1987, it became the most expensive painting ever sold, though this record has since been surpassed. It was sold for $ 54,000,000 to Alan Bond.

9. Les Noces de Pierrette by Pablo Picasso ($ 51,670,000)

Les Noces de Pierrette was also painted in Picasso's Blue Period, a period in which he suffered from poverty and depression. This painting was sold to a rich Chines businessman for $ 51,670,000 at Binoche et Godeau in Paris, France, on November 30, 1989.

10. Femme Assise Dans Un Jardin by Pablo Picasso ($ 49,500,000)

The only painting in this list by Picasso that is actually painted in his world-famous Cubism style. Pablo Picasso painted it in 1938, only a few years before World War II broke out. The woman he painted was one of his mistresses, Dora Maar.

Femme Assise Dans Un Jardin by Pablo Picasso was sold at on November 10, 1999, for $ 49,500,000 at New York City's Sotheby's. The auction was very hectic because three anonymous phone bidders tried to win the painting.

by: Bruno Dillen

Paintings From Photographs: Great Gift Idea or Menace?!?

2008-10-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

The portrait of the Mona Lisa, painted by Leonardo da Vinci is one of the world's most beautiful and recognizable artistic paintings. Leonardo didn't paint this classic work of art from a photograph but he could have if he'd been born about 350 years later.

What could make a better gift idea than a loved one's treasured memory transferred to a handmade, oil paint on canvas, painting made from your photographs and according to your instructions? Imagine, any figure or number of figures; human, pet or animal can be included. Any background you have a picture of can also be used. The painting would be according to your instructions and done to your satisfaction. Imagine the look on your loved one's face when he or she unwraps such a present. Hand made oil paintings from photos make great anniversary and wedding gifts, and birthday and Christmas presents too.

There are other lesser ways of making a painting from photographs such as a special computer printer into which the photo is scanned in one end and an imitation oil-like painting is spit out the other end. There are also some artists, which will apply some oil paint directly onto your photo in an attempt to make it look like an oil painting. But accept no lesser imitations, nothing satisfies the soul like true human created art. Oil on canvas applied by human hands is the only true way to create a treasure worth keeping forever. So remember to turn your favorite photos to paintings when your favorite loved one's birthday, anniversary, wedding or any other gift-giving occasion comes around.

Now that I've convinced you that paintings from photos is truly a great gift idea (and not a menace) you probably want to know where the best place to get such a gift for the lowest price? Well, the answer to this question is Ye Old Art Shoppe. At Ye Old Art Shoppe they offer paintings from photographs using only high quality materials and experienced artists at prices starting at only $100 for a 5"x7" portrait of a single figure. Ye Old Art Shoppe also offers photos to paintings in larger sizes and with additional figures.

Ye Old Art Shoppe (http://www.yeoldartshoppe.com) also offers a fine selection of art, unique decorations, and one of a kind gift ideas from around the world.

by: Neal Morton

Care Of Oil Paintings In Your Home, Care Of Fine Art

2008-10-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

For your famous oil painting reproductions and original artwork to retain their beauty for many years to come, The World's Artist (TWA) http://theworldsartist.com provides the following simple guide for the care of your oil painting reproductions, portraiture or fine art original oil painting.

Handling your oil paintings: Unframed oil painting reproductions or original oil painting should be handled as little as possible and when oil painting reproductions or oil paintings must be handled, ensure that your hands are washed beforehand and are free of grease or lotions. Never lift your unframed oil painting reproduction (not on a stretcher frame) with bare fingers by the edges or touch the surface. Wear gloves, use tissue paper, or lift from beneath using cardboard to support and hold the cardboard, not the oil painting.

Framing your oil paintings: Framing should be done to the highest quality affordable, using acid free materials that will not interact with the hand painted oil painting to enable it to be displayed for optimum visual effect. Quality framing is not expensive and well worth it.

Hanging your oil paintings: Your oil painting reproduction or original oil painting should be hung using high quality multi strand, braided picture wire, attached to the frame (or stretcher frame) via swivel jointed eyes and suspended from heavy duty wall hooks. Heavy framed fine art should always be hung from two hooks, each capable of supporting double the weight of the frame for safety reasons.

Lighting: Avoid direct sunlight. Fading due to UV rays is cumulative and irreversible. If possible, display in a room with blinds or curtains.

Climate: Avoid locating oil painting reproductions, portraits in oil or original oil paintings in an area of sudden temperature changes from hot to cold. The room temperature and relative humidity should remain reasonably constant, as large temperature changes cause expansion and contraction of both the oil painting and frame, which can lead to structural damage in hand painted canvas oil paintings and cause a small rippling effect. Temperature should be between 50F/10c to 77F/25c and between 40% to 60% relative humidity. Do not locate directly in the field of any forced ventilation. If you are located in a humid or coastal area, consider the use of a de-humidifier.

Cleaning oil paintings copies: Oil paintings should be gently dusted, if anything sticks to the paintings, have it professionally cleaned.

Accidents: If the oil painting reproduction or portrait painting gets wet, seek repair advice from a professional immediately. It is important to dry the 100% hand painted canvas oil painting right away before mould starts. Your home insurance should cover such accidents.

Varnishing oil paintings: All 100% hand painted canvas oil paintings and portraiture are provided unvarnished by default. Varnishing is not essential. It can undertaken by an experienced buyer or a restorer: in order to be protect the fine art for display, to give it a desired matt, semi-gloss, or gloss surface finish or to simply enhance the surface luster after a period of time. Varnishing also gives a uniform surface appearance to your paintings, as different oil paints and colors can harden with a slightly different surface 'sheen', especially at areas of overlapping between sessions. Do not varnish for at least 6 months to allow sufficient hardening of the oil paint.

by: Al Mansour

Famous Art Galleries

2008-10-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

By Optica

There are literally thousands of art galleries all over the world. Almost every city has an art gallery but there are some art galleries that are known all around the world. People will travel across the world just to see some of these famous art galleries and the master pieces that they house inside.

Probably the most famous art gallery in the world is 'The Louvre' in Paris. The most famous piece of art in the Louvre is the Mona Lisa, by Leonardo Da Vinci. This famous painting is kept under high security as it tops the list of art thieves the world over. The Louvre also houses many other famous paintings by Da Vinci and hundreds of other famous artists.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, is a renowned location for beautiful art masterpieces. This museum has an impressive assortment of American paintings. In addition to these, it also has paintings and statues by famous artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, and El Greco. This makes it a global museum.

London has an amazing gallery known as The National Gallery. This gallery boasts of some of the finest examples of European art, including paintings by Raphael, Manet, Leonardo Da Vinci, Renoir, and Monet. This gallery has a very large number of paintings and some of the most famous ones are: Sunflowers, by Vincent van Gogh, The Virgin of the Rocks, by Leonardo Da Vinci, and Venus and Mars, by Sandro Botticelli.

Not all galleries across the world are homes to the old masters. Many of them offer representations from the twentieth century. Among the most famous contemporary art galleries and museums is the George Pompidou Center in Paris. The architecture is unique as well, since the piping and ducts are on the outside, rather than being hidden behind walls.

Contemporary art galleries and museums typically feature not only paintings, drawings, and prints, but exhibits of furniture, sound, light, and even music. Visiting these galleries can be a fascinating visit through the past few decades and shows how much style and taste has changed.

Most of the major European cities are home to at least a national and a contemporary gallery. Usually there are also private galleries. Any time you visit a major metropolitan area, be sure to include the galleries in your itinerary. It's a wonderful way to learn about a country and its cultures. History and its changes are reflected in the art on display.

If you plan on buying some art pieces, you won't be able to do so at the national galleries. You can however visit private galleries in your pursuit of owning some major works. These probably won't include Renoir's or Van Gogh's, but you will find many wonderful pieces that you'll be able to call your own. Art auctions are often held at Christie's and other art houses. This is another way of obtaining some incredible works of art.

Art as an expression of our culture, thought process and creativity has no parallel. Viewing these masterpieces in an art gallery transposes the viewer into the mind and time of the creator who has shaped our culture.

View Pablo Bronstein Artist Exhibitions and Paintings

2008-10-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

By Amit

Pablo Bronstein was born on 1977 in London. Pablo Bronstein’s Plaza Monument is a proposal for classical piazza. Drawing from the Italian traditions of perspective and geometric purity, his quotes range from Renaissance design, to modern masters such as Aldo Rossi. Executed in watery ink, Bronstein’s plan conveys his monument with an ephemeral elegance, framing the imposing as delicate opus. Conceiving the public space as theatre, Bronstein curtains his erection with a decorative frieze; the subtle angular shadow infringes on the arena with an impending drama reminiscent of De Chirico.
Pablo Bronstein uses architecture as a means to engage with power: of history, monuments, and the built environment. Using pen and ink on paper, his acutely drafted drawings capture an archival romance of a grand age, a nostalgic longing for the imposing and imperial. Adopting the styles of various architects and movements, his elaborate designs become plausible inventions, both paying homage to and critiquing the emblems of civil engineering. In Elevation and Interior, Bronstein’s plan borders on abstraction. Depicting the history of architecture from a simple hole in the ground, to a hut, Byzantine temple, Baroque cathedral, enshrined in the cold industrial shell of a modernist shed, Bronstein dissects the lineage of ideas and ideologies, all pastiched together with a dandyish Pomo flair.
Pablo Bronstein works primarily with 1980s postmodernist and 18th century post-revolutionary French architecture. Finding parallels between their decadent pretensions and their demonstration of precise moments in history via formalist structure, these periods, for Bronstein, define what it is to be a citizen, embracing the heroic as a uniting social value. Basing his Monument… on Jean-Pierre Louis Laurent Houel’s The Storm of the Bastille, Bronstein gives the famous painting a facelift a la Pomo architect Michael Graves. Using Graves’s trademark pastel tones and stylized patterns, Bronstein authors an alternate history: breathtakingly impressive, and hauntingly crypt-like.
Pablo Bronstein’s 4 Facades is an original sketch for an architectural installation. Intervening with life-sized space, the installation posed a skyline physically cut out of a wall. Considering the drawings as ‘dress rehearsals’ to the final piece, Bronstein approaches architecture as a per formative entity. Presenting popular buildings as pared down symbols, Bronstein plays with ideas of scale, his tiny blue prints framing the colossal as minimalist suggestion.

An Introduction to Leonardo Da Vinci and His Paintings

2008-10-18T13:37:00.000-07:00

By Vijay

Leonardo da Vinci is also known as ‘Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci’ was born on 15th April 1452 was a Tuscan polymath. He was a great mathematician, inventor, scientist, engineers, botanist, architect, anatomist, sculptor, writer, musician and a greatest painter of all times. He was born at Vinci, Florence; whose father was Piero da Vinci and his mother was a peasant girl. Da Vinci has worked in places like Bologna, Venice and Rome; he spent his last final years in France at a place offered by the King Francois l. Leonardo da Vinci has been described as a universal genius and know as the ‘Renaissance man’. He was renowned for two of his works; the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. These were the two paintings which are considered to be the most religious paintings, most parodied portrait and reproduced.

The Mona Lisa is an amazing sixteenth century portrait painting worked on poplar panel with oil. It is also known as La Gioconda (La Jocondda), this is the most arguably and famous painting in the world and few other works of art has been subject to as much study, scrutiny, parody and mythologizing. Now the painting is owned by the French government at the Musée du Louvre (Museum of Louvre) in Paris, France. The painting is a half length portrait that depicts a lady whose gaze meets the viewer's with an expression often described as mysterious. The haziness of the sitter's look, the monumentality of the half figure composition and the delicate modeling of forms and atmospheric illusionism were novel characters that have been contributed to the painting's continuing attraction.

The Last Supper is a fifteenth century mural painting, worked for his patron Duke Ludovico Sforza and for his duchess Beatrice d' Este. The painting represents a scene of the last supper of Jesus Christ during his final days, when Jesus announced that one of his twelve disciples would be disloyal to him. This painting measures about 460 × 880 centimeters or 15 feet × 29 feet and the painting can be found at the back halls of the dining hall at Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, Italy. Leonardo painted this on a dry wall rather than on a wet plaster, so it is not a true fresco. As fresco can’t be modified as the artist works, he instead wanted to seal the wall with layers of gesso, pitch and mastic. The paint was preserved with tempera, as it is one of the methods used, however the piece didn’t withstand well; within many years of completion it already began to show signs of deterioration.

Shop for Original Paintings and Painted Ceramics Online

2008-10-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

By Grhosan F.

All of us have an inclination towards art and beauty, although some of us may never act upon it. Some people show their creative side by painting, drawing or composing. But many of us are less talented than that, and we can only admire the works of art that other people create and wish that we could do the same. The age that we live in is technological above everything else, and people seem less and less attracted to art, in the form of poetry, painting, theatre, dancing, etc. Music is still extremely popular, especially among teenagers, but the styles of music that today’s teenagers prefer can hardly be called a form of art.

Being creative is most commonly encountered when people are trying to decorate their homes. Each and everyone of us feels free to express any ideas regarding the way their home is going to look, since they are the ones who will be living in it. Some people may find it hard to get the job done right, or are afraid that the outcome won’t exactly be satisfactory, which is why they choose to hire a professional designer. But for those of us who cannot afford one, or simply want our homes to have our personal touch, the options are unlimited. There are so many styles of furniture, paintings, woodcrafts, etc. that you can match, mix, or combine, and as long as you know what you want your home to look, you cannot be mistaken. All you have to do is follow your intuition, and maybe consult some guides on how to arrange your home. As far as choosing pieces of decorative art is concerned, you can rest assured; there are plenty to choose from.

Once you have chosen the furniture and the color of your wallpaper, for instance, you definitely need to make your home unique, by adding some decorative objects that are representative of your style and tastes. And the first thing that comes to mind is paintings. I’m sure that many of you would like to have the works of famous painters in their homes, or even some very good replicas, but the truth is that you probably cannot afford either. Or maybe you don’t like the idea of having famous paintings on your walls, as many other people have them as well. The good news is that you can buy original paintings signed by less famous artists, and you don’t even have to take the trouble of going to a gallery. Original paintings are now available online, and all you have to do is make an order and you’ll receive your painting at home.

Just imagine the look on your friends’ faces when they see some original paintings that they do not recognize, and whose subject is so original. You can have all the rooms in your home decorated with original paintings of the same artist, or you can simply ask for fine art prints, if you see a painting that you like, but you can’t afford it.

If original paintings or prints are not exactly what you had in mind about decorating your home, another possibility of adding a unique touch would be to choose some hand-painted ceramics. High quality painted ceramics are also available online, and they have quite affordable prices, given the fact that they are unique.

All in all, if your artistic side is only shown when you decorate your home, make sure it’s something stylish and tasteful. You can purchase original paintings and unique hand-painted ceramics online, and give your home a unique look.

Oil Painting Reproduction - Add Glitter to your Home and Office Decor

2008-10-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

By Wain Roy

It is the dream of every homeowner to beautify his house so as to attract gazes of wonder and admiration from their guests and visitors. A person's living room is the focal point of everyone's attention. As such, it should be well furnished and decorated. You can now use elegant oil painting reproductions at a very low price for decorating your house. While decorating your house with some of the fine art works of famous painters, it is always not easy to find the right painting. Whether it's an original painting or an oil painting reproduction, a connoisseur of art will have a tough time in selecting the perfect painting among the many. People often love to decorate their house with the painting they want. Due to the high price of an authentic painting, they are keen to buy oil painting reproductions according to their choice at low prices.

Oil painting reproduction enterprises create copies of the authentic oil painting masterpieces of renowned artists. It has become a popular trend for people to decorate their houses and offices with beautiful masterpieces of renowned artists. People are showing a keen interest in oil painting reproductions to decorate their homes and offices that are available at an affordable price. Oil painting reproduction is a perfect solution in such cases where an artist can reproduce the masterpieces of world-renowned artists.

Oil paintings are available in various themes, shapes and sizes. Original oil paintings painted on canvas or cardboard are very costly. Majority of the original oil paintings are displayed in museums and art galleries. Private collectors also buy few original art paintings for personal enjoyment or for decorating office and home. There are large numbers of companies who provide reproductions of well-known artists' artworks at a very low cost.

You can even decorate your office walls with oil painting reproductions of famous artists if you are on a tight budget. In order to add color and glitter to your office décor, you can use various oil painting reproductions. Now at an affordable price, you can hang famous painting reproductions by skilled artists. Your wall décor will become the attention-seeker for all the guests entering your room. An ordinary dull wall can be smartening up by hanging gorgeous oil painting reproductions.

Various companies are selling oil painting reproductions using skilled artists. Such companies hire artists who create oil painting reproductions according to their clients' choice. Companies even offer people an extensive online art gallery where they can browse and choose the paintings for their home or office. Majority of art galleries have art reproductions from all master painters like Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Leonardo da Vinci, Paul Gauguin, Rembrandt van Rijn, Vincent van Gogh and many more.

Oil paintings of friend and loved ones are one of the best gift options available these days. You can also gift an oil painting reproduction to your friend and bring a smile to his or her face. A beautifully painted portrait on canvas is the most effective way to convey a message to your loved one that you truly care about his or her happiness.

A Look at the Various Famous Artwork Available

2008-10-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

By Muna Wa Wanjiru

When we are all set to plan our interiors, artworks play important role. Classic paintings and murals of some famous painters gives elegant touch to the interior of the room and houses. Tradition of the painting starts in the 12th century. In this century, Europeans brought their memories of the dark Ages to the lime light. In the same period Christianity entered a victorious and new phase of history. People during this period contributed a lot to art.

Later on many of the painters like Michelangelo Buonarroti, Andrea Mantega and Leonado da vinci put in their paintings in this treasure. These painters presented their art of painting which were worthy to get renowned. The famous paintings of these painters are the creation of Adam given by Michelangelo Buonarroti, Ceiling of the camera picta by Andrea Mantega and the most famed Mona Lisa by Leonado da vinci.

These paintings become the mile stones in the art world. These paintings are the ideal paintings and many of the painters are still learning the art according to these paintings.

Painting of Mona Lisa is the 16th century portrait and is the oil painting on a poplar panel. Leonardo Da Vincci came with this painting in the period of Italian resurgence. This painting is arguably famous in the world. Generally paintings of Leonardo Da Vincci were based on realist styles. In these paintings painters gives the actual effects of life.

Another famous art work is of Over Vitebsk, The Violinist gave by famous artist Marc Chagall. Painting style of this painter was Expressionism and cubism. This painter always tried to express some feelings about certain things. Expressionism is the way of painting in which painters used to sketch exactly as what they want to present. Some of the paintings like Crucifixion are famous because of the Surrealism. These paintings are based on the dream themes. These paintings are filled with familiar objects which are painted to look mysterious and strange. This skill of Surrealism strikes in the paintings of painter Salvador Dali.

Paul Klee produces famous paintings of Fish Magic, Around the Fish, and Landscape with Yellow Birds. Typically these paintings are based on the theme of Primitive as well as Surrealist. In the primitive style are the arts done by the children and these paintings are painted in simple or two dimensional way.

Well-known paintings like Chaple of the Rosary in Vence, The Snail, and Beasts of the sea and Creole Dancer are based on the theme of Fauvism. This theme had bright and unusual colors. Generally they were bright and wild. Unfortunately this art lasts only around four years. Famous painter Henri Matisse brought this theme in to the lime light.

Pablo Picasso came with the style called Cubism which is the modern art and is not supposed to look real. The famous paintings of this painter are Guernica, Three Musicians.

The paintings become the landmarks as they are finished with different touch of themes and expressions. These painters brought up the themes and still modern painters are using them.

List of Most Famous Paintings

2008-10-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

By Rajneesh Dubey

Painting has been a hobby as well as vocation since very old times. This art evolved to great levels since the inception. Many techniques and styles assimilated into this art making it more lovable to masses. Painters experimented with different themes, styles, textures, media but few of the experiments were accepted by the art lovers. Different cults in painting were established as a result of these experiments. And these processes produced so many talented painters. These talented painters became the masters of the art in very short time. Though all the works which these painters made were exceptional in look, technique and accuracy but there are only a few works that have touched the hearts of the masses and left an indelible impact on the art lovers. These works have been liked by the people of all periods and are immensely famous.

Great works are thousands but greatest are few. Greatest works are revered by the masses as well as the exponents of art. Monalisa is an immortal art work made by Leonardo da Vinci. Monalisa has intrigued millions with her captivating smile. The Melting Watches of Salvador Dali is another hugely famous art work. The list is really long. Famous paintings made in several different styles, media and time period are many and most of the times striking the judgment of the viewer as to which is the greatest of all.

Some of the most famous paintings have been made by great painters of all times.
Here list is given of famous paintings:

Ajanta Murals (Made by the painters under Vakataka Kings in India)
The Starry Night (Van Gogh)
The Last Supper and Monalisa (Leonardo da Vinci)
Madonna and Child
The Last Judgment (Michelangelo)
Impression, Sunrise (Monet)
The Old Guitarist (Picasso)
The Persistence of Memory (Dali)

Fun Designs and Famous Paintings - Square Silk Scarves

2008-10-18T13:17:00.000-07:00

Silk is tagged as the fabric for wealthy and successful people. Silk is woven from natural fibers and it is obtained from cocoons made by the larvae of mulberry silk worm. Silk was first developed in early China, as early as 6000 BC. The fabric was initially set aside for the emperors of China as they had a greater monopoly in weaving of silk. In the later years its use widened gradually throughout China both geographically and communally. Silk was one of the staples for international trader prior to industrialization.

Silk is one of the only few pure protein fiber. Scientific studies have shown that silk helps to maintain the metabolism on the outside membrane of the skin to keep the skin wet and smooth. In addition, silk is considered to be an alternative cure for a certain type of dermatitis. Silk fabric can also protect the skin from the damaging ultra violet radiation from the sun. Silk is suave, elegant and versatile. Silk garments when worn preserves its shape, drapes well and cuddles the body and shines with a luster of its own.

Scarves are a piece of cloth worn on the head or around the neck for warmth, cleanliness, and fashion or religious beliefs. In colder climates, a thick knitted scarf is often of wool is tied around the neck to keep warm and where as in dustier climates a thin scarf is woven to keep the hair clean. Scarves can be woven from different fabric. However, it is ultimately silk scarves that are famous world over because they look elegant; they are light; and easily manageable. A cotton scarf is hard to twist where as a silk scarf can be crumpled, twisted, and stored in a hand bag.

Famous Paintings - The Arts, the Painters, and the Controversies

2008-10-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

By Annette Labedzki

In 2005, the Today Program of Radio 4 and National Gallery summer scheme were in the search of Britain's greatest painting. Controversy loomed around this scheme, which was seen as a great way of celebrating art. At first, it was the competition for the famous painting and later it turned out to be for Britain's greatest painting. Artist Jack Vettriano, whose paintings adorned numerous greeting cards, was not in the top 10 list. An arts work by Rembrandt, voted for the most popular painting, was unable to find a spot in the top 10. A panel of three, including a critic, an artist, and a BBC Governor, decided the fate of these paintings in the list. The famous painters, Francis Bacon, Pablo Picasso, and Lucian Freud were not given their due artwork credit. No painter from the 21st century was included in the list. The work of David Hockney's Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy (1970-71) was the only painting of the 20th century to be enlisted. The oldest painting in the list was Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck, which dates back to 1434. Half of the paintings were of the 19th century.

The painter of "The Marx Brothers" (1980), Andy Warhol, was amidst arts controversy quite recently. Warhol became rich and famous when his painting, "Ten Portraits" was exhibited in the Jewish Museum. Warhol accumulated a lot of money through painting portraits. He would produce portraits for people who offered him more than $37,000 for a print. The crème of the celebrity society of approximately 1,600 people were willing to pay him for a portrait. In 1979, when his artworks were exhibited in the Whitney Museum of American Art, the judges accused him of exploiting the Jewish community for money.

Artist Andy Warhol's 'The Marx Brothers' (1980) made a re-entry in the Jewish Museum on March 16 as 'Warhol's Jews: Ten Portraits Reconsidered'. Other portraits that appeared in the exhibition were the works of artists Albert Einstein, Franz Kafka, George Gershwin, Gertrude Stein, Golda Meir, Louis Brandeis, Martin Buber, the Marx Brothers, Sarah Bernhardt, and Sigmund Freud.

Another latest controversy troubling the arts is the work of Adam Cullen in Australia's top prize for religious art. The controversial painting has the line "only women bleed," engraved on the Cross with Christ. The line is inspired from an Alice Cooper song.

Famous Artists Series - Franz Kline - Abstract Expressionist Artist

2008-10-18T13:12:00.000-07:00

By George Baxter

American Abstract expressionist painter Franz Kline was born on May 23rd 1910 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Kline was educated at Boston University and in 1936 he enrolled at Heatherley's Art School in London. On his return to America in 1939 he married Elizabeth Vincent Parsons - a British ballet dancer - whom he had met in London.

Kline's early art consisted of paintings of cityscapes and landscapes of New York, murals and portraits were also part of his early efforts and there was a tinge of Expressionism evident in his works. It was during this time in the late 1930s that he acquired two patrons from whom he received tremendous encouragement and support - Dr. Theodore J. Edlich, Jr. and David Orr. During this period Kline received awards in the National Academy of Design annuals, but his more mature and representative style developed in the late 1940s after his meeting with other abstract expressionists; Willem de Kooning and Jackson Pollock. Kline's style basically consists of bold strokes of black and white enamel. This black and white style would be revealed to the world in his first solo exhibition at New York's Egan Gallery in 1950. Indeed, it was his black and white paintings he is known famously for, although he also worked on colour paintings since the mid 1950s and colour began appearing more consistently in his paintings after 1959. His first solo exhibition followed soon after and would associate Franz Kline with Abstract Expressionism forever.

Willem de Kooning was enormously influential in the development of Kline's mature style, and the guiding force behind his transformation from a painter of landscapes and realistic themes to abstraction. The event that led to the transition is an interesting one, Kline took a drawing and gave it to de Kooning who projected it using a Bell Opticon projector, the projector enlarged the drawing so much that the image began to overlap at the edges. The impact of this projection almost instantly transformed Kline from figurative art to abstract representation. This incident had occurred at a time when Kline was intellectually exhausted, and provided impulse he needed to progress as an artist. The transformation was represented through the Nijinsky paintings, which possess elements of self-portraiture and depicting a series of heads based on the dancer Nijinsky in the role of Petroushka.

One can't fail to experience a dynamic, spontaneous and dramatic impact on viewing Kline's paintings. The general inspiration of Kline's works range from symbols of the modern industrial civilization such as railroads, engines, tunnels, bridges, etc. Though spontaneity is the most recognized characteristic, Kline's many complex renditions are a result of extensive studies. His paintings were c

Famous Paintings

2008-10-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

By Ken Marlborough

Even if you have little interest in art, you have probably heard names such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt van Rijn, Claude Monet and Pablo Picasso. These were, after all, the greatest painters that ever lived.

Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper is the most famous of his 30-odd pieces of work, apart from the Mona Lisa. It depicts the horror on the faces of the 12 men Christ had gathered together to tell them that one person of this group would betray him before sunrise. The painting is a massive 15x29 feet, and it covers an entire wall in the dining hall of the Santa Maria della Grazie convent in Milan, Italy. A procrastinator who left many of his works unfinished, Leonardo had no choice but to finish this painting, as it was commissioned to him by the man who had been paying his wages for 18 years – the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza.

Vincent Van Gogh was considered by some to be the greatest painter in European history. His produced his most enigmatic painting, titled The Starry Night, during his stay at a psychiatric center in France, where he was recovering from mental problems. His other well-known painting is of a bunch of sunflowers, which he painted when he moved to Arles, where he hoped to found an art colony. None of his work was ever appreciated during his lifetime; in fact, he lived a life of utter poverty, hopelessness and despair, and eventually took his life when he could not bear the suffering anymore.

No story of famous paintings can ever be complete, for there are so many things and so much work to write about. Yet, without a mention to Pablo Ruiz Picasso, the story would be more incomplete that ever. Of all the maestros, the famed Spanish painter is one of the most popular of the 20th century. His most famous work is the painting he made of Germany bombing Guernica during the Spanish civil war. It captured the brutality, inhumanity and utter hopelessness of war, in his typical cubist style.

There is still Rembrandt and his The Raising of Lazarus to consider, and Monet and his famous nature paintings, and Raphael.

Flower Paintings - Famous Floral Art Recognized Today

2008-10-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

By Ashley VanLandingham

Flowers have universal meaning as well as specialized ones in virtually all parts of the world. It's no wonder that they have long been the subject of paintings, and there endless famous flower paintings widely recognized today. Floral art has also been an important part of many famous painters' works, often helping to define their legacies.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir in the mid-1800 chose flowers as his subject for many paintings. Of course his paintings were often experiments with landscapes, outdoor scenes of Parisian daily life, and other paintings that used light in new ways. But his paintings of roses, chrysanthemums, and other spring flowers still stand as some of his famous works.

Renoir spent some of his time with impressionist master Claude Monet, who likely set the standard for impressionism flower paintings. Water lilies, iris, and other flowers blooming in his gardens at Giverny were seen on canvas like they never had before as Monet found his true inspiration. Later in life, Monet invested even more in ensuring his garden grew more colorful flowers so he could focus his attention solely on floral art. The flower art of Claude Money are likely the most recognizable in the world.

Another French artist, Henri Matisse, never hid the fact that he loved to paint beautiful things. He was also influenced by the impressionist and post-impressionist painters, but developed his own style of bright colors with broad strokes. His passion and style often resulted in flower paintings.

Vincent Van Gogh made his impact on the impressionism art world with daring outdoor, landscape, and nature related subjects, including flowers. But there is one flower varietal distinctly associated to him: sunflowers. Who can't forget the stunning collection of sunflower paintings by Van Gogh, which almost treat each flower as it's owns subject. Van Gogh seems to emphasize the pure brilliance and sensory joy of blooms in his works. These paintings has been duplicated the world over.

Flower paintings seem synonymous with impressionism, but there continue to be examples of famous abstract flower paintings, and realism. Georgia O'Keefe is a 20th century artist who partly defined her works through realistic close ups of flowers such as roses and iris. Reaction to here works seem to bring the same joy to the viewer, and same results to a room as flower paintings have done for centuries.