Art Education and Mental Health
Would those massacring shooters have done those horrible things if they had enough art in their life? I genuinely mean that question in a deep way, so let’s consider this.
Art
What is Abstract Conceptualism?
I would like to promote abstract conceptualism for I believe that the mixture of metaphysical abstract thought required, together with the process of objectifying those non-material thoughts in a way they can be shared with others is a very healing process both for the artist and the viewer.
Psalm 91 (New Abstract Oil Painting by Polly Castor)
I have been thinking about Psalm 91 since the hurricanes, fires, earthquakes, and general calamities over the last month, and now yesterday with the news of another mass shooting, I settled down to prayerfully finish this painting.
Pastel Demo by Maria Merino at the National Arts Club
All I can say is bravo. This is an artist to watch and treasure. Collect her work too if you can!
Two New Abstract Pastel Paintings
See here my two most recent abstract conceptualist paintings in pastel: Psyche and Voltage. Tell me what you think!
Stay Eager (Susan Sontag Quote)
Do stuff. Be clenched, curious. Not waiting for inspiration’s shove or society’s kiss on your forehead.
Featured Artists: Earth, Fire, Spirit Pottery
Called Earth, Fire, Spirit, these ceramic artists are both creative and affordable. Check out their work in this post …
I’m in the Guilford Arts League Juried Show
I am fortunate enough to have two paintings in this Guilford Arts League annual juried show. It is a competitive show, and I know wonderful artists whose work did not get in, so it is particularly satisfying to be there.
Pastel Society of America’s Materials Show in NYC
The highlight of the day for me was meeting Sandra Burshell, while she reviewed my portfolio. She was very encouraging to me and I loved her immediately.
I’m in This “Wild and Crazy” Art Show in Essex
I have two paintings in this show in Essex, Connecticut, where the theme was “wild and crazy.” It is interesting to see how the theme was interpreted by different artists.
My Photos and Art by Others at Creative Arts Camp 2017
Here are my photos of Creative Arts Camp and of other’s art there
Last Camp Painting 2017: Cabin Sunflowers
This is the last assignment at this year’s Creative Arts Camp. We were to paint a still life with a view out a window.
Exercise: Gestural Abstract Painting
So many things at camp are about movement. All artists are about moving thought. In this exercise we were to get more of our body involved, moving it as a way to move others…
Abstract Painting Exercise: Pouring, Spraying, Throwing Paint
I had a great time doing these. I threw, spattered, and poured paint. It was especially fun to drop paint from a twelve foot height off a deck banister onto paper and watch it splat.
Leaning Tree at Camp Newfound (New Landscape Painting)
Here is the painting I finished at camp yesterday. I was attracted to the strong diagonal composition and how the rocks in the bottom right, together with the cabins in the upper left, created the feeling of torque, even though it is a peaceful scene.
Three Quotes About the Power of Art (by Karen Montanaro)
Karen Montanaro, an instructor at Creative Arts Camp, summarizes the power of art in these three short quotes.