Conditions for Water by Karen Kunc, 2012.
I have always been a fan of Nebraska print maker Karen Kunc. I first became acquainted with Kunc’s work while a curatorial intern at the Joslyn Art Museum in Omaha. Her work is beautiful, composed of color and shape and her printing technique of woodcut layers is masterful. I was also honored to work with her parents Ray and Ila Kunc when I ran the Joslyn Museum Shop, their jewelry combined excellent lapidary work with refined design.
Newburyport Marshes: Approaching Storm by Martin Johnson Heade,c.1871.
Heade’s paintings of landscapes, flowers, birds and nature improve upon their subjects by making every detail stand out. The small elements are just as important as the larger ones and give his artwork a remarkable richness.
How My Mother’s Embroidered Apron Unfolds in My Life, 1944 by Arshile Gorky, Seattle Art Museum.
Gorky was an Abstract Expressionist artist who immigrated from Van, Armenia and created a Russian background for himself and even took a Russian name. Once in America he was able to study art and teach himself to paint.
The Cradle, 1872 by Berthe Morisot, Musee d’Orsay, Paris.
Morisot was the great-granddaughter of Jean-Honore Fragonard and studied art under her bother-in-law Edouard Manet and later Pierre Auguste Renoir. She exhibited at almost all of the Impressionist exhibitions.
Maman by Louise Bourgeois ,1999 (cast 2001) Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, Spain
At first glance it may seem that by entitling this piece Maman (Mother in French) that Louise Bourgeois was not fond of her mother, but that is not the case. The spider she created is protecting her sack of eggs and Bourgeois saw her as a nurturing yet formidable figure, just like her own mother.
Violette Heymann by Odilon Redon, 1910, The Cleveland Museum of Art
Symbolism is a genre that often is over-looked for Surrealism or Impressionism. It has roots in literature, the author Baudelaireis credited with its formation and being influenced by Poe. Many of the 19th century artists whose work is having a renaissance recently: Klimt, Moreau, Munch, to name a few, are considered to be part of the Symbolist category.
Odilon Redon, is best known for his prints and pastels, and his work is full of symbolism and he is quoted as having said he wanted to “place the visible at the service of the invisible.” This is a portrait, so much more straight forward than some of his other works, but the sitter seems to be surrounded by floating flowers, who make her seem dour in comparison.
Mary Blair conceptual drawing for Disney’s Alice in Wonderland.
Mary Blair was one of the most important artists to work at Disney and yet most know her work, but not her name. She brought that iconic mid-century style to such work as Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Cinderella and she did set designs for Small World and Tomorrowland at Disneyland.
Article about Blair from OrangeReview.com.
Spring in Town by Grant Wood, 1942
Two of my favorite Iowa artists,
Grant Wood and William Bailey.
Both of them capture brilliantly the straight-forward simplicity Iowa stands for, to me. Simplicity, with under-layers of pride, truthfulness, and appreciation for life. Take care and stay safe Iowa.
Red Wall by William Bailey, 2007.
Saint Bride by John Duncan, 1913, National Gallery of Scotland.
Two angels transporting the Saint Bride to Bethlehem to witness the Nativity. Scenes of the life of Christ are sewn into the garments of the angels. John Duncan is often characterized as a Symbolist artist because of his style, but also because he had a strong desire to understand the mysteries of nature as they relate to the divine.
Young Woman with Peonies by Jean-Frederic Bazille, National Gallery of Art Washington.
Bazille was friendly with many of the Impressionists such as Monet and Renoir. His life and a promising career were cut short when he was killed serving in the Franco-Prussian War.
Happy May Day
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Your Daily Art 