Amy Schmierbach

 I'm currently working on an abstract drawing. I really like it, but it makes me go crazy. I put so much information in it, text, shapes, colors and texture and I just don't know how to bond all those things together. So for this post, I want to talk a little about Amy Schmierbach's drawings, which contain a variety of elements in a very subtle way.

These drawings are part of the series "Hills", but I don't only see hills. I see Lava-lamp type of compositions, which project a feeling of relaxation. I could stare at these drawings for hours, and allow my eyes to read these drawings from top to bottom. For example, on the third piece, my eyes start on the top, down to the bottom and back to the top. I like her use of value, which gives weight to the "lava" and allows it to float away. The "lava" also has patterns erased on it, which makes it more interesting. On the first drawing, I see a hill, with texture and wind blowing above it, carrying with it all these funny shapes taking my vision to the bottom.

After looking at these drawings, I feel motivated to start experimenting with erasing, values and funny shapes :) maybe I could take a plasma ball as inspiration!

Melanie

Source:
http://www.amyschmierbach.com

Joan Miro--¿Miro que?

“The painting rises from the brushstrokes as a poem rises from the words. The meaning comes later.”

Joan Miro was born in Barcelona, Spain in April 20, 1893. He lived trough very interesting art eras, and his work was quite influenced through these. Such are dadaism, cubism, and fauvism, folkloric Catalan art and Roman frescoes from churches. What I like about his style is that the emotions are evident because of the use of colors, shapes and movement, such ideas can be seen in these following pieces:

His works can be very simple and straight-forward, or detailed and narrative. In the painting "Escape Ladder" (1st image) the dark and cloudy colors in the background sets a sad mood, while the creatures express desperation as they're trying to "escape". What are they escaping, and where are they going? His work intrigues me. In the rest of the images, I like his different use of lines and media to create his definition of humans. 

What I've learned about this artist is that culture and current art styles can be a great influence to your art, and his works remind me how much I like narrative works. 

-Melanie

Source: http://joanmiro.com/joan-miro-biography/

Artsy Banksy!

January 25th, 2011

When I was a little girl, I used to draw on the walls (like any other artist did). Sometimes I drew people, houses, or just random lines. Once my "abuelita" caught my sister drawing a rosary on the hallway wall. Even though my grandmother is very religious, she did not appreciate it. So my sister and I ended up drawing on the back of advertisements that my abuelita didn't need anymore, ruining all the fun and excitement of drawing on the walls. Today, almost 15 years later, there is a guy out in England spray painting in the streets with his stencil designs. Whereas I got a good punishment, he's getting away with all this recognition! But I do have to admit that his work is worthy of recognition, because there is not better way to slap society in the face with thought-provoking work like his. Here are some pictures of his work:

The process of his work can be lengthy, considering the fact that he makes his own stencils. However, when it comes to putting his work on the wall, his time is limited in order for him to be able to keep anonymous. I think that can be a disadvantage for Banksy, because while he keeps the popularity, others keep his work and sell it. The 2nd image is my favorite one, because Banksy illustrates a satirical image of a cop. Cops are nothing without their dogs, and their dogs are not intimidating to him. Whereas there are people out there trying to send a message to society through speeches or protests, Banksy only needs a nice wall, spray paint and stencils to communicate his thoughts. What I like about his work is his compositions, the colors (even though he doesn't use many, he makes it work), and the message in his work.When I look at his work, I feel inspired to draw on the walls again :)

-Melanie

Images obtained from: www.banksy.co.uk