Art, or Ugly?

The appreciation of art is something all human beings are capable of, being the rational creatures we are.  Our powers of reason and deduction, paired with an innate sense of the aesthetic qualities that stand in the place of beauty and truth, make us capable judges in matters of artistic expression.  How, then, can opinions vary so much on how to discern art from ugliness? Especially in the post-modern period that glorifies reflections of broken icons of the past, revisits old themes with disdainful new representations, and often ridicules long held institutional beliefs and messages and symbolism — so many of today’s so-called works of art may actually be nothing but snarky garbage produced by…

Inspired by the Sea

Summer is the right time for creating art.  The air is warm (or depending on your location, downright hot!) and the skies are mostly sunny. Nature is alive with the arrival of many new green leaves, and the bustle of baby creatures of all kinds.  This is also the time of year when many vacationers enjoy a trip to the coastal regions to dip their toes in the ocean’s cool blue tides. People since the dawn of time have been drawn to the sea.  It’s life forms are numberless and magnificent, and are found in so many lovely colors and shades.  Contrasted with the brilliant sky above, the sea becomes a sort of mirror for…

What to Give an Artist

Choosing the best gift to give to an artistic friend or family member can be a truly uninspiring challenge.  One of the things most often purchased for an artist on a gifting occasion is a complete paint set, with brushes and tubes or bottles of paint, some paint thinner, and other supplies for mixing colors and creating works of art.  The problem with many of these sets you find in stores is, the paint in them is not good quality stuff.   What you may think is an outstanding painting set may be far from it.  You might assume that the handsome wooden case with brass hinges and a velvet lined interior look even prettier with all…