Texture with Hans the Younger...

Hans Holbein the Younger is probably best know for his portrait work in the court of Henry the VIII, however he is undoubtedly one of the most powerful artists of the 16th century. I prefer his early work, when he not only focused on the sitter in a portrait, but also dealt with pattern, texture and color just as lovingly.

From the wood, the satin and the peeling paint in the portrait shown here, Holbein had an exacting eye and hand. If you are interested in a very interesting bio and views of his other works and periods http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Holbein_The_Younger has a very interesting article and further websites to explore.

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“Every portrait that is painted with feeling is a portrait of the artist, not of the sitter.”- Oscar Wilde

Caravaggio upskirts the Gods....

Sometimes in art its a new look at the classics to make a composition interesting again. This work is painted by Caravaggio on the ceiling, thus the ancient Gods are looking at us from on high. Caravaggio was also a master of lighting and uncomfortable story telling, but those topics are for another day. If you are interested in the history of Caravaggio then as always there is a wonderful wiki here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caravaggio

What classic are you thinking of looking at from another direction?

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All works, no matter what or by whom painted, are nothing but bagatelles and childish trifles... unless they are made and painted from life, and there can be nothing... better than to follow nature.-Caravaggio

Whistler, not just a Momma's boy....

The following excerpt is from the wiki page for Whistler:



"...After West Point, Whistler worked as draftsman mapping the entire U.S. coast for military and maritime purposes. He found the work boring and he was frequently late or absent. He spent much of his free time playing billiards and idling about, was always broke, and though a charmer, had little acquaintance with women. After it was discovered that he was drawing sea serpents, mermaids, and whales on the margins of the maps, he was transferred to the etching division of the U. S. Coast Survey. Though he lasted there only two months, he learned etching technique which later proved valuable to his career..."

Sadly, as with most artists that are accomplished etchers and engravers (Durer is another example), Whistler actually made more monies from his print work than from his painting.

I have been focusing more on painters, or wood carvers who are also master printers, because of my relief print project that I'm immersed in at the moment and am taking so much inspiration from these masters.

Who is your inspiration for your current work?



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It takes a long time for a man to look like his portrait.”
James Whistler quote

Do you know David Roberts? No, the other David Roberts...

David Roberts is probably more of an illustrator, rather than a "master" but his evocative paintings from Egypt and the Holy Land spark the imagination from an era that has slipped through our fingers. Just a 150 or so years ago, he painted these places as they had been for centuries and caught their histories and grandeur in the flicker before they were changed forever.

Please look him up at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Roberts_(painter)

And if you missed the news check my prior posts to see that I've modified the 100th follower contest so that there are actually 5 winners instead of one!

A gallery of my work available in giclee prints at flikr http://www.flickr.com/photos/patricedeavila/

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Each man thinks his own horizon is the limit of the world.-Egyptian Proverb