M.C. Escher - "Drawing Hands" - 1948, lithograph.

M.C. Escher was a Dutch graphic artist, noted for his distinctive prints depicting intricate interlocking patterns and optical illusions. He was especially accomplished in lithography and wood engraving. While Escher’s early work consists mainly of landscapes and townscapes, beginning in 1936 his work became increasingly more concerned with scenes of his own creation, especially with the repeating patterns and spatial illusions for which he is best known. The "Drawing Hands" are a beautiful presentation of the hands of an artist--our hands being one of our most important tools.

Quote of the Day

"I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way--things I had no words for." - Georgia O'Keeffe

The Abstraction of Georgia O'Keeffe

Georgia O’Keeffe, "Red, Yellow and Black Streak", 1924. Oil on canvas, (100 × 80.6 cm), 39 3/8 × 31 3/4 inches. Musée National d’Art Moderne, Center Georges Pompidou, Paris.

American painter, best known for her large-format paintings of natural forms, especially flowers and bones, and for her depictions of New York City skyscrapers and architectural and landscape forms unique to northern New Mexico. She remains one of the most important artists in the history of art, in that her works convey the integrity of her Modernist vision, her independent spirit, and, above all, her profound sensitivity to the vitality of natural forces. O’Keeffe also played a key role in challenging the notion that gender was in any way a determinant of artistic competence or creativity. By so doing, she helped to establish a new and significant space for female artists in a realm that continues to be dominated by men.

Quote of the Day

"A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art." - Paul Cézanne

Pere Borell del Caso, "Escaping Criticism", 1874. Madrid, Banco de España

One of the goals of this blog is to share with you some of the great works of art that I find fascinating--in the hope that you'll find interest in them, too. This work is a masterful example of trompe-l’œil. The Art Daily notes that "Trompe-l’œil is distinguished not just by its realism – after all, still life, perspective painting and photography can all claim to be realistic – but by its wit. In the best trompe-l’œil the artist deliberately sets out to trick you, and then lets you know you have been tricked." Reprinted from Art Daily - 3 January 2010

Quote of the Day

"Art is a lie that makes us realize truth." - Pablo Picasso

Thanks for your visits!

Thank you all for visiting and signing in here! Heather, I'm glad the painting reminded you of Bosch (with whimsy) because that was my intention. Here's another image that seems apt for the incoming year--a time when we reflect back one more time before moving forward with new projects, ideas and goals. A sort of "Double Vision" if you will (done in oil pastels over acrylics and dyes on canvas). Hope you like it. Let me know what projects you all envision for the New Year! Note: Enlarging this Image will blur it! Sorry! I had some technical difficulty with my new camera!