feel-art-again

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From Architect to Surrealist: Roberto Matta Echaurren

Roberto Matta Echaurren (1911-2002), known as Matta, was described by Robert Motherwell as "the most energetic, enthusiastic, poetic, charming, brilliant young artist." At the request of reader Peter, today's post features Matta, who was born 97 years ago last Tuesday and died five years ago next Sunday. 1. Matta was always artistically expressive. As a young boy, he built his own theater, with a curtain and a backdrop, and would persuade his many cousins to perform. In college, he... READ ON

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The Beading Queen: Liza Lou

We wrap up this week of presidential history with two of Liza Lou's 42 presidential portraits, "Abraham Lincoln" (1996) and "John F. Kennedy" (1996). The American artist, sometimes known as "The Beading Queen," creates highly detailed and intricate hand-beaded sculptures. 1. Liza Lou's portraits of presidents George Washington through William Clinton are created entirely out of beads and bordered in wide bands of gold beads to look like framed black and... READ ON

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Defying Classification: Joseph Stella

In memory of Joseph Stella (1877-1946), who died 62 years ago yesterday, today's post features the Italian-born painter at the request of reader Lauren M. With an oeuvre that spans a wide range of styles, as evidenced by two of his paintings, "The Virgin" (left) and "Brooklyn Bridge" (right), Stella "belongs to no school or movement, [and] defies classification." 1. In the early 1900s, Joseph Stella was commissioned to illustrate a series of articles on the... READ ON

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An American Patriot: Norman Rockwell

To celebrate election day, today's "Feel Art Again" features Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) at the request of readers Nerak and gmsc. Rockwell, known for his patriotic depictions of American life, painted portraits of four presidents—Kennedy, Eisenhower, Nixon, and Johnson—as well as several election-related scenes, two of which are shown above. 1. Norman Rockwell was sometimes referred to as "Mr. Scouting" for his long association with the Boy Scouts of... READ ON

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Die Dame: Hannah HÃ¶ch

In honor of the 119th anniversary of her birth, today's "Feel Art Again" features Hannah HÃ¶ch (1889-1978) at the request of reader Adrienne. The German Dadaist was known for her photomontages and collages, such as "Meine HaussprÃ¼che," or "Proverbs to Live By," shown above. 1. Hannah HÃ¶ch is usually referred to as the only female member of the Berlin Dadaists. The group "paid lip service to women's emancipation" but weren't too... READ ON

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The Most Accomplished Woman in Europe: Angelica Kauffmann

In response to one of my pleas for recommendations of female artists, reader Jessy suggested Angelica Kauffmann (1741-1807), one of the most successful female artists of the 18th century. Since today would be Kauffmann's 267th birthday, we'll take a look at her life alongside her 1790 painting, "Venus Induces Helen to Fall in Love with Paris." 1. Truly a child prodigy, Angelica Kauffmann began demonstrating artistic skill by age 6 while studying under her father. Although her... READ ON

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Bust 'em Up Bobby: Bob Ross

Since today would be Bob Ross' 66th birthday, today's "Feel Art Again" will feature the happy painter himself, at the request of reader hannah. After studying up on Ross' life, try our Bob Ross quiz from our "˜80s Week back in April. 1. Bob Ross' landscapes were influenced by his years spent in Alaska working for the U.S. Air Force. Ross spoke of the beauty of Alaska, saying, "Ooh, if you have never been to Alaska, go there while it is still wild. My... READ ON

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One of the Chosen Ones: Chris Jordan

Described by Portfolio as "the unofficial artist of the Harper's Index," photographer Chris Jordan creates massive images that illustrate stunning statistics. Shown above is "Cans Seurat" (2007), a recreation of George Seurat's "A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte" and part of Jordan's "Running the Numbers: An American Self-Portrait." Some facts about Jordan's own life and artistic motivations: 1. "Cans... READ ON

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Inspiring BrontÃ«s: John Martin

At the request of reader Merinda B., who "really loves" John Martin's "Sadak in Search of the Waters of Oblivion" (left), today's installment of "Feel Art Again" focuses on the nineteenth-century English painter and engraver. 1. John Martin (1789-1854) was the youngest of 13 children, though only 5 of the Martin children survived to adulthood. The most infamous of Martin's siblings is his older brother Jonathan, a "non-conformist" who... READ ON

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Hello Jack Vettriano

At the request of reader Emily Peck, today's "Feel Art Again" post features Jack Vettriano's popular painting, "The Singing Butler." Vettriano's enormous success came as a surprise even to himself—he has remarked, "I get all the more pleasure because I never thought it was going to happen." Some background on his life and career: 1. Having left school at age 16, Jack Vettriano never attended art school. Instead, he is completely... READ ON