Works of Art that WOWed me

Often times throughout an artist's life they are asked who is your favorite artist? Usually after some cringing and a little upward shoulder movement, I blurt out one of my MANY favorites. I pick one completely at random, just to satisfy the questioner. Seconds later I'm feeling as though I had betrayed unmentioned ones. In truth, a sole favorite does not exist. There are so many artists, dead and alive that have moved me beyond words. They have inspired smiles, laughter, tears, research, sketches, journal entries, painting series, even years of work, while some will influence me always. They are loves without heartache, placed on pedestals, forever remembered fondly. Their imprints are ever-present with my own vision and creations to this day.

Today we're talking about 'Works of Art' that have inspired me. These are examples of godliness, extraordinary visions realized, two-dimensional feats. And you don't have to be an artist to appreciate their power and beauty. I have experienced these artworks and other artworks by these artists in person. If you have not already, I highly recommend you do the same. Fortunate I have been to travel and see these. If you are so lucky to travel to these cities that hold these works, make time for them, they're worth it!

So here they are, in no particular order. Some you may recognize, others may be new to you. I've included links to their museums. Let art move you.

"The Birth of Venus" 1485 by Sandro Botticelli - 

You can visit this one at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.

The purity, beauty and sweet space created here makes you want be a part of it.

"Judith Slaying Holofrenes" by Artemisia Gentileschi c. 1620

A quick drawing in my sketchbook from 2004 when I visited the museum.

This piece hangs among many other treasures in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.

The dramatic subject matter and lighting. The story it tells. 

The fact that a woman painted this in the 1600s. I love it!

"The Horse Fair"

detail of "The Horse Fair"

"The Horse Fair" 1853-1855 by Rosa Bonheur  - You can see this at The Met in NYC.
This masterpiece is roughly eight feet by seventeen feet! To the painting world, even to to this day, that's huge! The size of this piece grabs your attention, and once it's got you, you'll see why its in my top ten. The power and movement can be felt standing beside it.  One may feel the dusty air and hear horse hooves...

"The Daughters of Edward Darley Boit" (1882 by John Singer Sargent, 7' X 7') 

Can be viewed at the MOMA.

Not the most popular Sargent, but one of the most incredible pieces I've ever seen. His mastery of recreating skin, eyes, textiles etc. are complimented by an interior space perfectly reborn on canvas. 

"Attirement of the Bride" approx. 4' X 3',  Max Ernst 1940

This one lives at the Peggy Guggenheim in Venice.

Indeed a WOW piece. It's extravagant, off-putting, scary, gorgeous and intriguing all at once. 

I remember feeling uncomfortable standing too close to this one...and it was not for fear of the museum alarm!

This piece reminds us that there are no rules in art and that sometimes art is made to say something. 

Or sometimes it is created for the response.

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Now go see paintings by the following artists. Their most famous bodies of work represent a formula with less emphasis on the individual piece. Each painting remains as an element of an answer to a question. These artists persuade one to think outside the box...

Go see and experience anything by this artist: Mark Rothko 

He focused on and mastered the basics of composition and color. These just glow.

I love how the painted layers are visible with these. Show those brush strokes!

There are a few at The Guggenheim NYC.  Also go check out anything by...

...this artist. Jackson Pollocks paintings are so many different things to so many different people. Their organically shaped splatters are playful reminders to me of what it is to be a young-hearted painter. The Pollocks' are two-dimensional in art category, however these paintings have texture meant to be seen. 

Go see a Pollock in person, then decide what it means to you at The Met.

In the end, it's what paintings and artists WOW you. 

Most of you already have found favorite paintings and artists. Go explore and experience more!

The Speckled Egg - A Painting Step by Step

Every Saturday at the farmer's market in downtown Rutland, VT there is a special farmer I always look for. Nancy Wisner of Tweed Valley Farm brings to the market such culinary gems as smoked quail and yellow oyster mushrooms. My favorite item that she brings comes in a little package of 10: Speckled Quail Eggs.

Though delightful to eat

(I made mini deviled eggs once),

I get the most joy from painting these treasures.

Their playful spots and warm colors like that of a dark truffle or a coffee shop creation are so enjoyable to work with.

The earth tones found on the speckled egg play nicely with blue hues like the ones I mixed here. Whenever possible I like to save paint.

Oil paints will remain workable for a least an extra day of two if you keep them sealed.

Here I used a regular egg carton I had saved.

I plan to make a series of these speckled eggs.

To begin, I arrange them on a light blue piece of paper I found in the studio. I then play with the lighting until I get the dramatic shadowing I'm looking for.

Now it's time to draw. I used a colored pencil in a vanilla hue on a black primed canvas.

One of my favorite characteristics of these subjects is their shape.

I love this step. This is where I get to cut around the lines I've drawn with the background color. Its a simple step but I find it very rewarding. Perhaps it's because its the first time the oil paint touches the canvas or maybe it's that I get to color outside the lines.

Mixing to get my colors where I want them takes a little time.

Once I get those right, they become the foundation for the eggs.

A little shading helps bring the shapes to life.

Then I play with the background base color to create shadows and texture.

Highlights are added too...

This step is really fun. The spots are wild and uniform.

I utilize a couple different brush sizes here to speckle the eggs.

...and more spots...almost done!

A couple adjustments to the spots, lines, shading and highlights and we're finished.

I signed it by writing right into the paint in bottom right corner.

Once completed, the painting should resemble the subject with a certain amount of accuracy and a little twist of my own personal style. I want you to be able to see in the spots and brush strokes how much I truly adore my subjects and how much I love to play with paint.

Thank you for reading and sharing.

~Carrie~

View other works by me for sale on my Etsy page.

From my home to yours.

A picture of "Light and Sweet" hanging in it's new California home 3,000 miles away. I love to see where my creations land. Thanks Pam!