Thomas Kinkade

There are different types and styles of art and just when I think that I have figured out the list, I realize that I still have so much to learn!

Peter Max has been described as being an artist with an “iconic” style of art (Wikipedia, 2011), as well as an “expressionistic style,” and creating a “signature style of cosmic characters.” Mr. Max addresses that pop culture, with his graphical expressions of Love, his American patriotism with the Statues of Liberty, his peacock on the NBC logo, and so much more. It is easy to see, with just a couple of examples how he is attributed with the label of creating “iconic” art, as well as his effect on the current culture, and, hence the aspect of “pop”ular culture.

There are different types and styles of art and just when I think that I have figured out the list, I realize that I still have so much to learn!

Another style of art is the art of husband and wife team, Shaefer and Miles, called “neo-impressionistic” art. Park West describes their work as exuding a warmth and “ever-present light.” While that is not necessarily a description of a style, the inclusion of the light does conjure up similar, yet unique art by famous Thomas Kinkade.

There are so many other styles of art, not to mention types of art. When I say, “styles,” I am referring to styles, as described above (even though the talent and expression is beyond description!) and when I say, “types,” I am referring to the inclusion of sculptures, unique use of materials (See also, info on the “Material Worlds” exhibit for examples), and anything that can be considered a creative expression of art. Again, the sky is the limit!

The Art of Peter Max Colourful and comic, Peter Max's art has been an integral part of contemporary American culture for more than three decades, beginning in the 1960s. His trademark posters have achieved international popularity. From being named Official Artist of the Grammy Awards for five successive years to painting a Continental Airlines 777 plane, Max's projects always garner enormous media attention. In this comprehensive Max retrospective, 350 colour images illustrate the artist's life and prolific career.
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Recently, I have really come to enjoy abstract art, yet another style…. Just as in beauty, the love of art is in the eye (and heart) of the beholder and we all have the freedom to love (or not love) what we see before us.

So, looking at the art, above, which one speaks to you?

Deborah E

Deborah E is a smooth and sultry summer night on Bourbon Street… Classy with a dash of sass… Proof that the jazz greats have not been sacrificed to processed pop. ladyD.info. For more information, including other blogs, visit her main site at deborah.info.

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Good morning,

My question for you today, is, “What language does art speak?” Or, maybe the question should be, “Does art speak at all?”

There is no right or wrong answer to this question or question(s).

I believe art speaks, if it speaks, speaks the language of the heart, possibly the language of the brain. If a person is drawn to the art there is something within that art that appeals to him or her and it may say one thing to one person and something entirely different to another person.

Now, these are simple designs, that may or may not speak to anyone but me. Well, they must have said something to my instructor since I received a good grade. LOL. But, they don't need to speak. They can be passed by, or they can be admired. Some people like the art of Thomas Kinkade representing something beautiful remembered, experienced, or the experience of the art itself. Some people prefer the abstract cubism art of Picasso.

I took a class on “Communications in Design” recently. I thought it was going to be more of a communications theory, interpreting what we read in different designs. However, it was an all out graphic design class, in and of itself, turning me into the student artist. Most of you have seen my artwork (see an example, here). So, this was an exciting, and growing, experience.

We were given assignments to create a design, using only basic shapes (i.e. no stars, rainbows, smiley faces, etc.) and textures to create an artistic representation of the feeling or contrast represented by the assigned word or words. In some cases we were allowed to use color and in some cases we were only allowed grayscale.

Here are the results, my designs:


Hard / Calm	Vibrant / Thoughtful

Happy	Soft / Dynamic

Whimsical

Now, these are simple designs, that may or may not speak to anyone but me. Well, they must have said something to my instructor since I received a good grade. LOL. But, they don’t need to speak. They can be passed by, or they can be admired. Some people like the art of Thomas Kinkade representing something beautiful remembered, experienced, or the experience of the art itself. Some people prefer the abstract cubism art of Picasso.

How about this concept –> Remember that YOU are a work of art. The language is your language and the appreciation or the lack of appreciation is the language that art speaks (or doesn’t speak). My assignment to you for today is to give yourself a hug, and enjoy the work of art that is called YOU.

Deborah E