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Saturday, September 8, 2012

Just When You Are About To Give Up...


I am writing this blog about Vincent van Gogh because I am struggling a little with a concept for my 2013 exhibit. I have always felt an affinity for van Gogh, not only for his unique painting style but most importantly because when I look at his artwork his struggle as an artist is palpable. His early work was, well, average. I particularly like the example below which shows two of his sketches. The one on the left of a simple figure, strangely proportioned and two years later the one on the right vastly improved and beautiful.
 
Vincent van Gogh
  
I know from his biography that he loved art and was a plodder like me. He kept painting until he was satisfied and even if he wasn’t satisfied he kept painting anyway. He started painting late in life and continued on to become one of our most admired master artists. Mental illness may have ended his life prematurely but surely he lives on in the wealth of artwork left behind.

So the next time you struggle with a composition, a subject or a concept, please keep trying. And trying. And trying…

Best Regards, 

Monica


I Am Marble by Monica Vanzant
 



Friday, July 13, 2012

Rubens and African American Skin Tones

Hello! I found this interesting video on YouTtube by documentary maker IDTV Docs. Very interesting video about Rubens and his painting of an African American man. I am having a problem creating links tonight so I will cut and past the bio of this filmaker directly into the blog (see below) and of course, you can always follow the link from the video itself. Please enjoy and pay a visit to this interesting site. Best Regards, Monica
IDTV Docs develops and produces documentaries, auteur films, commissioned films, art films and TV series with a widely varying look and feel to them. Socially engaged and quality-oriented, the makers cover a very wide range of socially relevant and cultural subjects. The productions are made for regional and national broadcasters; local and central government; non-profit organizations, arts and cultural funds; as well as companies. IDTV Docs has built up an impressive track record, including many productions that have received national and international awards.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Philadelphia Sketch Club

Greetings All!


 I have been painting up a storm, venturing into the world of figurative and portrait art. I am finding a new love on this complicated journey. Our artwork should grow with our life experiences and right now I want to paint people in our all of our glory and despair. Thanks to the wonderful Philadelphia Sketch Club I have access to a model every week for a very small fee and this has been invaluable for me. I should be posting some of it soon on my website but here is the latest piece I completed.





 I just wanted to share a word about Americas’ oldest art club in existence today; The Philadelphia Sketch Club. Over 150 years old, it is, to this day, a wonderful energetic forum for artists to learn, share and improve their craft. Whether sketching or painting, this is a place for you to grow! Please visit their website to learn more about this exciting non-profit organization run by artists for artists and also to obtain up-to-date information regarding their workshops, exhibitions and opportunities for membership.

Remember, even if you are not an artist, there are other ways to support the art community.
http://www.sketchclub.org/.

Best Regards, Monica



Lily - "The Icon Prize" Finalist

A huge thank you to Lane Von Herzen, author of "The Unfastened Heart" and the Icon Prize committee for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful project.



Creation of still life "The Two No One Wanted"