Fine Arts
80Art in my Home redux
Fine Arts is a term that simply means art created for beauty. I have published three previous Hubs about the Art in my Home. I was surprised and gratified at the positive response, leading me to produce one last page on this subject.
Goyo Dominguez is described as a man who has chosen a peaceful, quiet life. He was prepared to become a priest before he found his calling as a romantic realist painter. Goyo studied Fine Arts at Madrid's Complutense University and developed exquisite technical skills that enable him to express his vision of beauty. He juxtaposes dull and bright colors to create brilliantly detailed and alluring paintings. The painting below is from 2003, and entitled, "Diadema."
Humorous Pop Art
Speaking of juxtaposition, Nelson De La Nuez is the humor pop art master today. In his own words, "My subject matter is primarily humorous, because I think the world is serious enough already. So hey—laugh a little. Humor and imagination are unique to the human experience." The artist lives in Los Angeles. I have one of his collectible pieces (one of 250) created in 2003: "The Out of Towners."
Portrait of a Lady
Gary George has been painting for forty years, and lives in West Palm Beach, Florida. Among other schools, the artist has studied at the Royal Academy in London. He has painted commissioned portraits of Pope John Paul II and Ronald Reagan. I don't know who "Rebecca" is; but here she is, a few years ago, as seen through the eyes of Gary George.
Love Blooms
I featured a Tomasz Rut painting in one of my other posts about the Art in my Home. Rut also lives in Palm Beach, and he was cited in 1999 as one of the most collectible artists in the United States by the Robb Report. His mother was a painter when he grew up in Poland. He studied the masters, Rubens; Caravaggio; Michelangelo. Tomasz Rut has worked extensively in art restoration and conservation for the Biltmore and the Smithsonian. In his own words, "I look for inspiration in the humanistic tradition of classical art." The artist celebrates the human form with sensual imagery. Here is his 2003 oil on canvass, "Vigilia."
Beautiful Ladies
One of the paintings that drew the most attention in my Hub "Art in my Home" was by Sevitt Francis. She has a rich imagination and suffuses the canvass with lustrous colors. S. Francis recreates long gone days of gentle passion. This one is fairly recent and titled, "Strings of Music."
The most popular picture of all time
Warner Sallman produced the "Head of Christ" in 1940, having no idea it would go on to become the most popular picture of all time, with 500 million reproductions of its image thus far. Its level of popularity has long been appalling to art critics, who variously dismiss it as kitsch for the unwashed masses; idolatry; naive sentimentality; Eurocentrism. A famous survey was undertaken to ask the people who own the painting, what it was they liked about the "Head of Christ." By far the most common answer was, "It just looks like Jesus." Well, nobody knows what Jesus looked like. The handful of critics who try to at least understand its appeal, note that Jesus appears radiant, solemn, strong, submissive, peaceful, trustworthy and accessible. The portrait is a worldwide phenomenon crossing nearly all denominational lines. I have one. Why? I just like looking at it.
A different view from 300 years prior
In 1651, Rembrandt painting his own "The Head of Christ." He used a young Sephardic Jewish man as his model. People at the time were struck by the unusual earthiness of this creation, a Rembrandt trademark. This painting hangs in a museum in Berlin.
My favorite artist
Rembrandt is my favorite artist of all. One of my previous Hubs is nothing but Rembrandt and features seven of his paintings that I own copies of. He was the creator of another painting I have: "Christ on the Cross." He used a common street beggar for his model. This work of art, painted early in Rembrandt's career (1631), lives in a small church in southwestern France.
Bellini
Another of my favorite artists is the great Venetian painter, Giovanni Bellini (c. 1430-1516). I featured two of his works, "Madonna with Child Blessing" and "St. Francis in Ecstasy" in a previous Hub Page. The third Bellini copy I have is "The Doge" (formally Portrait of Doge Leonardo Loredan). This portrait, from 1501, helped popularize portraiture as an art form, and is installed in the National Gallery in London. The Doge's face, smooth yet perspicuous, is human yet majestic.
The most famous valuable painting in the world
Yes, I have a copy—not the original—of Mona Lisa. I have viewed the real one, though, at the Musee du Louvre in Paris. This was painted in 1503 by Leonardo da Vinci. And no—you can't call him da Vinci. Vinci is where he is from. You may call him Leonardo.
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Comments
Lovely - just lovely. Thank you James. DIADEMA and REBECCA take my vote as far as what I'd love to look at daily (of course, if I could live in the Louvre daily - my choice would change). Of all the people who could find modern day artists that still had the ability to paint and "move us" depicting the glory of our human condition, knew it would be you. And I will give it to you too, it's not the same as moving us with deep emotional and physical truths...
I see it, beautiful.
Excellent selection here James.I especially liked the De La Nuez painting.Have you broken the pattern of the threes?Or is this the third in the art category?Oh well,this was a well needed break from the anarchy of hubtivity and I enjoyed the art lesson,thank you.
Beautiful choices, James, though I must say I like the women best. Isn't it amazing they are from so long ago (in the most part) Lovely hub. Thanks
msorensson— You are welcome. Thank you for your comment. I hear that "da Vinci" fairly often so I thought I'd throw that in. :)
SEM Pro— You know, if they'd let me, I would live in the Louvre. I wonder if it comes alive at night? NAH!
I know what you mean by deep Truth. Well, a little beauty doesn't hurt sooth the soul living in a tough world.
Thank you for your thoughtful words. It is always nice to have you visit.
Vladimir Uhri— Thank you, brother. Always good to hear from you.
TheMindlessBrute— SO! You caught that, eh? :D
You know, I have a thing for numbers and I decided to do 3 Hubs in each category I am interested in—as you so adroitly observed. But I ran out of categories! So, I'm doing onesies now, and alternating between 2 kinds of Hubs.
I love your keen eye, brother. Haven't seen anything new by you lately. Still waiting for HG.
Gypsy Willow— Thank you so much for viewing my art and for your kind remarks. (I am partial to the ladies myself :D)
I cannot speak intelligently about art, and will not try. I have enormous envy for your knowledge of art and your obvious gut level attachment to it. For what it's worth, my most outstanding memory in this context is when I was in Amsterday many years ago and went to the museum (someone knowledgeable would know the name of the museum) which contains most of Van Gogh's work. At the time, it was set up chronologically in three medium sized rooms. I remember beginning my tour up close to the paintings and finishing it viewing the paintings from the other side of the room. Whether it was his genius or his insanity, he blew me away.
Sallman's painting of Jesus is my favorite also. The eyes of DIADEMA are haunting. I admire artists who capture the essense of the individual. That is a gift. Thanks.
Steve Rensch— Van Gogh blows a lot of people away! His art is awesome. To see that much of his work up close is a real blessing. I've never been to Amsterdam, but always wanted to go there. And if I do, I will see the Van Gogh and Rembrandt museums first thing. Thanks for your comments and for the visit.
lefseriver— These artists are truly gifted. I can't draw a stick man. I used to play a mean set of drums, though, if that counts. :)
Thanks for coming!
James there is a recent hub on how to teach children to draw ,it featured stick men. I'll try to find it for you.
Gypsy Willow— OH! You would do that for me!? Thank you so much! :D
Cute and excellent.
Philipo— Thank you.
Leonardo is my favourite artist of all time, I had the privalige of seeing his work at our museum..his works , the fine lines and intricacies are absolutely amazing.
I stood there transfixed, and then realized that tears were rolling down my face. Just to be there , so close, was an amazing feeling.
What a very lovely blog. Huge fan of the Classics and enjoyed the pictures you chose for your hub.
james
I enjoyed the read specially the segment about the masters brought me back to college! LOL and that was cool about the contemporary artists you featured above. Thanks for sharing. :D
Hawkesdream— Tears? That is when you know art is beautiful and transcendent. That is a great little story. Thank you for contributing it to this thread. I didn't know you had a Leonardo in Cornwall. What town is that in?
Ellie Perry— Thank you for saying so! I do appreciate you for coming by.
Cris A— Thank you for taking the time to come and view my Hub. Your comments are always gracious and always welcome.
Great hub, I'm quite fond of fine art and I'm been just in the beginnings of collecting prints. So far I have a Basquiat and a Rabi Khan. I'm shooting for saving for a Picasso. You know Vigilia reminds me a lot of some old album cover, thinking it was a Roger Dean.
Iðunn I will have to look for that album cover. I don't know about Roger Dean. A Picasso! WOW! You are a big player! I know Basquiat; quite in vogue in The City. Rabi Khan I will have to Google and check out. Thanks for the tip! And the compliment.
prints of... not originals. I couldn't even have done an original basquiat. however, I am happy with the prints. :) Rabi Khan has some work on here, he actually followed my links to him because I use some of his art with my poetry. :p He was actually delighted as it boosted his sales. Do a search here and you can see some of his work and art.com has a lot of it.
Truly magnificient pieces. I just visited the Art Museum last month in Washington DC, there were pieces that had me at AWE!!
Iðunn :-) I don't have any originals either. And I am happy with my prints, too. I will take a look at Rabi Khan . . . Oh yes! Beautiful art, to be sure. Safe in her Arms, Butterfly Girl, The Birth . . . all gorgeous! Thanks!
LPinky— Thank you! I have been to the National Gallery in DC, too, and it is magnificent! What an experience. I am glad you went to see all that beauty. I appreciate you leaving your comments.
I purchased "Safe in Her Arms" and it's just lovely.
Iðunn I appreciate you bringing this artist to my attention.
You are most welcome.
Interesting and beautiful, especially Diadema. What a beautiful woman and work of art. Thanks for sharing her
ethel smith— Isn't she gorgeous!? And yes, Goyo can really execute his vision. Thank you for visiting and your comment.
wow nice picture :D
diadema by goyo,beautiful :D
Wisata SEO Sadau— I agree with you! Thank you for visiting and leaving your comment!
Great selection here, James. I love to look at great art, and many of these are totally captivating. It's interesting to to hear something of the Jesus portrait. Because I see it everywhere, I always took it for granted, not even thinking about the artist who was responsible for it. A little disappointed though, not to see Mr. Sticky.
Christoph Reilly— I will promptly add Mr. Sticky with your permission. Unlike these other generic pieces, I was afraid of copyright infringement.
I am honored that you, one of the greatest of all Hubbers, by popular acclaim, visited my humble Page. Thank you very much!
Great hub. I was intrigued as my youngest brother is a fine arts graduate. Will feature some of hed is works next time. He has started working on murals too.
Melody Lagrimas— I appreciate your visit and comments.
I love to check out your art hubs, James, and really like Sevitt Francis, the complex colors are so beautiful..I also liked the Francis on your other art hub.
Saw a real Leonardo once, in DC...walking through the museum, honestly, the painting grabs you and draws you toward it before you realize it is there...the light is astoundiing.
Dolores Monet— With a name like Monet, how could you not love art!? :)
Thank you for viewing and leaving your remarks.
Stunning! Art, one of the real beauty of the world. As a child, my grandma had a replica of the "Head of Christ" (didn't even know who painted it). It always brought me such peace and tranquility whenever I look at it.
James, Thanks for sharing...
DynamicS— You are welcome. It was my pleasure to share some of the beauty I am blessed to have in my home. It does make for a peaceful environment. Thanks for coming.
Thanks for the art history hub. I will come back to this page again.
You are welcome. Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. Feel free to visit as often as you like. For you—no charge!
For somebody who claims to making only stick drawings, you are truly an art authority. Thank you for this beautiful hub. You make me appreciate art even more. Sallman's "Head of Christ" is also my favorite painting of Christ. He really glows here and I am mesmerized.
jill of alltrades— You are too kind. It is amazing so many people say that painting "looks like Jesus" even though nobody knows what He looked like. It does seem to be inspired. Thanks so much for your words. I am encouraged by you.
wonderfull job.....
infocity— thank you very much . . .
thank you for joining my fan club.... Can you also post some articles on expertscolumn.com
infocity— You are welcome. I will check out that site and read a Hub or two of yours. I can't say I am an expert at anything, though. :D
You've shown us a wonderful collection of fine arts here James and this is obviously very popular, well done
katyzzz— Thank you very much. I have been surprised how much people are interested in art, relative to all the other subjects I have written about. "Art in my Home" has been my most visited Hub of all and this one just a few slots down.
Unfortunately, I have displayed all the art I have! :D
Thanks for viewing and leaving your kind remarks. I really enjoy your Hubs.
My grandmother had that Head of Christ hanging in her home.
I enjoy seeing the art that attracts you. Starting with cave drawings, people for all time have wanted to embellish their surroundings with art...stick drawings and on up. Nothing wrong with stick drawings! LOL
Have always appreciated art and also enjoy creating it.
Peggy W— Mine, too! I am glad you enjoyed the tour of my personal taste in art. It makes my home a place of comfort and beauty. I appreciate your comments.
You have a wonderful eye for art! Ah, Rembrandt, no doubt a favorite of mine. "The Head of Christ" is so beautiful, classic perfection! I love Goyo Dominguez's "Diadema" I must see more of his! I must get more walls! :) Don't Quit hubbing!
Kebennett1— I have a whole Hub called "Rembrandt is my Favorite Artist." I must agree with your choices of the Goyo and the Sallman. Truly beautiful.
James, once again I am grateful that you share not only the great pictures but some personal and historical points on each. It's always a treat to read these particular hubs.
Thanks for taking the time to do just that. Enjoyed this immensely
Duchess OBlunt— Gosh, I am fulfilled by your kind words. I have a soft spot for this particular Hub since it represents part of my personal collection—and therefore my taste in art. Thank you for coming in and leaving your comments. And you are welcome, too. :-)
Love you artwork, very informative.
nikki1— I am glad you do. Thanks for coming by and letting me know. I look forward to reading some of your work.
i really enjoyed that hub, and have still to write the one about why i like men?????? i loved the one you wrote about women, how is your wife, will catch up with your hubs... Brenda
poetlorraine— I'll be waiting for your "man" Hub. :)
Thank you for asking, Brenda; my wife is up and down. This morning, she is doing very well. I think she is glad to have me home from two weeks away.
Huge fan of the Classics and enjoyed the pictures you chose for your hub.i will put it in my site:-
many thanks
aldewaghry— Thank you very much for visiting and leaving your kind words. I am gratified that you enjoyed my art.
Very interesting hub. I hadn't seen "The Head of Christ" by Rembrandt before, thank you! :)
Wild Cherry— Thank you. I appreciate you for visiting my Hubs and leaving your remarks. You are welcome.
msorensson says:
6 months ago
Thank you for sharing, James. and for that remark about not calling Leonardo da Vinci da Vinci .