The continuation of a new series of Remodern America videos. Number two is a video about Pablo Picasso, his painting Guernica, and the difference between art and propaganda. Great art explores the mysteries of human experience. Propaganda seeks to influence an intellectual decision by stirring up obscuring clouds of emotionalism.
I don’t fundraise off of my blog. I don’t ask for Patreon or Paypal donations. If you’d like to support the Remodern mission, buy abook. Or a painting.
The launch of a new series of Remodern America videos. Number one is a video about British Conceptual artist Damien Hirst, memento mori, and vanitas paintings. Unlike the inspirational art of the past, the current establishment contributes to our destruction by replacing art with icons of physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual deterioration.
Please like, subscribe, and share, thanks!
**************
I don’t fundraise off of my blog. I don’t ask for Patreon or Paypal donations. If you’d like to support the Remodern mission, buy abook. Or a painting.
My wife and I were in a horrific car crash, not our fault. It’s a miracle we walked away from it (we have an attorney, a new car, and I have ongoing chiropractor appointments).
I have been writing non-art articles for another entity.
There’s been some good art news as well; many sales, and a major commission.
But all this time, despite all these issues and events, I’ve been painting more than ever.
I have an art method which keeps me from getting overwhelmed with too many works going on at the same time. My natural inclination is to keep starting new paintings without finishing them. I don’t like that approach, so I developed a strategy which keeps production flowing while still committing to completion.
I keep three paintings in progress going, at different stages of development. I switch off between them based on where my mind is at the moment: either still making big decisions and adjustments in the early stages, refining and defining during the middle passages, and then making all the finishing touches which make such a difference at the end.
Here is a sneak preview detail shot form my currently most finished painting, “Plein Air.”
Detail of “Plein Air” in Progress
Part of what got me organized as an artist many years ago was the amazing Steven Pressfield book, The War of Art. I recommend it for everyone, not just artists. So much happens when you do the work, and get out of your own way.
This blog is part of my work, and it will continue. More to come.
In the meantime, enjoy this inspirational clip.
**************
I don’t fundraise off of my blog. I don’t ask for Patreon or Paypal donations. If you’d like to support the Remodern mission, buy abook. Or a painting.
I did not watch The Office during its run. I do understand it was a popular culture phenomenon. It’s still used as meme fodder.
Recently I have watched some snippets and seen some funny stuff. And also, this poignant little moment.
**************
I don’t fundraise off of my blog. I don’t ask for Patreon or Paypal donations. If you’d like to support the Remodern mission, buy abook. Or a painting.
Francis Bacon was one of the great painters of the 20th century. An encounter with one of his works was instrumental in me becoming a painter.
In 1966, Bacon gave an insightful interview on his artistic ideas and practices. It’s interesting to hear him describe his dark practices in such a posh, upper class accent.
**************
I don’t fundraise off of my blog. I don’t ask for Patreon or Paypal donations. If you’d like to support the Remodern mission, buy abook. Or a painting.
My wife, artist Michele Bledsoe, found me this video. The old TV show Columbo is a comfort to us. The audience was shown right up front who committed the (usually tastefully presented) murder. The mystery was how would Lt. Columbo catch them.
The perpetrators were always elitists. Powerful people who thought they could get away with it. Columbo kept them off guard by coming across as a befuddled little working stiff, overly polite, clueless. Until he found his angle.
Just when the villain thought they were about to be rid of him, Columbo came back to ask, “Just one more thing.” This inquiry was always the beginning of the end for the murderers, who realized too late this funny little guy was not what he seemed to be.
Peter Falk was incredible in this role. I hope they never try a reboot, it could not be done without him.
It turns out the actor also enjoyed making art. This video displays a collection of Peter Falk’s drawings, set to the opening music from the old Mystery Movie of the Week.
**************
I don’t fundraise off of my blog. I don’t ask for Patreon or Paypal donations. If you’d like to support the Remodern mission, buy abook. Or a painting.
From the Damned’s 1980 Black Album. This Youtube version was illustrated by teenagers:
Innovation Day 2013 at Dixons City Academy in Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. I had a class of 13, 14, and 15 year olds for the day. I showed them my own version of I don’t wanna grow up, by the Ramones first. They each got a line from the song (they didn’t have a clue what the song was). By the afternoon they had worked together to create their own illustrated Damned song, and they loved it. Who says it’s impossible getting a bit of Punk into the classroom?!
Lyrics I’m gonna stay in bed all day I’m not gonna hear a word you say It’s gonna be a life of style for me Electric blankets, pillows, fire and TV Take a look outside Those lively arts are on the slide And culture’s just a bore When you’re angry young and poor And if I got my way Those idle rich would pay When the discussion starts On the lively arts I’m gonna be a lazy slob Sod the folks and sod the job And tell the foreman that I’m ill And in a week I’ll be here still Yes I will Take a look outside Those lively arts are on the slide And culture’s just a bore When you’re angry young and poor And if I got my way Those idle rich would pay When the discussion starts On the lively arts
**************
I don’t fundraise off of my blog. I don’t ask for Patreon or Paypal donations. If you’d like to support the Remodern mission, buy abook. Or a painting.
Norman Rockwell created iconic scenes of American life in the 20th century. As a commercial illustrator, he had to work fast, so I forgive his use of a projector to do his drawings from photographs. As this video notes, he originally worked from life, so I have no doubt he was an amazing draftsman on his own. And he could tell such stories in a single image, something I often strive for.
**************
I don’t fundraise off of my blog. I don’t ask for Patreon or Paypal donations. If you’d like to support the Remodern mission, buy abook. Or a painting.
There’s practically no one less relevant than an art critic these days. Even though it’s part of what I do as well, the art world has been so distorted by elitist mismanagement, it’s like speaking a language no one knows about a subject no one cares about.
Jerry Saltz has made a career for himself by making art criticism a kind of wryly playful banter. Here he is confronted by the art he tried to make when he was a young man.
**************
I don’t fundraise off of my blog. I don’t ask for Patreon or Paypal donations. If you’d like to support the Remodern mission, buy abook. Or a painting.
To all appearances, Henry Darger (April 12, 1892 – April 13, 1973) was an isolated, humble janitor. What no one realized until shortly before his death was he was the most prolific and intense outsider artist in America. In the Realms of the Unreal, a 2004 documentary on his life and works, also uses animation to bring motion to his mysterious art. The full film is available on YouTube.
The Trailer:
The full film:
**************
I don’t fundraise off of my blog. I don’t ask for Patreon or Paypal donations. If you’d like to support the Remodern mission, buy abook. Or a painting.
THE REMODERN REVIEW 