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I have always kicked myself that I never enrolled in an art history course during my college years. At that point in my life, I had no idea I would ever make efforts to become a professional artist, so I don't blame myself too harshly for poor decision making. But, there are so many amazing and influential artists that I know nothing of, which saddens me.
I do, however, have one artist that I have always admired. My love has humble beginnings. As a teenager, about to finish high school and preparing to enter college, my focus was definitely on all the things I needed to buy. You know, dorm stuff. Bedding, desk lamp, trash can, laundry bag...but most important, decorations.
So, when I found posters 70% off at a local store I was delighted. And I quickly picked out two. One was a photograph of a pink flower and the other was a painting. The painting was very simple, had green, yellow and purple, and the name Mark Rothko.
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I can remember staring at this poster while "studying" and admiring the texture, the color composition, and the overall peaceful feel. I fell in love with it so much that I even went out of my way to research a bit about Mr. Rothko. I learned that most people considered him a colorist (an artist who's focus is just the mixture of color), although he never admitted he was one. I love that his paintings are HUGE. I love that all you see is texture and color.
And then I started painting. I developed my own style and it's primary focus was texture and color. Rothko was not on my mind specifically as this came about, but it is certainly interesting to look back on, and admire again.
Don't forget to check out the other artist bloggers on the merry go round!
Misty at Artmind
Jen at Painted Fish Studio
Mariana at Florcita
Laura at Blue TerracottaMonika at Red2White
Ruth at Birdland Creations
Kim at Vilt a la Kim
Sara at Crafts of Texture
Samantha at Vintage is for lovers
Agathe at Le Bar du Vent
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I absolutely love Rothko. And like you say, I love the fact that the paintings are enormoous and bright and "simple" although when one can actually see them live and direct, one discovers all this texture lost in posters. Fantastic artist.
ReplyDeleteThere's a wonderful documentary on him in Simon Schama's Power of Art. Hooray for YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJ8AIIAgYpg. Check it out when you get the chance. It's wonderful stuff!
ReplyDeleteIronically, the art history class I took in college is what revealed my love for all things art. I've always been intrigued by Salvador Dali...his paintings are a little bizarre sometimes but always interesting.
ReplyDeleteI love his use of colors! Fab artist - great source of inspiration! :)
ReplyDeleteI like that artist! the simpleness definitely appeals to me!
ReplyDeleteI must admit I am not a really artist - museum visitor, I get more inspired by nature, but i love color and the way he used it.
ReplyDeleteYes, his use of color and the 'rhythm' of his paintings are so inspiring, especially to see them in real life, to be affected (amazed) by the size, as you say.
ReplyDeleterothko is so inspiring to me, too! i'm so glad you found him at a young age, even if it wasn't in an art history class!
ReplyDelete