Who Influence's Your Art or Who Makes You Smile

 I paint landscapes and seascapes but my favorite artists besides the French Impressionists and American Watercolorists are Marc Rothko and Rufino Tamayo….  Both of these men have given me an “A Ha” moment were my mind just clicked and loved their work.

When I saw Mr. Rothko’s art it is was a retrospect and the paintings were colorful with these large blocks of color as I walk the exhibition I felt as though I was seeing his life unfold.  The way it was presented bold colors at first, slowly the colors became more somber and finally a large block of grey and black.  I felt like I was witnessing a life and then an ending.  It was a story without words.  I’ve seen his work in books and the web but in person is much more satisfying to the senses. 

The first time I saw Mr. Tamayo’s work there was a humor, joy and life that he captured in his work.  The portrait of his beloved wife just made me smile of course he had other somber topics, I just remember thinking he loves his wife with his bold color and expressive style.

Both of these men are labeled I suppose as abstract painters and I’m not but I always remember the day that I saw their wonderful creations and said “yeah I get it, they‘re talking to me and it made smile.”

It’s curious how life and artistic “visual stories” make an impact….  Who Influence's Your Art?

Imaginative California Landscape

Mountain Fantasy

 

After a train excursion I painted this landscape in my studio, I remembered glimpses of landscape during that adventure and the patterns of the hills. It usually starts with trees, they all have different personalities and then the mountains, sky, and color.  I tried to make the strokes of the painting as expressive as possible.

During the process of painting I was listening to the news in the background.   Somehow the original color patterns I started with changed, I think the colors and texture where influenced by the sounds I heard.  Breaks in the news cycle can be full of drama….and hopefully not to much misfortune.

It’s interesting how all are life experiences, even the subtle sounds can come together in your artistic process.

Abstract Emotions

These artists have done a wonderful job of expressing their emotions in art.

Candy For Your Walls=Fine Art Friday

It's Fine Art Friday and I thought I'd celebrate by posting this treasury. This work is a celebration of art in different mediums and styles.

I have eclectic tastes that run from realism, impressionism and non-representational art. The main ingredient is the inner connection. The art can be recognisable or not but if a bridge is made between you and the work its magical...

Original Acrylic Painting by JC Strong

"Sunday Driving in Trabuco Canyon"

"Evening Transitions"

Trees always have a visual story to tell. Some of these trees I found in Trabuco Canyon, an interesting rural slice of nature in Orange County. Everyone, have a great Mother's Day.

Original Painting Acrylic Still Life by JC Strong

Its been raining off and on in San Clemente, so I worked on this 8" X 10" still life painting. On this cool day these warm colored oranges just popped out at me.

Original Abstract Landscape "Warm Sky" and Art History

While working on this painting, I felt close to the artist Milton Avery.
Mr. Avery’s abstract landscapes were intuitive with bold colors that had a "representational" feel. According to Widipedia “Milton Avery was often thought of as the American Matisse.”

Beside the art history influences this abstract/impressionist landscape's heart is color. The sky and figure are relaxing in a warm sun. I painted blocks of orange and blue with the mixed neutrals in the sky...You can see more details regarding the artwork in my Etsy Shop . . .