tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33921818154344817242024-03-19T07:07:07.198-04:00Bruce Bell Artunsubstantiated fictions passed off as factBruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-53102378055009277732011-08-05T09:20:00.006-04:002011-08-05T09:25:08.056-04:00Tableau Vivant (Part 2)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBzBtX-hNntaVMv9Jmf2yYCjzNwm0N8kjVrVYqdov8eDEHZkUVFuonjaweEywXKGYXyXZ9KmSSSFXDCCcYWazLb5G5BrXXt4bS1tOLrNWj_Y3LSU73Ain8WFeeXAOmZkZvRHzXHnW4ch4/s1600/AfterDeathThere%2527sLife+090216+%2528photo%252C+13x19%2529+WaterMarked.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkBzBtX-hNntaVMv9Jmf2yYCjzNwm0N8kjVrVYqdov8eDEHZkUVFuonjaweEywXKGYXyXZ9KmSSSFXDCCcYWazLb5G5BrXXt4bS1tOLrNWj_Y3LSU73Ain8WFeeXAOmZkZvRHzXHnW4ch4/s400/AfterDeathThere%2527sLife+090216+%2528photo%252C+13x19%2529+WaterMarked.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5637361306562280994" border="0" /></a> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US"> <span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">Today, the most recognizable tableau vivant is the movie still. Not unlike a contemporary movie still, these photos are presented in an anamorphic (wide screen) format - except these aren’t based on real movies. Each of these photos was intentionally staged to suggest a narrative or story. The viewer is invited to complete the narrative with a past, present and future. There is no single story to tell. Instead there may be as many stories as there are viewers.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US"><span style="color:#000000;"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;"><span style="font-size:85%;">"Life After Death", 13"x19", </span>Claria ink on photo paper, 2008<br /></span></span></span></span></p>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-10598687279940145752011-07-20T14:15:00.003-04:002011-07-20T14:22:23.389-04:00Tableau Vivant (Part 1)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFeuwe9iTtdYXZX3-Sfqn9XZOBJwTYTvGKPiTOsAI_jhLDsoPmtlh171RjjoFvs7KbpvEvZlQxoi38ttdvNGIwX_3INT9OCNu3pbIU7imCqebMHWW34tiFGkAbmlK9N66RoZXURiokAlI/s1600/TheMagikBox+090214+%2528photo%252C+13x19%2529+WaterMarked.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFeuwe9iTtdYXZX3-Sfqn9XZOBJwTYTvGKPiTOsAI_jhLDsoPmtlh171RjjoFvs7KbpvEvZlQxoi38ttdvNGIwX_3INT9OCNu3pbIU7imCqebMHWW34tiFGkAbmlK9N66RoZXURiokAlI/s400/TheMagikBox+090214+%2528photo%252C+13x19%2529+WaterMarked.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5631499925977646898" border="0" /></a> <p style="margin-left: 1in; margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">A young boy peers expectantly into a cabinet with untold wonders. </span></span></span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;">This is a tableau vivant (French for “living picture”). Before the advent of radio and television, tableaux vivants were a popular form of entertainment. Costumed “actors” would pose on a theater stage without moving or speaking, one scene following another - in effect telling a story. With the advent of photography in the mid nineteenth century, early fine art photographers took up the tableau vivant as an approach to picture making.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;" align="JUSTIFY" lang="en-US"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;"><span style="font-size:85%;">"The Majik Box", 13"x19", Claria ink on paper, 2008</span><br /></span></span></span></span></p>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-87033662915376772402011-07-17T17:21:00.003-04:002011-07-17T17:31:42.834-04:00Sex and Violence<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlOjKE_zLGyVxkN58Z9AVMJmcK_7bXDPRL5IXIdipWuQJ206fMULsa3EKBmuy-DWlrVQSsiQPkK1MecTX_VwekRZjjuh2xIrxeHM_ZEK8QK42q-u8yWzjR1w2EJNhl6Sorg-Elqz0u1lG/s1600/sexandviolence+110717+%252840x30%252C+enc-canvas%2529.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlOjKE_zLGyVxkN58Z9AVMJmcK_7bXDPRL5IXIdipWuQJ206fMULsa3EKBmuy-DWlrVQSsiQPkK1MecTX_VwekRZjjuh2xIrxeHM_ZEK8QK42q-u8yWzjR1w2EJNhl6Sorg-Elqz0u1lG/s400/sexandviolence+110717+%252840x30%252C+enc-canvas%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630435272625399442" border="0" /></a><br />David Cavett lamented, in 1978, "<span>Why are sex and violence always linked?" As unstoppable and destructive as a tornado, so is sexandviolence - at least in this context.<br /><br />On a lighter side, at our local gallery, we shall have an upcoming show celebrating the four elements - fire, water, air (wind) and earth. I hope this encaustic painting will appear in the show.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">"sexandviolence", 2011, 40"x30", encaustic on canvas</span><br /></span>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-63371493176453021012011-06-06T12:12:00.005-04:002011-06-06T12:25:06.963-04:00The Big Chicken<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHswC9swrYIObIeBpZIlQfTDZmIdCAUCrg5U-8S1SdM7NDDaR2YU_GO2vPU73xYGx4Ddo0cs0D2kHclz_FCPro5H08JQBxJ3etVMqWvFzRhQwcYDxiZXxwexy55c5jf74KFOemNUdCRDUL/s1600/TheBigChicken+070206+%2528oc+36x24%2529.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHswC9swrYIObIeBpZIlQfTDZmIdCAUCrg5U-8S1SdM7NDDaR2YU_GO2vPU73xYGx4Ddo0cs0D2kHclz_FCPro5H08JQBxJ3etVMqWvFzRhQwcYDxiZXxwexy55c5jf74KFOemNUdCRDUL/s400/TheBigChicken+070206+%2528oc+36x24%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5615140573029304962" border="0" /></a><br />If you live anywhere in my region, you know the enduring and endearing landmark "The Big Chicken." I completed this painting some years ago and sold it shortly thereafter - to whom, I have no idea.<br /><br />How important is it that the artist knows who has purchased her/his work? If the artist becomes regionally, nationally or globally well known, for the most part, collectors will present themselves. And, for these artists, often authorship is the reason an artwork is bought. But, no doubt, this painting was acquired, not for the artist, but because of its subject, as is the reason I painted it.<br /><br />I continue to be intrigued by values and importance imparted to art for reasons that are, for me at least, difficult to pin down.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">"The Big Chicken", 2007, oil-canvas, 36" x 24"</span>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-41459222778529864202011-05-03T10:15:00.003-04:002011-05-03T10:27:20.856-04:00Empyrean<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOpTaVcKK0DT4NUeV9clMb215yYnBkDtpWFPscQlV9tK-h8puLgwNxHuTTy8s86VS5aPyghasiB7VR18ZhXfcZ-eBdTR0QBxMeprLxKqnQlhrVC3-vh6s9rgvyAg1qC1wWFDUUydo5vcL/s1600/Empyrean+%252852x22%2529.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 166px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOpTaVcKK0DT4NUeV9clMb215yYnBkDtpWFPscQlV9tK-h8puLgwNxHuTTy8s86VS5aPyghasiB7VR18ZhXfcZ-eBdTR0QBxMeprLxKqnQlhrVC3-vh6s9rgvyAg1qC1wWFDUUydo5vcL/s400/Empyrean+%252852x22%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602493447019850402" border="0" /></a><br />In ancient cosmological theory, Empyrean is a place in the highest heaven and is occupied by fire. The concept was later adapted by Christian writers to denote the dwelling place of God and his angels - a place of pure light.<br /><br />This 52" x 22" encaustic is my take on the idea.<br /><br />"Empyrean" 52"x22", encaustic on panel.Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-55797386312689520132011-04-05T12:08:00.003-04:002011-04-05T12:20:30.597-04:00Vacancy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8DH75EaXGEtxSlGthkKEj6m5zMbl_HC0oHr58gLPN2nxm2WUSw5oBHaZFcpCXAeRI3HKQnRIXnCV8boj6-Vk4clAwVaK3lmXv4HmTHnhPMzayI0HrZYUIkggGqzRPt6ZZvuuSshkNpXp/s1600/Vacancy+060816+%2528o-a-c+30x40%2529.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8DH75EaXGEtxSlGthkKEj6m5zMbl_HC0oHr58gLPN2nxm2WUSw5oBHaZFcpCXAeRI3HKQnRIXnCV8boj6-Vk4clAwVaK3lmXv4HmTHnhPMzayI0HrZYUIkggGqzRPt6ZZvuuSshkNpXp/s400/Vacancy+060816+%2528o-a-c+30x40%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592132788581347602" border="0" /></a>The tension between abstract and figurative art has been ongoing for over half a century. This painting exploits that tension. Both the brightly colored stripes and the black and white face vie for dominance. The girl's eyes engage the viewer and yet remain out of reach.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">"Vacancy", Oil and acrylic on canvas, 30"x40", 2006</span>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-22504863220675244812011-03-28T10:04:00.004-04:002011-03-28T11:23:36.167-04:00Exit (Debra Lafave)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3p_2_gRG_S2X2Ioa8qpWALLN-OnKRELH4sVMfFCt9QZDLPinTaHn6Jy-y8hyeefntZKKqHGiMHC6p3VInX1MRbmG9IZ0-f-yY06Gn8jelmtnqVxdN9YDto5p8yRZ_BPPW6Y7se_g2pK1D/s1600/Exit+060523+%2528oil-wax-canvas+30x40%2529.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3p_2_gRG_S2X2Ioa8qpWALLN-OnKRELH4sVMfFCt9QZDLPinTaHn6Jy-y8hyeefntZKKqHGiMHC6p3VInX1MRbmG9IZ0-f-yY06Gn8jelmtnqVxdN9YDto5p8yRZ_BPPW6Y7se_g2pK1D/s400/Exit+060523+%2528oil-wax-canvas+30x40%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589131679432840498" border="0" /></a>We have all, because of poor judgment, found ourselves in regrettable situations from which we wish we could escape with the same ease as exiting a computer program. Unfortunately, real life does not afford the same options as the virtual world.<br /><br />The center piece, which informs this painting, is based on a news photo of Debra Lafave facing charges of statutory rape in 2005. The other images work to enforce the tension in the work with no real direct commentary, thus leaving interpretation open to the viewer.<br /><br />"EXIT" 2006, oil and wax on canvas, 30"x40"Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-24645298908593804232011-03-20T11:07:00.003-04:002011-03-20T11:29:55.180-04:00Detente<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXGcIxVQq9JlLfft7yHPDPFYiMi6W5pRhZIU7DwaEGrJEOyXIK3OkeTBbfXs9tTsr64O-M18WkuvjuuMYicK4IV9VYP5C6lGJrIGeoR8EQZVGESJfNy3OCoAzEEHg6WPmGQdKhbsO4Egj/s1600/Detente+07Feb+%2528oc+36x48%2529.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGXGcIxVQq9JlLfft7yHPDPFYiMi6W5pRhZIU7DwaEGrJEOyXIK3OkeTBbfXs9tTsr64O-M18WkuvjuuMYicK4IV9VYP5C6lGJrIGeoR8EQZVGESJfNy3OCoAzEEHg6WPmGQdKhbsO4Egj/s400/Detente+07Feb+%2528oc+36x48%2529.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5586179091996207746" border="0" /></a>This painting is one of a series of montages comprised of different, seemingly non-associated, images. Sometimes the images are subdued in double exposure (try to find the smile of a young maiden and salute of a soldier to a fallen comrade) and other times up front and rendered in different styles. When I make these paintings, there is no set plan. I contemplate the work and add images as seems fit. When completed, a story emerges and, in turn, a title.<br />In this painting two elderly gentlemen are "at ease", which in French is "detente", against a turbulent historical backdrop. That is <span style="font-style: italic;">my</span> reading. Yours may be different, which, of course, is a case-in-point of the idea that a work is completed by its viewers.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">"Detente", 2007, 36"x48", oil on canvas.</span>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-36028681980746300192011-02-06T11:57:00.004-05:002011-02-06T12:03:34.362-05:00The Hustler<div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqn4sIzc6wY-8uPBgptUfeWPVTe0dUvnVd5zdHaHgPNMBDeMRGOTk97kRIasX56Gvg-IZEe8uliKpTjSxjk3gqt1RbSbvH7Oejpu7Q8PTeOiZa5h53_EUTDmSS-0KD4OXqSMpIlK8VN9P/s1600/TheHustlerRoom.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 295px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirqn4sIzc6wY-8uPBgptUfeWPVTe0dUvnVd5zdHaHgPNMBDeMRGOTk97kRIasX56Gvg-IZEe8uliKpTjSxjk3gqt1RbSbvH7Oejpu7Q8PTeOiZa5h53_EUTDmSS-0KD4OXqSMpIlK8VN9P/s400/TheHustlerRoom.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570621969083642098" border="0" /></a>Well, 2010 ended up with little production of art. Other "little foxes" in my vineyard have been quite the distraction. I did manage to produce this 40" x 80" oil on canvas painting for our billiard room. Those of you old enough, will recognize Jackie Gleason and Paul Newman. This movie is credited with generating renewed interest in billiards during the '60's. This was done with palette knives - no brushes. <br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">"The Hustler" 2010, oil on canvas, 40" x 80"</span><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNyWICbd8T8YAdHb9BQBzGjvLn3BgNeMebrwCj-5_WfwbxgxXWwPGdbosKD4tki4tWjgTg6KoJcR6ikxi6WnhjoOO0zW0h5QBi63H3ggNtDZ96FV-jZhDqLPtU-OLqgUz64jnZzmJu4gz/s1600/TheHustler.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJNyWICbd8T8YAdHb9BQBzGjvLn3BgNeMebrwCj-5_WfwbxgxXWwPGdbosKD4tki4tWjgTg6KoJcR6ikxi6WnhjoOO0zW0h5QBi63H3ggNtDZ96FV-jZhDqLPtU-OLqgUz64jnZzmJu4gz/s400/TheHustler.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570621879661664802" border="0" /></a>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-69537881585638963952010-06-04T17:40:00.006-04:002011-07-02T19:51:49.963-04:00Tempest: Fire and Rain<div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdhX9CxoKizukgHmJAMzfG5dYjBOxPs1MvdSG58Uxih9hPtx0x-YuxGn16BunT6uoPnTvID_EseVU_Qa1Nz3gvhqXx1pmRaTKRtzZP6ZCjBx-63B8W0GiS6Osz2QtIxgk3imD4M4KBf3M/s1600/Tempest+100604+%2848x18,+enc-panel%29.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 145px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSdhX9CxoKizukgHmJAMzfG5dYjBOxPs1MvdSG58Uxih9hPtx0x-YuxGn16BunT6uoPnTvID_EseVU_Qa1Nz3gvhqXx1pmRaTKRtzZP6ZCjBx-63B8W0GiS6Osz2QtIxgk3imD4M4KBf3M/s400/Tempest+100604+%2848x18,+enc-panel%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479036751172756882" border="0" /></a><br /></div>I have decided, for me at least, winters are not good times for art. About three months ago we started a small remodeling job. It's like we can't stop. Nearly half of our house is in some way impacted by this remodel. Alas, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. We should be finished in about 3 weeks.<br /><br />So, I have created this encaustic on panel specifically for a new space in the remodel. I call it "Tempest" because that is what my life has been for the last three months!<br /><br />"Tempest", 2010, 48" x 18", encaustic on panelBruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-31900186478573652602010-01-05T21:16:00.006-05:002010-01-05T22:28:45.348-05:00Is This IS or Is This ISN'T?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvbXyoSgGVh8YmqLiIrEO8r43dTDEYn5JkVkFP2aTV8m4pEn5HVh-zPM1fcEKT7aUZDKydCOvDW8eHw5O6BfDpywofrbM5N1oASg2DyRA6HBia9_9Sg7z5y9iYKy-cNlZM5bpXI9K9NUv/s1600-h/This+IS-ISN%27T+a+ChuckClose+Drawing+091216+%2822.5x19.5,+coloredPencil-paper-foamCore%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwvbXyoSgGVh8YmqLiIrEO8r43dTDEYn5JkVkFP2aTV8m4pEn5HVh-zPM1fcEKT7aUZDKydCOvDW8eHw5O6BfDpywofrbM5N1oASg2DyRA6HBia9_9Sg7z5y9iYKy-cNlZM5bpXI9K9NUv/s400/This+IS-ISN%27T+a+ChuckClose+Drawing+091216+%2822.5x19.5,+coloredPencil-paper-foamCore%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423445321366543202" border="0" /></a>Some years ago the venerable master, Chuck Close, made a series of drawings and prints using scribbles with a limited number of colors to create <a href="http://www.sfmoma.org/artwork/109461">self portraits</a>. To own one of these original scribbles would require a significant portion of my net worth! Why? Because when you own a Close original you own a part of his practice - his oeuvre. Also, quite frankly, he can get it.<br /><br />I made this drawing using only four colors of pencils: cyan, magenta, yellow and black. I drew it using the same curly-q doodles featured in earlier posts. In doing this drawing I am investigating...<br />1. the monetary value of art and its relationship to creator vs. creation. Though my drawing is more detailed than Close's, it is not nearly as valuable - because it isn't by Close.<br />2. the role of appropriation in contemporary art. Often appropriation serves to comment on or otherwise subvert ideas in contemporary art.<br />3. the CMYK process in contemporary printing.<br />4. the artist (human) emulating the machine, as I am doing when I use the CMYK process.<br /><br />So while this is a drawing of Chuck Close, it isn't a Chuck Close drawing.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" >"This IS - ISN'T a Chuck Close Drawing", 2009, 22.5" x 19.5", colored pencil on paper on foamcore</span>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-22808348911609449682009-12-11T19:01:00.007-05:002009-12-11T21:20:47.135-05:00Memento Mori<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tl1hi8i4T_Anm1-S8HKyZuSNYNOufclTBiwsdsdYstADH33EVzfGn4qebW-LZe-crkgeQbTKZQyvCdjRm2K8hAJnChkZ683T7wyFMMATwGWhnp9BzsNpKDcMiGxIzLUXxuKA29cB_tOl/s1600-h/MementoMori+091210+%28char-paper,+17x16.5%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tl1hi8i4T_Anm1-S8HKyZuSNYNOufclTBiwsdsdYstADH33EVzfGn4qebW-LZe-crkgeQbTKZQyvCdjRm2K8hAJnChkZ683T7wyFMMATwGWhnp9BzsNpKDcMiGxIzLUXxuKA29cB_tOl/s400/MementoMori+091210+%28char-paper,+17x16.5%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414133254623103778" border="0" /></a><br />Memento Mori is Latin for "Remember you must die" or "Remembrance of death." It's occurrence in Western art is pervasive from far past to near present.<br /><br />In this drawing the skull is in the distance with the closer hour glass rapidly exhausting its sand. And yet the drawing is close cropped, non-revealing of the future to come.<br /><br />This drawing is a doodle-drawing made of repeated passes of doodles to create it. I like the juxtaposition of the casual process against the serious subject.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">"Memento Mori" 2009, charcoal on paper, 17"x16.75"</span>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-58107010638834489482009-11-22T21:52:00.006-05:002009-12-11T21:21:27.930-05:00Process Drawing<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmrX4DEh2oACVvdsA8qt3eRW4J4EjIHUcGyhgYRGbDgq1EWUhQerGt9mVEdOqkJyiDR7qRWQvOgh16i4UOloNNZIIS9edHTy9FZhArqLzxQu7FbAqyHUYuAY9b5BADNpHSaU0g1Wj3qAx/s1600/Denise+091122+%28colored+pencil-paper,+23x18%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmrX4DEh2oACVvdsA8qt3eRW4J4EjIHUcGyhgYRGbDgq1EWUhQerGt9mVEdOqkJyiDR7qRWQvOgh16i4UOloNNZIIS9edHTy9FZhArqLzxQu7FbAqyHUYuAY9b5BADNpHSaU0g1Wj3qAx/s400/Denise+091122+%28colored+pencil-paper,+23x18%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407127122892718162" border="0" /></a><br />This drawing was made using only four colored pencils: cyan, magenta, yellow and black. The colors blend visually to create the various colors and tones apparent in the drawing.<br /><br />Also I drew it only using curly-q doodles, the kind we often absent mindedly make during idle time.<br /><br />Here I am investigating how four color printing, known as CMYK, uses three colors and black to create realistic photos.<br /><br />Click on the photo for a large image to better see how this drawing was made.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">"Denise" 2009, Colored pencil on paper, 23x17, </span>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-4203854153736096852009-11-12T21:37:00.003-05:002009-11-22T21:51:50.050-05:00Just For Fun<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKTXf9dbHD4xWgXPOj3kLBcQVCcMBhQSaEjcCo8uFqXCskQ7Ryv7SnG4wMEunL4GiOXqyv9ZX1t4X7gSbbxXLeDPz2lEEy9Ox-OVdnBB4xywvnlHT4mkMRXkvxzhKgySW0Euxg4NGGx2Y/s1600-h/UGA+091111+%28ac+24x25%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 384px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKTXf9dbHD4xWgXPOj3kLBcQVCcMBhQSaEjcCo8uFqXCskQ7Ryv7SnG4wMEunL4GiOXqyv9ZX1t4X7gSbbxXLeDPz2lEEy9Ox-OVdnBB4xywvnlHT4mkMRXkvxzhKgySW0Euxg4NGGx2Y/s400/UGA+091111+%28ac+24x25%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403412498404673890" border="0" /></a><br />There are a lot of University of Georgia fans around here. This was a relatively quickly done painting of "Uga", the teams' mascot.<br /><br />No heavy art theory here, just something for fun.<br /><br />11/22/09 Update: Uga died unexpectedly on Nov 19th. <br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">"Uga", 25" x 24", Acrylic on canvas<br /><br /><br /></span>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-37424750157311475722009-09-18T14:57:00.001-04:002009-09-18T15:02:09.568-04:00Synapse<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOQuZSp3EpFlhDtncLOw5PmtUIOtzUZBE_9tVkWNWHvkUFCn7SuO1XI6DmEE6krRfWjThfVm9uYRXyGu7o8z4m6Wo-1oGqhPLTdg8BBsfXYMOUb2F7h0dVRtR5Fiy6mE8-KnJs1g6g3f5/s1600-h/Synapse+090815+%28enc-canvas,+30x24%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 322px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOQuZSp3EpFlhDtncLOw5PmtUIOtzUZBE_9tVkWNWHvkUFCn7SuO1XI6DmEE6krRfWjThfVm9uYRXyGu7o8z4m6Wo-1oGqhPLTdg8BBsfXYMOUb2F7h0dVRtR5Fiy6mE8-KnJs1g6g3f5/s400/Synapse+090815+%28enc-canvas,+30x24%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382884329662061890" border="0" /></a>"Synapse"<br />Encaustic on canvas<br />30" x 24"Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-14912236497460166242009-09-08T13:08:00.007-04:002009-09-08T13:23:37.732-04:00Reclining Nude<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjRUcExZPtbxb8a8LRk6jeoW5dEIM7GfsDCXZytG9wlvlifG1tUC3v0BsGsuzTpwL8qBAz57J9AL-YVmzpj_1tGT1dxy_akx8bovLI484JVTh_-ACClAj4os4WX__cYgqKcs9YU8SUqVB/s1600-h/RecliningNude+090908+%28enc-panel,+18x48%29.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 153px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRjRUcExZPtbxb8a8LRk6jeoW5dEIM7GfsDCXZytG9wlvlifG1tUC3v0BsGsuzTpwL8qBAz57J9AL-YVmzpj_1tGT1dxy_akx8bovLI484JVTh_-ACClAj4os4WX__cYgqKcs9YU8SUqVB/s400/RecliningNude+090908+%28enc-panel,+18x48%29.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379147996468752082" border="0" /></a>Whole books have been dedicated to the reclining nude, so pervasive is its role in art history. Many contemporary artists continue to reinterpret this common subject.<br />Click on the image so you may view its surface. The figure was created by incising the wax.<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">"Reclining Nude" 18"x48" encaustic on panel</span>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-78041602437620424752009-08-02T14:19:00.006-04:002009-08-02T14:40:45.120-04:00Dawn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5QcQeoGG03KbYB0ECIOfq5aNg17rEfZzuFInwY-m3Ap6VULshFvjHyAgzPkcZOrjANsn0Hu-B6gkrxdvrvl0j46r1rBuNdPJZO9C2PFCIEpVuiVk0YoD8htLcScHMsIeqghngHvsk-CN/s1600-h/Dawn+2008-09+%28a-c,+30x30%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl5QcQeoGG03KbYB0ECIOfq5aNg17rEfZzuFInwY-m3Ap6VULshFvjHyAgzPkcZOrjANsn0Hu-B6gkrxdvrvl0j46r1rBuNdPJZO9C2PFCIEpVuiVk0YoD8htLcScHMsIeqghngHvsk-CN/s320/Dawn+2008-09+%28a-c,+30x30%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365432869752637090" border="0" /></a><br />I've been playing around again with what I've termed "anti-grid" paintings. In an attempt to speed-up the process, I used a smaller canvas, but same sized triangle as "Rose" (see earlier post). This leaves the face less defined and me somewhat ambivalent about this painting.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">"Dawn", 30"x30", acrylic on canvas</span>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-31403359028313283592009-07-28T09:27:00.008-04:002009-07-28T13:01:38.474-04:00Simon & Simon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIsSaqkvWYEteAbSdtWdwFVTqHaJJ_TO6SXbcDh5cJ4g9LjfRBjB2WlM1hWICbTvswvpLtlJINmKDzbBwzngSy0F9ZOWptxDImlLi9wH3sc4W7zzVcPBvw-2yGDykaEKWQpXqTOiufOag/s1600-h/Simon&Simon+090725+%28enc-board,+40x39%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 305px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuIsSaqkvWYEteAbSdtWdwFVTqHaJJ_TO6SXbcDh5cJ4g9LjfRBjB2WlM1hWICbTvswvpLtlJINmKDzbBwzngSy0F9ZOWptxDImlLi9wH3sc4W7zzVcPBvw-2yGDykaEKWQpXqTOiufOag/s320/Simon&Simon+090725+%28enc-board,+40x39%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363502291633011618" border="0" /></a><br />For the last six months I have been unable to spend any quality time in my studio due to an abrupt change in my business. Things are settling down and thankfully I am able to return to the studio.<br /><br />This diptych, completed just last week, is inspired by the work of NY artist, <a href="http://jameslittleart.com/">James Little</a>. I sometimes copy the <span style="font-style: italic;">style</span> of an artist I like, to better understand his/her process and motivations for making art. But more than that, it gives me a point of departure from which I discover my own take on a particular style that often no longer resembles the original work. For me, this can be among the most stimulating of art practices.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">"Simon & Simon", 2009, 40"x39", encaustic on panel</span>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-75375844995479445752009-07-15T11:37:00.004-04:002009-07-15T11:46:22.594-04:00Flow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIqlZI36V0NmM59wpOEoxOm5dI00wjRQjwiXR1kMAAHHrJN4xxi7uf1EMVktoG_ZWr8rsFN76HjuVb1SskGTY5Et13ILfSZa-P_aYwD7gTEl4WDzqqj4muwTI4bD7UePOSI344VRFF-kr/s1600-h/Flow+070812+%28enc-canvas+48x36%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoIqlZI36V0NmM59wpOEoxOm5dI00wjRQjwiXR1kMAAHHrJN4xxi7uf1EMVktoG_ZWr8rsFN76HjuVb1SskGTY5Et13ILfSZa-P_aYwD7gTEl4WDzqqj4muwTI4bD7UePOSI344VRFF-kr/s320/Flow+070812+%28enc-canvas+48x36%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358711736588524402" border="0" /></a><br />I painted this encaustic on canvas painting while on a camping trip some time back. I hoped to strip away facial recognition leaving only a suggestion of melancholy.<br /><br />Viewers' responses have been interesting. This painting is either really liked or really disliked. But either way, it always seems to garner attention.<br /><br />Here's the dumb thing, though. I can't seem to do it again. I have attempted comparable paintings several times only to fail - miserably.<br /><br />But try again I shall, since I am one of those who likes it.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">"Flow", 48" x 36", encaustic on canvas</span>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-11084113720595493032009-06-09T23:22:00.006-04:002009-06-24T22:32:54.127-04:00The Billiard Player<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DB3YGxNh0MtXM0bCQt5megGlYuQlyDKo5Of4q39AMeyx6wDYPp35aGYBtPqnsG19idvoPAozO2IG2vYZfXb7pQor04seDjdqVks3ix37ORgmJREexpvgYMfgKIlhY98lBWZVXcVcpKnx/s1600-h/TheBilliardPlayer+Jan2008+%2830x24,+oc%29.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345534302309274674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 253px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DB3YGxNh0MtXM0bCQt5megGlYuQlyDKo5Of4q39AMeyx6wDYPp35aGYBtPqnsG19idvoPAozO2IG2vYZfXb7pQor04seDjdqVks3ix37ORgmJREexpvgYMfgKIlhY98lBWZVXcVcpKnx/s320/TheBilliardPlayer+Jan2008+%2830x24,+oc%29.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />I enjoy taking traditional themes and interpreting them in a contemporary manner. The theme of the billiard player has been visited and revisited for over a century.<br /><br />This 30x24 oil on canvas painting from 2008 is my take on the traditional theme.Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-79686822978977836202009-05-10T12:51:00.006-04:002009-06-09T23:29:17.603-04:00Grand Merit Award!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88fN3jqQSzDWe_YLNy9IuMxdwkVwql_D8EMJwpcVVOicTRZvk25zRd37l7yMAI6WEk_iHXRAUCQTrsNjNNrrWOYwb0hf9D-sL22KWRXZzUOt0qnqmwIxKUgSVj7e_MvOLH4tbQGxc85pK/s1600-h/BBell+with+%27Rose%27.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 260px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi88fN3jqQSzDWe_YLNy9IuMxdwkVwql_D8EMJwpcVVOicTRZvk25zRd37l7yMAI6WEk_iHXRAUCQTrsNjNNrrWOYwb0hf9D-sL22KWRXZzUOt0qnqmwIxKUgSVj7e_MvOLH4tbQGxc85pK/s320/BBell+with+%27Rose%27.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334239568861747586" border="0" /></a><br />Each year the Art Lovers League of Cedar Valley sponsors the Welcome Art Show. This is a juried show representing artists from around the southeast. I was honored to be selected to receive the "Grand Merit Award: Best in Show" this year for the painting "Rose" (featured in a post below).<br /><br />I guess the monotony of painting all those little triangles paid off after all.Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-69969154690891346212009-04-10T08:28:00.006-04:002009-07-11T23:18:37.203-04:00Pieta<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIvslX0qxEAGv9tngikLPHgXiIVKNXK_bwEWAu8dFk4gtPqS6jHg8KvuIOXad_ssja1zWz9rIGo4zrOqYBBwiKEh6Xwews7YCnXT57cag8JNM9mx3IF1s6l25nNLO5TTePEixwwIuFLLU/s1600-h/I'llStopTheWorld+Feb2008+%2830x40,o-c%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIvslX0qxEAGv9tngikLPHgXiIVKNXK_bwEWAu8dFk4gtPqS6jHg8KvuIOXad_ssja1zWz9rIGo4zrOqYBBwiKEh6Xwews7YCnXT57cag8JNM9mx3IF1s6l25nNLO5TTePEixwwIuFLLU/s320/I'llStopTheWorld+Feb2008+%2830x40,o-c%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334237459191015474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoV2b4DwQITRE-DLv0U4S82SsVqEvvMJKzDFgs6aighdR116xhZnUEooGI1EXzB__uSvriy5agibF6OEgxhvpIJNcvikiccy9XAdI20yKn-rM5XIU5VUcWMv5sAwSTtF8uAtbjtfV4nh0/s1600-h/Pieta+Feb2008+%2824x48,o-c%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoV2b4DwQITRE-DLv0U4S82SsVqEvvMJKzDFgs6aighdR116xhZnUEooGI1EXzB__uSvriy5agibF6OEgxhvpIJNcvikiccy9XAdI20yKn-rM5XIU5VUcWMv5sAwSTtF8uAtbjtfV4nh0/s320/Pieta+Feb2008+%2824x48,o-c%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323038569601982914" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Pieta</span> (Italian for pity) is a recurring subject for classical and contemporary art forms. Originally the <span style="font-style: italic;">pieta</span> represented the Virgin Mary cradling the dead Christ. Over time it's meaning has expanded to represent grief, sacrifice and parental and other expressions of love.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">"I'll Stop the World", Oil on canvas, 30" x 40", 2008<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />"Pieta", Oil on canvas, 24" x 48", 2008</span>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-50881310150219512612009-03-22T21:13:00.003-04:002009-03-22T21:27:55.313-04:00Security Blanket<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPsMomi-qXh2boaH7JrRkMwAFJOYOuo6sd5yshl1taPwYfcGmbZs6DgnEEbnpetXuMcaxVa_yvFnBzCeUWzQiR0G9XS0cKDgmizpWVWZnqfjrxFlaqXvTS0ZItMNF5JZG9ZfH9OyNEVAV/s1600-h/SecurityBlanketI+080319+%28oc+36x36%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPsMomi-qXh2boaH7JrRkMwAFJOYOuo6sd5yshl1taPwYfcGmbZs6DgnEEbnpetXuMcaxVa_yvFnBzCeUWzQiR0G9XS0cKDgmizpWVWZnqfjrxFlaqXvTS0ZItMNF5JZG9ZfH9OyNEVAV/s320/SecurityBlanketI+080319+%28oc+36x36%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316185937729031842" border="0" /></a><br />This is the first of a series of paintings in a sort of op-art style that I hope to one day produce as a quilt - hence the name.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">"Security Blanket I", 36"x36", oil on canvas</span>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-8365302446234919972009-03-14T22:41:00.005-04:002009-03-14T22:58:48.571-04:00Blue and Gray<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqH8_PSrBGIcpNXr2vpyW5DozzZleCq3mY0JAEFmFNYZsirUwal4DtVRGqOTo1btHGO6gM0f6KwH0uAYAGmb9A-hkkUJ2fH3wWfA9SLApDTrYI6xXuydnelpOjmzzl7oe_ITdFImw0A75/s1600-h/Blue&Gray+080615+%28oc,+24x48%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqH8_PSrBGIcpNXr2vpyW5DozzZleCq3mY0JAEFmFNYZsirUwal4DtVRGqOTo1btHGO6gM0f6KwH0uAYAGmb9A-hkkUJ2fH3wWfA9SLApDTrYI6xXuydnelpOjmzzl7oe_ITdFImw0A75/s320/Blue&Gray+080615+%28oc,+24x48%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313239342925618354" border="0" /></a><br />This painting hangs in my professional office. Of all the works that have hung there, this one has drawn more comments than any other. Why?<br />History paintings were at one time all the rage. Since the photographic process had not yet come along, painters were the visual recorders of history. But for the last 150 years photography has taken over that job.<br />This oil on canvas painting (24" x 48", 2008) is based on a photo made infamous during the war in Viet Nam. It is in a sense a history painting of a history photo of a historical event. The blue and gray colors recall America's own mid-nineteenth century civil war as well as the one erupting at home during the Viet Nam war.Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3392181815434481724.post-49253872710775902192009-03-02T20:54:00.006-05:002009-03-14T23:08:48.918-04:00Rose<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmNiJ9c2naDeiFXKOixRnlClCNAg8BrZQ94e6nTAYo9LMsZZeyBiq-a9HDmop8KqO6t_5ahtSm_pKJp3vx8xNhcRmlpZcWUMoUaayyfOAxn7QwyANbRBS_dFrwEM8-zJwKwPEA9Vgg_ty/s1600-h/Untitled+%28Rose%29+090302+%2848x48,+ac%29.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 319px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmNiJ9c2naDeiFXKOixRnlClCNAg8BrZQ94e6nTAYo9LMsZZeyBiq-a9HDmop8KqO6t_5ahtSm_pKJp3vx8xNhcRmlpZcWUMoUaayyfOAxn7QwyANbRBS_dFrwEM8-zJwKwPEA9Vgg_ty/s320/Untitled+%28Rose%29+090302+%2848x48,+ac%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308774361569367042" border="0" /></a><br />I started to count the number of triangles in this painting. Then I decided it would take longer than it did to complete it. I estimate over 5000, though.<br />I use the triangles as an anti-grid. Although the image consists of individual units (triangles), they are irregular and individual, each triangle contributing its own important function to make the whole. This is in contrast to a gridded or pixelated image, in which all units are identical except for color and intensity. Can you place the metaphor?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">"Untitled (Rose)", Acrylic on canvas, 48" x 48"<br /></span>Bruce Bellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07813620322107641372noreply@blogger.com2