Armantrout Studio

Blog continues at new address.

2011-12-17T20:16:00.000-08:00

"Power Image #1-Moving Forward" 24"x36" Oil on Canvas.

This Blog for students, art lovers, and artists has moved to www.armantroutstudio.com/blog/. To read this blog click here and read more information about art classes including online art classes. Thank you for joining me.

Willem DeKooning at MOMA

2011-10-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

MOMA has dedicated the 6th floor to showing over 500 of DeKooning's works.
Wish we were there:) Here's Excavation from 1950.

Leo Steinberg, Art Historian passes at 90.

2011-03-15T09:36:00.000-07:00

"The Eye is Part of the Mind" Leo Steinberg's view that a work's artistic value lies not only in shape, line, color and the formal visual elements but in how they are applied to communicate content. thank you! rest in peace.

Timothy Harney

2011-01-20T14:00:00.000-08:00

When I read the NYTimes each morning, I am often moved to check out artists mentioned on the internet.while searching images for Betty Woodman, I came across this collage and painting

by Timothy Harney. It is such a fine example of Unity. If you like it please add a comment about why it works.

Cezanne

2010-12-17T08:28:00.000-08:00

On December 11, we had an invigorating lesson and discussion on Cezanne. Any thoughts since then?
Cezanne

Cezannes purpose was twofold. He wanted to paint nature convincingly so as to reveal its basic structures and their relationship in space. Seldom did he abandon nature and paint solely from his imagination or fail to create a solid, well-balanced form. His second aim was to convey the unequivocal message that his pictures were flat, painted canvases, not imitations of reality. To achieve these ends, Cezanne devised his own ways of using color and rendering geometrical forms, combining them into a method of painting that is at once simple, intellectual and highly intuitive. A method that has given us an original view of nature.

Cezanne - Still Life with Fruit Basket

Cezannes point of departure in painting was radically different from that of his contemporaries. He was not attracted to subjects by their topical interest, charm or erotic content, their inherent drama or possible social or allegorical significance. He looked at them only as visible images beneath which there was a substructure of meaning to be found. It was only through the revelation of this meaning that the artist was able to express his deepest emotions. And the two things the revelation and the self-expression that went with it constituted the artists only reason for being.

None of them (Seurat, Gaugin and VanGogh), he felt, submitted to the hard discipline of finding the inner logic of nature in order to find the inner logic of themselves. He distrusted Courbets assertion that art should be a social commentary, and Delacroixs that it should narrate literary themes. And as we have seen he distrusted from the beginning the Impressionist concern with the fleeting moment.

Several consequences followed Cezannes unique approach to art. One was that an inordinate amount of looking preceded the act of painting. Cezanne had to see a motif first. This is not to say that he could see the whole structure before he began to paint. In fact it was impossible for him to do so. The process of painting itself, if it went well, was a continual revelation of the inner meaning of the scene. But the artist did have to find at least a starting pint on which to build. Lacking this the scene had no significance for him.

The Art Process email interaction.

2010-12-17T08:25:00.000-08:00

Here's an example from Lesson #1 that a student sent for feedback. This is so exciting. We really can have a dynamic exchange by email. Happy Holidays to all and I hope everybody gets art supplies or art for Christmas.

The Art Process

2010-11-14T15:46:00.000-08:00

We had our second local gathering of "the Art Process" participants. Wish you all could be there,
but keep sending emails and calling me for support. This Friday in the NYTimes, I found this Will Barnetthat reminded me of your Lesson #1. If you are in Manhattan, its at the Armory in the Modernism/Art20 Show.

I love this. it is so yummy.Brice Marden!

In Chelsea or Online visit http://www.matthewmarks.com/exhibitions/2010-10-29_brice-marden/works-in-exhibition/# The Brice Marden Exhibit is great to inform us about Line for Lesson #2.
and you know I love a grid.

For Lesson 3# think about this Tony Smith and Mass on Mass, but don't paint your piece, let the wood blocks be the color. For Part two of Lesson #3 with your balsa wood strips, remember to enclose space.

Thomas Nozkowski

2010-10-31T16:57:00.000-07:00

NYTimes today. Drawing as an end, not a means. This is well-worth the read.
slide show http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/31/arts/design/31nozko.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=nozkowski&st=cse

article http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/31/arts/design/31nozko.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=nozkowski&st=cse

Study the seashell.

2010-10-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

Seeking 9 more students for "The Art Process".

www.artfax.com/arted.html

Fay Lansner 1921-2010

2010-10-25T18:41:00.000-07:00

Fay Lansner was as student of Hans Hofmann, second generation abstract expressionist, painted the figure as well, founded Women in the Arts. Read more and see images. http://faylansner.com/index.html
Thank you Fay for the work.

Thanks, Arlene.

2010-10-23T09:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Arlene for sharing your thoughts. They are an encouragement.

"The Art Process"Online pals, I am still trying to test how the blog works. So keep checking back. Post to Link after a comment

Arlene's Comment

2010-10-22T16:10:00.001-07:00

I am so excited to work with Linda and my other class colleagues...LOVE this online collaboritive, VIRTUAL classroom! I am excited to finish Lesson 1 this weekend...and am going on a "field trip" with my scetch book to the Botanic Gardens on Monday (with my mom....whom has never had the opportunity to go, and loves gardening...so a DOUBLE treat for me, to be able to take her along). Thank you Linda for the wonderful format of learning and loving art and the art process. -Arlene

MCA-Denver

2010-10-22T13:58:00.000-07:00

We had a great visit to Museum of Contemporary Art, Denver yesterday. Light Leaks by Isca Greenfield- Sanders is worth the trip. This painter uses other peoples slides to create paintings. Her technique is sooo patient. She uses fluid watercolor on rice paper. Then protects with varnish and paints over with oil. She ends up with wonderful gesture and luminosity.
Rebecca DiDomenico's Pellucid is a cocoon of stallagmites and tites and magical wonders. She never disappoints. Christo and Jeanne-Claude "Over the River". Yes! Finally Robert Gober's slides of a changing painting. Edith said you could paint the same painting your entire life...Gober spent a year on the same board. He was referenced in NYTimes this a.m. in an article on Paul Thek. Also a great thought from NYTimes on Monday...The Pace Gallery, "50 years at Pace" hung a Bonnard next to a Rothko. Wouldn't you love to lay eyes on that?

Then we went to see the Andy Berg paintings at Sellars Project at 44th and Tennyson. Good work.
And Jimmy Sellars and Jessica are just the best. If you are in the arts or appreciate the arts, you need to know these people at servicesforartists.com

I am working on a drawing to assist me in visualizing adding 9 more students.

The Art Process, Online class

2010-10-17T10:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, we began the local journey. Julie, Arlene, and Lynn spent time in the studio. We had such a rich discussion.
I am still a little high from sitting in a circle discussing art, then and now. Everyone really gets the point of "The Art Process", and is ready to go! Julie already did 2 lessons so we confabbed after class so as not affect anyone else's thinking about the exercises.

We took a close look at Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. You can still see the Henry Moore Exhibit at the Botanic Gardens.

I wonder what the "Golden Nugget" was for each of you? Please post. Also if you can post any artwork, yours or others,
if the software allows it. If not, email it to me, and I will post it!

On-line students and I will use this BLOG for discussing a lesson or viewing for show and tell. Since all students are varying schedules to meet personal needs, interaction will also be by e-mail. Read more about becoming an Online student at www.artfax.com

We are going to work, play, and grow on this journey of self-discovery that rewards beginning students and students with a strong skill set, whatever media they choose to work in.

Armantrout Studio: Nicole Fox wins America's Next Top Model

2009-11-20T13:14:00.000-08:00

Armantrout Studio: Nicole Fox wins America's Next Top Model

Nicole Fox wins America's Next Top Model

2009-11-20T11:37:00.000-08:00

I am so thrilled for my art student, Nicole Fox, America's Next Top Model! Nicole's intelligence, integrity, and hard work led to a win last night on ANTM on the CW network. Nicole worked hard in classes in my studio and made excellent work for 3 years. She was offered an art scholarship to University of Denver, and chose to study art at the University of Colorado to collaborate with her sister, Alexandra, a theatre student. Nicole continues to grow in her art process at CU.

She told me she applied the elements and principles that she learned in our classes to the work she did on America's Next Top Model. That is great feedback for me because I believe and teach that whatever your media, these classes will improve your aesthetic and your work.

Please go to www.artfax.com to check out my classes and my new on-line Art Class!

2009-09-03T09:12:00.000-07:00

The Art Process, on-line class

2009-09-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

On-line students and I will use this BLOG for discussing a lesson or viewing for critique. Since all students are varying schedules to meet personal needs, interaction will also be by e-mail. Read more about becoming an on-line student at www.artfax.com
We are going to work, play, and transform lives on this journey of self-discovery that also rewards students with a strong skill set, whatever media they choose to work in.

Horse Power as Spirit

2008-02-23T09:56:00.000-08:00

Horse Power as Spirit is
an art event with benefit to Colorado Horse Rescue
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 15th, 4-8pm
Please tell everyone. This is the only time the work
will be shown in its entirety. see www.artfax.com for
Map and additional hours. this event is the culmination
of 2 years of painting in the studio and I can't wait to share it with you.
Power Image #1–Moving Forward, Power Image #2–Changing Direction, Power Image #3–Wisdom,
Power Image #4–Rough God Comes Riding, Power Image #5–Unity,
Power Image #6–Standing in the Truth, Power Image #7–Connection to Ancestors,
Power Image #8–Trinity, Power Image #9–Tearing the Veil, Power Image #10–Purity,
Power Image #1–Grace, Power Image # 12—Continuing Forward
and the Glory Series. Books will be sold, as well as the paintings.
Linda

Joan Mitchell

2006-09-08T16:59:00.000-07:00

Another favorite painter. Wish I knew then what I know now. Check out the quote on my website and comment, please.
www.artfax.com the Art Classes page.
Linda

Painting on Raintree Court

2006-09-08T16:40:00.000-07:00

Bonnard as a Painter's Painter

2006-09-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

After the Denver Art Museum Show of Bonnard's work, a friend who is a fundraiser and a friend who is a sculptor and Creative Director called Bonnard a Teir II Painter shown in a Teir I Facility. My thought was he was a painter's painter. He reinvented how to paint with his own perspective, luminosity of color, points of emphasis and turned mundane into lyrical. What are your thoughts?