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The National Gallery in London is hosting a major exhibition titled "Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers" from September 14, 2024, to January 19, 2025. The exhibition focuses on Van Gogh's most famous artworks, including "Sunflowers" and "The Bedroom," and explores the theme of poets and lovers in his work. Van Gogh's life and art continue to captivate audiences, with numerous documentaries and immersive experiences dedicated to his work. This exhibition offers a fresh perspective on Van Gogh's final years, highlighting his creative genius and the role of romantic love in his art. [Extracted from the article]

The British Museum in London is currently hosting an exhibition titled "Michelangelo: The Last Decades," which focuses on the final years of the Italian Renaissance artist Michelangelo. The exhibition showcases drawings, poetry, architectural renderings, and other works on paper from the museum's extensive collection. Through a close examination of Michelangelo's writings and relationships, the exhibition offers a nuanced and intimate view of the artist. It also challenges the commonly held perception of Michelangelo as a solitary and impoverished figure, revealing his complex personality and struggles. The exhibition includes preparatory drawings for Michelangelo's famous fresco, "The Last Judgment," as well as the recently conserved monumental black-chalk drawing, "Epifania." [Extracted from the article]

Frans Hals, a Dutch painter from the 17th century, is known for his innovative and lively portraits. The National Gallery, London; the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam; and the Gemäldegalerie, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, in collaboration with the Frans Hals Museum, Haarlem, are presenting the largest retrospective of Hals' work in over 30 years. Hals' portraits capture the essence of his subjects, with vibrant brushwork and a naturalistic approach. His group portraits are dynamic and show interaction between the figures. Despite falling out of favor during his lifetime, Hals' art has endured and continues to be celebrated. [Extracted from the article]

The article reviews the exhibition "Strange States," featuring twelve female artists from New England at the Shelburne Museum, Vermont, from June 15, 2024 to November 3, 2024.

The invention of paper has had a significant impact on the world, particularly in the realm of artistic expression. From its earliest precursor, papyrus, used in ancient Egypt, to the development of papermaking in China, paper has played a crucial role in the communication of culture, the advancement of the written word, and the progression of art. Despite the rise of digital media and the push for a paperless society, paper remains important as a surface for all media and as a handmade art form. The evolution of papermaking techniques and its use in various artistic mediums, such as illuminated manuscripts, prints, and watercolors, has contributed to the democratization of art and the exploration of new artistic possibilities. Today, artists continue to value the tactile qualities of paper, even as we move towards a more digital future. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the artwork and creative process of artist Kalin Thomas, whose paintings draw inspiration from past art and ideas. The author first encountered Thomas' work in a group show at Burlington City Arts, which featured artists who were considered "self-taught" rather than "outsider" or "Art Brut" due to the changing landscape of art and the internet's impact on accessibility. Thomas' paintings are described as evocative and reminiscent of historical masters like Giotto and Leonardo da Vinci. The article also explores Thomas' studio, materials, and lifelong learning approach to painting. The artist's work is characterized by ambiguity, storytelling, and a dialogue with artists from different time periods. [Extracted from the article]

And like Van Gogh, Whistler and other art titans - including Picasso and Warhol - Hokusai is recognized by his last name alone. As Japanese Ukiyo-e prints by Hokusai and others began to infiltrate the European art scene, the response to Japanese aesthetics, pictorial flatness and creative use of negative space was instantaneous. By age 18, Hokusai had entered the studio of Ukiyo-e artist Katsukawa Shunshö (1700-85), who was known for depicting Kabuki. Compositions Under the Wave off Kanagawa (The Great Wave), a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) is one of the most iconic and widely reproduced images from all of art history. [Extracted from the article]

In 2020, NGA acquired her iconic painting, I See Red: Target (opposite) - the first painting by a Native American artist to enter its collection since the museum's founding in 1937. VISIT THE WEBSITES OF JAUNE QUICK-TO-SEE SMITH (GARTHGREENAN.COM/ARTISTS/JAUNE-QUICK-TO-SEE-SMITH); KAY WALKINGSTICK (KAYWALKINGSTICK.COM); MARIO MARTINEZ (MMARTINEZART.COM); AND YATIKA STARR FIELDS (YATIKAFIELDS.COM). JAUNE QUICK-TO-SEE SMITH Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, a citizen of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, is one of the most significant Native artists working today. Compositions the art of Native American people has always been deeply entwined with their daily lives, inherently part of their culture. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the discussion on Massachusetts Design Art and Technology Institute (DATMA) celebrating fifth anniversary. Topics include result of a collaboration between muralist Silvia Lopez Chavez and local New Bedford High School students; and program bringing artwork out of traditional gallery spaces and into the community.

Dürer's works are among the earliest examples of watercolor painting as we know it today. Features The origins of watercolor painting can be traced as far back as the Prehistoric age, when Paleolithic humans first applied ochre and charcoal pigments in some fluid form to cave walls. The institution holds the world's largest collection of Dürer watercolors, as well as other works on paper by this masterful artist. THE CANTON MUSEUM OF ART For many museums, watercolor paintings represent only a small fraction of their collections, or the works seldom come out of safe-keeping for display. [Extracted from the article]

Compositions Post-Impressionist Paul Cézanne (French, 1839-1906) painted Mount St. Victoire dozens of times. CLAUDE MONET Claude Monet committed his life and work to capturing the qualities of light and air in paint on canvas. WINSLOW HOMER Landscape painter and illustrator Winslow Homer was one of the first American artists to practice painting en plein air. PAUL CÉZANNE It's safe to say Paul Cézanne was obsessed with Mount Saint-Victoire. [Extracted from the article]

Compositions Rhode Island-born artist Gilbert Stuart (1755-1828) captured America's first President, George Washington, in oil on canvas, in 1796, creating a precedent for the commissioning of official presidential portraiture that has endured to this day. Former president Obama chose artist Robert McCurdy (1952-), who created a photorealistic, exquisitely detailed painting of the president wearing a black suit and gray tie, standing in the center of the canvas against a stark white background. For decades following Lincoln, every president sported a beard or - in the case of Grover Cleveland (No. 22 and 24), a mustache - with the exception of Andrew Johnson (No. 17), Lincoln's former vice president. [Extracted from the article]

The article reviews the exhibition "Disrupt the Field" at Storm King Art Center, showcasing her large-scale, vibrant sculptures, and her innovative use of color and form, through 2025.

Since so few surviving Vermeer works are available for public viewing - and because of the artist's popularity - those institutions lucky enough to own even one Vermeer usually keep it on permanent exhibition and are loath to remove it from their walls. Lead NGA curator, Marjorie Wieseman, was determined to answer the question, "What makes a Vermeer a Vermeer?" It was a literal painting within a painting, adding complexity and nuance to the story Vermeer tells in this work. [Extracted from the article]

The Brooklyn Museum is celebrating its 200th anniversary with a series of events and exhibitions. The museum, which started as a small library, has grown into the second-largest exhibiting museum in New York City. The anniversary celebrations include a major exhibition showcasing the work of Brooklyn artists, special exhibitions that reinterpret objects from the museum's collection, and the launch of a mobile Museum on Wheels program. The museum also houses the Brooklyn Museum Art School, which provides educational access to its collection. The anniversary events aim to highlight the museum's commitment to Brooklyn and its artists, while also providing more access and space for art experiences. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports that in Afghanistan the Taliban, made freedoms a priority as soon as they regained power. Topics include examines as evidence of both their fear of art and the power of art, one of the Taliban first actions was to whitewash colorful murals that had been painted on blast walls across the nation's capital, Kabul; considered that murals had been created by the Art Lords who believed that images in public places could effect social transformation and create positive change.

Often, I don't know what I'm doing until I do it!" - HENRIETTA MANTOOTH Mel Leipzig DURING MY FIRST CONVERSATION with New Jersey-based figurative artist Mel Leipzig, he immediately launched into an excited description of a portrait he was painting of a musician he'd recently met - a guitarist, dressed for the painting in a fabulously patterned Nigerian garment. The Artist and His Daughter (opposite) is a painting within a painting, and The Artist Painting the Graffiti Artists Who Painted Him (opposite) presents four portraits: a self-portrait of the artist, a copy of a mural of the artist and the two mural artists. Compositions Most people look forward to retirement, usually starting around age 65, but artists often continue to work, sometimes for decades longer, even up until their final hours. Leipzig's family members are fully integrated within his work, as are so many other people the artist encounters - and Leipzig isn't shy about asking people to pose for him. [Extracted from the article]

This groundbreaking book, written from the perspective of a woman artist, targeted a female audience during a time when artists who created welded-metal sculpture were almost universally male and their work was abstract, devoid of the figurative, storytelling aspect that Benton espoused. Benton, however, has been a modern trailblazer in the field, laying the groundwork for contemporary artists to explore the meaning of their lives through the art of mask-making. Prime an abundant froth of silvery hair springs out from behind the enigmatic, yet commanding mask, shielding the face of multimedia artist Suzanne Benton. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the sculpture parks of New England, U.S., and their immersive outdoor art experiences. Topics include the Ogunquit Museum of American Art; the Andres Institute of Art and Cold Hollow Sculpture Park; the historical and contemporary significance of these parks; notable artists like David Stromeyer and Augustus Saint-Gaudens; and their contributions to the installations; and the seasonal and environmental aspects that enhance the visitor experience.

The article reviews an exhibition, "Warhol - Small Works," at The Hall Art Foundation in Vermont, highlighting the intimate experience of viewing over one hundred small-scale works by Andy Warhol in a rural setting, showcasing his diverse oeuvre and revealing lesser-known aspects of his artistry.

The article focuses on the Red Dress Embroidery Project, initiated by British artist Kirstie Macleod, serving as a global platform for women to express their stories through embroidery. Topics discussed include the project's evolution, its representation of trans-national unity, and the empowerment it brings to women worldwide.

By James McNeill Whistler PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE) PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE) PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE) In 1870, Whistler had a brief affair with a young woman, Louisa Fanny Hanson, while still living with Hiffernan. By James McNeill Whistler NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART, WASHINGTON., D.C. HARRIS WHITTEMORE COLLECTION Whistler struggled with debt and poor health, which was only exacerbated by his excessive smoking and drinking. [Extracted from the article]

The article reviews the exhibition "Now You See Me" at The Bundy Modern in Vermont running through October 13, 2024.

No longer considered part of the counterculture, tattooists are now called tattoo artists, their craft made safer and more accessible since the invention of the electric tattoo machine in 1938. In this work, the tattoo's design shares characteristics of a ukiyo-e wookblock print, thus raising the tattoo itself to the level of fine art. Photographer Lars Krutak (1971-), also known as the world's foremost tattoo anthropologist, explained the age-old allure of tattoos this way, "Our tattoos belong to us and no one else. [Extracted from the article]

BMA curator Oliver Shell, who worked directly on the current exhibition, says, "Richard Yarde is a national figure who got stuck in a regional context." CULTURE AND STORY The use of photographs as source material is evident in many of Yarde's portraits, but the photos served as a starting point rather than an end goal to be mimicked. The acclaimed Black artist Richard Yarde (1939-2011) defied that convention in his installation of life-size dance-hall figures, The Savoy (above), presented as a traveling exhibition organized by the Mount Holyoke College Art Museum in 1982. [Extracted from the article]

The article reports that open studio events grown exponentially in popularity across the region becoming a linehpin, a key to many artists economic security. Topics include considered that The Wizard of Oz-like appeal of discovery, seeing what lies behind the magic curtain of art making has drawn many people who ordinarily would never enter a gallery or venture to ask the price of an artworks.

It's interesting that in both the early work from Pompeii and this 18th-century painting, we can detect a leash or chain attached to the dog's neck, perhaps tying the hound to his master through eternity. The Ancient World One of the earliest and most well-preserved sculptures of a dog is an endearing terr-cotta piece from ancient Greece, Dog With Puppy (opposite), which is alternately titled Dog With Prey. Compositions The role dogs have played in human survival from our earliest days of hunting and dragging our prey home can't be overestimated. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the closure of the NoDa (Northern Daughters) gallery in Vermont, founded by Justine Jackson and Sophie Pickens. It is reported that the gallery, established in 2015, played a significant role in Vermont's creative economy, providing a platform for emerging artists. It highlights the founders' journey, their commitment to an artist-centric model, and the impact of the gallery on both artists and the community.

The article reviews the solo exhibition titled "Layers Of Time" by artist, Terry Ekasala at Burlington City Arts (BCA) in Burlington, Vermont running through January 27, 2024.

Compositions DANCE AS AN ART FORM encapsulates the social conventions and fashion of a particular point in time. Some restrictions against dancing lingered into the 16th century, when the highly regarded Dutch painter Pieter Brueghel the Elder (ca 1525-69) painted several peasant dance scenes. The human body in the act of dancing is regarded as a vehicle for worship, and it's widely understood that painters and sculptors cannot succeed without a basic knowledge of dance. [Extracted from the article]

PAULA MODERSOHN-BECKER The fiercely independent German artist Paula Modersohn-Becker (1876-1907) died at 31 of a postpartum embolism in the aftermath of childbirth, but her work is recognized today as a pivotal bridge to Modernism in the art of the 20th century. Compositions The tragic, romantic stereotype of the creative genius who rose to great heights only to die young before reaching his or her full potential has a basis in historical fact. AMEDEO MODIGLIANI Known for his modernist paintings and sculptures of elongated, highly stylized faces, as seen in Chaim Soutine (top left) and Nu Couché au Coussin Bleu (bottom left), Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani (1884-1920), like van Gogh, fits the profile of the talented artist who was ignored in his own lifetime but whose work would earn high acclaim posthumously. [Extracted from the article]

This association sought to promote the work of professional women artists during a time when they weren't allowed to attend life-drawing classes alongside their male peers and a serious career as a practicing artist was nearly unthinkable. Compositions On May 10, 1998, the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, in Greensburg, Pa., presented an exhibition honoring the Philadelphia Ten, a group of women painters and sculptors who collectively promoted and exhibited their work from 1917 to 1945. Talbot worked over a period of several years to learn whatever she could about the Philadelphia Ten, mostly through contact with artists' family members. [Extracted from the article]

Eight years in the making, Autobiography of a Garden not only records a horticultural cycle but also returns full-circle to Raftery's Rhode Island roots, his mother's garden and her creative influence. Compositions "I've always been interested in using multiple images to tell a story that moves through time", says master printmaker Andrew Raftery. Even after Raftery and Bush worked out the chemistry of that issue, Raftery still needed to figure out how to transfer a print onto the pottery. [Extracted from the article]

PHOTO (COLOR): Fulton Street Subway Station ink and watercolor on paper, 8x11 PHOTO (COLOR) PHOTO (COLOR) PHOTO (COLOR) PHOTO (COLOR) THE OPPORTUNITY When St. Vincent's closed in 2010, Levine saw a window - a chance to invest more of his time in his expanded artistic interests of photography as well as painting. As a witness to the impact of the poor living conditions experienced by many of the artists in the neighborhood, particularly elderly artists, Levine knew unequivocally that medicine, not art, was the right choice for him. [Extracted from the article]

The article reviews the "RISE: Trees, Our Botanical Giants" art exhibitions, held at the Mad River Valley Arts in Waitsfield, Vermont, through April 26, 2024, curated by Sam Talbot-Kelly and showcasing work of twenty-eight artists like Julie Comnick, Joel Taplin and Mary Admasian.

Compositions We can trace the romantic roots of the mythic relationship between artists and their models back to the story of Pygmalion, a sculptor who falls in love with the life-sized statue of a beautiful woman he carved out of ivory. ALFRED STIEGLITZ AND GEORGIA O'KEEFFE American photographer Alfred Stieglitz (1864-1946) obsessively photographed artist Georgia O'Keeffe (see Georgia O'Keeffe, above), especially when she was in her 20s and he in his mid-50s. This relationship resulted in the reverse of most artist/model/ muse stories in that the female model becomes a more famous artist than her mentor. [Extracted from the article]

The Russian artist Yuriy Vasilyevich Demiyanov has faced this challenge with a level of energy and ingenuity that can be seen and felt in his landscapes. Demiyanov considers himself an Impressionist, though his major source of influence hasn't been Monet or Degas, but Konstantin Alekseyevich Korovin (1861-1939), a prominent Russian Impressionist painter. The Local Landscape Today, Demiyanov finds a wealth of painting possibilities in and around the village of Zadonsk, where he lives with his wife, who's also an artist. [Extracted from the article]

The article offers information on the challenges museums face, particularly in the context of controversies related to colonialism, racism, sexism, and climate change. Topics include Shelburne Museum's engagement of architect David Adjaye for the Perry Center for Native American Art, the subsequent severance of ties due to sexual misconduct accusations against Adjaye, and the museum's efforts to navigate the situation.

The article offers information on Orly Yadin's significant contributions to Vermont's film scene since her arrival in 2002. Topics include her background as a filmmaker and entrepreneur, her role as managing director of Footage Farm, her involvement in local film culture, and her co-founding of Halo Productions, specializing in animation films.

The article explores the career and achievements of Anni Mackay, the founder of BigTown Gallery in Vermont, U.S. It traces her journey from being an artist to creating a thriving creative economy in a small town. It mentions that Mackay's commitment to supporting local artisans and fostering cultural activities is evident throughout her work.

The article reports that the female body appears as a moving sculpture in space in A Moment of Breath, an outdoor performance on the picturesque grounds of the Clemmons Family Farm by aerial artist, acrobat, dancer, choreographer Pamela Donohoo. Topics include considered that the artist explore the idea of breath in response to the killing of George Floyd, a game-changing event that triggered the conscience of white America in ways that had been more or less dormant since the 1960.

Before encountering Beaux's work, artist Mary Sauer had always pointed to John Singer Sargent (1856-1925) as her favorite painter, and Beaux's exquisite brushwork could easily be mistaken for that of the prolific portrait painter. "She was a woman in a man's career, and every man around her idolized her", Georgia O'Keeffe AMERICAN: 1887-1986 NOMINATED BY FRAN BULL Not surprisingly, Georgia O'Keeffe, the widely celebrated and perhaps most famous female artist of the 20th century, was mentioned by several of the artists on our nominating panel. Multimedia artist Fran Bull admires O'Keeffe's work but concedes it's more her life story that particularly inspires her. "[It's] the example she sets for a woman artist in her fervent dedication to making art", Bull says. In her initial encounters with Vigée Le Brun, watercolor artist Soon Y. Warren found the artist's depictions of culture and society to have an almost otherworldly quality. [Extracted from the article]