“Bird of Prey” by Todd Powelson
Here is another piece I finished a little earlier this week. I drew most of this using Adobe Ideas, but finished up in Illustrator.
Birds in general are the best, but birds of prey always grab my attention. They are a treat to come across, and it was fun to draw this one.
I love primitive artwork. As a matter of fact, I’m kind of obsessed with it. Of course, it is a connection with the past, and while looking at it I can almost travel back in time and be reminded how it felt to live in the animal past.
I read a couple of articles this week about how new carbon-dating has shown Germany’s “Lion Man” to be among the oldest known pieces of figurative art. I am used to hearing about the ancient “Venus” fertility sculptures, which are also beautiful and very old, and was told they were the oldest known carvings. But I guess there were human / lion hybrid being carved at the same time as the oldest Venus.
I am fascinated by the anthropomorphic hybrid. Always have been. These imaginative representations have appeared in the most ancient artwork of every civilization. The Lion Man reminds me that these hybrid images and sculptures have inspired human beings for tens-of-thousands of years. Long before any known civilization. I don’t know why that fascinates and inspires me so much, but it really does!
news.sudanvisiondaily.com | Lion Man
online.wsj.com | Powerful Images from a Primitive Age
I’m kind of on a Minotaur kick, which happens to me sometimes, so today I am going to post a few images of Picasso’s Blind Minotaur.
“Minotauromachy”
Here it is, once again. Picasso’s “Minotauromachy”. I love this picture so much!
“The Underwater Fight”
I mentioned Yoshitoshi in my post a couple days ago, and I wanted to post his “Underwater Fight” because I really like this picture!
“Mitsukini Defying The Skeleton” 1845
I have found a new favorite artist (I admit it, I have quite a few favorites!) whose work I just can’t get enough of. Searching for and studying reproductions of Utagawa Kuniyoshi‘s woodblock prints has become something of an obsession. I especially love his animals and fighting samurai warriors, but the landscapes, crowds of people, mythology, women… hell, all of his work is nice.
His line work is incredible, along with the colors, but what really stands out are the patterns he uses. It’s so easy to get lost in them. He worked for his father as a pattern designer in the textile industry starting at the age of six or seven, so he really knows how to catch the eye and keep it interested.
Kuniyoshi was born in 1797 and is considered among the last of the great Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock printers. He was also a teacher and many other great artists, including Yoshitoshi, emerged from his school.
Maybe there are too many images included in this post… I just want to look at all of his work all the time!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Poster Design by Todd Powelson
The SLC White Party, hosted by the Utah Arts Alliance, will be an evening to remember. Here is a description of what all is planned:
The 12th Annual White Party is this month! What is the White Party? Think all WHITE dress code: tuxedos, top hats, ball gowns, and all sorts of fun costumes. What can YOU do with white? This year’s theme is Moulin Blanc. We are channeling Parisian bohemian performance and style this year such as Moulin Rouge in its heyday! This is one of the most anticipated events for those in the know in Salt Lake City for 12 years running. Enjoy live performances, live music, cabaret, dancing, drinks, art, and much more. $30.00 at the door, ($21.00 pre-sale)—all proceeds benefit Utah Arts Alliance programs.
SLC Arts Hub
663 west 100 south, SLC, UT
January 26th, Doors open at 9pm (21+ event)
facebook.com | Event
utaharts.org
Ticket info: utaharts.ticketbud.com/slc-white-party-moulin-blanc
Check it out, I also did the poster illustration and design for this year’s event, shown at the top of this post. Fun fun!
Anthony Granato’s upcoming show at the Utah Arts Alliance (Main Street) Gallery will be a great show, so check it out!
anthonygranato.com
facebook.com | Event
Utah Arts Alliance Gallery
127 South Main Street, SLC, UT
Gallery Stroll Reception – Friday January 18th, 6 to 9 p.m., 2013
I’m interested in Gnostic ideas, and regularly listen to the podcast Aeon Byte. On a recent show (Schrodinger’s Diary Episode 11) artist Myron Dyal was interviewed, talking about his artwork and how it has been influenced by his epilepsy. Throughout history there have been many artists who are epileptic, Van Gogh probably being the most well known.
While listening to the podcast, I became curious about Myron Dyal’s work. I’m especially impressed with his painted paper-mache sculpture. Enjoy the pictures of his work in this here post. Dyal’s ideas, imagination and history are also very interesting. If you’re wanting to learn more about him, you can check out the video linked below and listen to the podcast mentioned above.
 |
 |
“Duelists” – 2012
James Jean has become one of my favorite artists, and I’ve enjoyed watching his work progress this last year through his Facebook posts and Twitter updates. I look forward to seeing what he makes in 2013!
I thought I’d upload one of the pictures he finished this last year. Visit his website and check out the rest of his portfolio… beautiful work from previous years too.
jamesjean.com
twitter.com/JamesJeanArt
facebook.com | James-Jean
