Art is Magic
I recently read about a study showing that magicians have better mental heath and longevity than average: supposedly because they create illusions, impossibilities and as a result, they have a better grasp of the nature of reality. This of course, made me wonder about visual art being all about creating illusions: “Those things which are most real are the illusions I create in my paintings” said Eugene Delacroix and Degas – “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.”
I’ve always been convinced that there are health benefits.
Our holiday book sale continues – order by Dec 5th
One Summer along the Trans Canada Trail – Plein-air Painting in Ottawa-Gatineau
“David takes his readers on a journey and invites them to look over his shoulder as he paints. He has the ability to take a scene and distill it to its essence, all the while retaining a sense of place. David’s unique and engaging style, coupled with his entertaining sense of humour, make this book an inspiring and interesting read.” – Susan
Eighteen Pieces – an artist’s story
“Your unique book Eighteen Pieces was in my mail box today. I’ve just sat and started to read the text and look at the first evocative images, and then on page 31, I had a thought. Slow down. You want to savor this writing, these images……. I have to tell you I’m loving this book so far. I’m loving reading all the quotations, and your concise writing style. In fact it seems your writing mirrors the qualities of your paintings; flow, rhythm, expressive confidence, and color!” – Marion
Take a “sneak peek” and order off of our website: https://www.davidkearn.com/the-book-page/
Winter Courses at the OSA are open for registration
I’m teaching a range of courses this winter, in-studio and on-line, adult and children, details and direct links to the new OSA registration system are on our courses page: https://www.davidkearn.com/workshops/
And in the wider world of art
The lost art of Elephant Slides
This photo album made me smile: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2023/sep/02/elephant-slides-taiwan-pi-cheng-hsiu-photography-in-pictures
Painters vs Ridley Scott on Napoleon
Who knew that Napoleon could hold so much interest, in 2023: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2023/nov/23/ridley-scott-artists-napoleon-short-turner
Banksy reveals his first name…maybe
Perhaps he was spoofing. What do you think?: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2023/nov/21/banksy-reveals-his-first-name-interview-clip
Blacker than Black
J. M. W. Turner said “If I could find anything blacker than black I’d use it.” To my eye, there is in fact a sure-fire way to make black blacker. Most blacks are opaque, so they appear a little mat or chalky. Glazing black with a really deep transparent blue increases depth, less light gets out and the surface appears blacker. The fact that this “cools” the result helps the impression of dark too.
Break-a-Brush!
David & France