In the defense of magnets

When doing any sort of PR work, whether for yourself or others, one generally things of business cards, flyers and stickers.
But what about something that works as all of the above? What about magnets?

Being incredibly versatile, magnets can be shaped like business cards, handed out like flyers and peel off like stickers. And the best part, they stick on any metal surface with minimal fuss. Door, car, fridge - as long as it's metal, you just slap it on and you're good to go.

I've been thinking of heading up a small campaign of my own to get my photography, writing and art out to a wider audience. So, of course I've been toying with the general things that come to mind: business cards and flyers to hand out or leave on coffee shop tables and boards and slapping stickers about town.

As I was racking my brain for more ideas, I was stumbled upon a quirky idea: magnets!

Abstract art magnet via magnets.com

As luck would have it, I came across www.magnets.com and drooled over the customization options.

I was fortunate to get a sample pack from the company and tried them out. I actually got rough with them, especially with the outdoor magnet. It's weather resistant, but is it Rose resistant?
The answer was: yes, the magnet still lives.
The magnets are slick and brightly colored. You can upload your own art and give instructions on EXACTLY how you want your magnet to come out. You get free proofs. And they even offer a price guarantee!

There's a variety of styles, sizes and shapes. There's even a Save the Date category, perfect for weddings, baby showers, family and class reunions.
If you're thinking of getting the word about your business, event or gathering, I highly suggest you check out magnets.com.

You can't really forget about a website, business or special occasion if it's looking you in the eye every time you open your door.

Finale

And to round out the last day of September's art everyday is a piece by Rene Magritte.
You shouldn't be surprised that surrealism shows up so much, it's my favorite art style, followed by art nouveau.

Le Plagiat (Plagiary)

Le Plagiat (Plagiary) is Magritte's way of showing that art imitates (or perhaps, plagiarizes) life.

Curves

So, I've been compared to yakshis before. 

And before you get any ideas, it was due to body type, not disposition.

Detailed close-up of a yakshi and her elephant at the Great Stupa in Sanchi, India.

Never invite a penguin to dinner

Edward Gorey

Edward Gorey is one of my all-time favorite illustrators.
I have several of his books, large and small.
I love the style, but especially the content of his works.

From lilies to dancers

Manet is known for his lilies.
Degas is known for his dancers.
Once again, I had the difficult decision of choosing ONE piece above all. But I'm pleased with my choice.

Dancers in the Wings, Edgar Degas, 1878

Thanks goes to Wikipedia, Google and Gardner's Art through the Ages for providing information, images and inspiration.

Lovely lilies

I had a heck of a time deciding which Manet was my favorite.
I knew that his water lilies were my favorite collection of his work... but which one?

Water Lilies, Claude Manet, 1906

I finally settled upon Water Lilies 1906, which is housed in the Art Institute of Chicago.

Thanks goes to Wikipedia, Google and Gardner's Art through the Ages for providing information, images and inspiration.

The kiss in Times Square

Seriously, how iconic is this photograph?

Cling to me

One of my favorite pieces by Gustav Klimt is Der Lebensbaum, or The Tree of Life. The stylized detail in his work is amazing.

Der Lebensbaum, Gustav Klimt, 1909

Here's a close up of my favorite part.

Thanks goes to Wikipedia, Google and Gardner's Art through the Ages for providing information, images and inspiration.

Frida Frida

Frida Kahlo painted her reality as she saw it, which is, perhaps, a bit different than we see ours.

What I saw in the water, Frida Kahlo

Kahlo was a well-known and influential painter from Mexico. Her work is full of symbolism, passion and pain. She influenced me as well; while studying in university, I began to depict my own reality.

Thanks goes to Wikipedia, Google and Gardner's Art through the Ages for providing information, images and inspiration.

Warmth

I was just introduced to Pino Daeni, whom sadly died May 2010.
There are so many of his pieces that I adore, but this one is my favorite... for now.

Thanks goes to Wikipedia, Google and Gardner's Art through the Ages for providing information, images and inspiration.

Rose, Lotus

A Tale of Two Sisters, also known as Janghwa, Hongryeon (Rose, Lotus), is a Korean psychological thriller is one of my favorite movies and, in my opinion, a work of art.

One of the things that first drew me to this movie were stills. The sheer beauty and color in the shots drew me in. And the amazing and twisting story helped a whole lot too.

I would (and do) recommend this movie to any and everyone.

Thanks goes to Wikipedia, Google and Gardner's Art through the Ages for providing information, images and inspiration.

Sunlight

Queen Victoria in her Coronation Robe, Charles Robert Leslie, 1838

I find this piece incredibly beautiful: the sunlight streaming through the window, the intricate detail, shadows, design and colors of Queen Victoria's coronation robe and the overall mood of the piece.

Thanks goes to Wikipedia, Google and Gardner's Art through the Ages for providing information, images and inspiration.

Calm

Still Life with Geraniums, Henri Matisse, 1910

How calming is this piece by Matisse?

Thanks goes to Wikipedia and Gardner's Art through the Ages for providing information, images and inspiration.

Haunting

The Painter on the Road to Tarascon, Vincent van Gogh, 1888

I cannot tell you why I love this painting above all other Gogh works.
Why I like this painting, described by Francis Bacon(another artist) as, "haunting."
Perhaps it's the colors. Perhaps it's the artist's face peeking out behind the brim.

Thanks goes to Wikipedia and Gardner's Art through the Ages for providing information, images and inspiration.

Les Fleurs

Alphonse Mucha is one of my favorite artists and deciding which piece was going to be posted was a very tough decision. However, I do believe that the prominent picture on my wall helped decide.

The piece can actually be considered four pieces grouped together.

la rose

l'oeillet

le lys

l'iris

Thanks goes to Wikipedia, Google and Gardner's Art through the Ages for providing information, images and inspiration.

Snuggly

In Bed, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, 1893

With the cooler, snuggly months of fall hanging around the corner, In Bed by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec seemed a perfect muse for lazing about in a thick, plush bed.

Thanks goes to Wikipedia and Gardner's Art through the Ages for providing information, images and inspiration.

Terrifying and beautiful

My second main regret while studying abroad was not being able to travel to Barcelona and gaze upon the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia as well as Antoni Gaudi's other works about the city.

Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is not finished. Gaudi built the church in 1882, but did not finish before his depressing death in 1926. From wikipedia: On 7 June 1926 Gaudí was hit by a tram. Because of his ragged attire and empty pockets, many cab drivers refused to pick him up for fear that he would be unable to pay the fare. He was eventually taken to a paupers' hospital in Barcelona. Nobody recognized the injured artist until his friends found him the next day. When they tried to move him into a nicer hospital, Gaudí refused, reportedly saying "I belong here among the poor." He died three days later on 10 June 1926, at age 73, with half of Barcelona mourning his death. He was buried in the midst of La Sagrada Família.

Ouch.

Passion facade

What amazes me the most about the Sagrada Familia is intricate, natural detailing, which inspire and terrify me. The incorporation of Art Nouveau style (one of my absolute favorite styles) doesn't hurt either.

the west side

On November 7 (my birthday!), the Pope is scheduled to consecrate the church.
The expected completion date is 2026, on the 100th anniversary of Gaudi's death.

Thanks goes to Wikipedia and Gardner's Art through the Ages for providing information, images and inspiration.

Just in case you forgot

Architecture is art too!
The Alhambra is an amazing palace and fortress constructed in the 14th century by Moorish rulers in Andalusia, Spain.

Alhambra

I fell for it the first time I laid eyes on pictures of its beauty. I have two main regrets from my time studying in Europe: one being that I was not able to visit the Alhambra with its

sculpted arabesques...

...and drool over its beautiful detailing.

honeycomb vaulting

amazing detail

Thanks goes to Wikipedia and Gardner's Art through the Ages for providing information, images and inspiration.

May I present....

Today's post is an extra special one: I will introduce you to one of my all-time favorite paintings.

After learning of the painting, the central figure has appeared in many of my drawings, paintings and sketchpads.
While studying abroad in London, I got the opportunity to see it up close and personal while visiting the Tate Modern museum. I'm sure I giggled as I walked toward it and stood transfixed for a while; as if I was trying to burn the image with its true colors, size and form into my mind.

Celebes, Max Ernst, 1921

I can't tell you what it is exactly about Celebes that I love. I can only say it was love at first sight.
The naked mannequin beckons me into the image, introducing the main, elephantine figure, whom wore his best, pressed collar for the occasion.
It was meant to be; we were only born sixty years apart!

Thanks goes to Wikipedia and Gardner's Art through the Ages for providing information, images and inspiration.

Odalisque

Today is a two-fer.
Both pieces have the same name and were painted during the same century; a mere 31 years apart! Though, I've only seen one up close.
An odalisque is a female attendant to wives and concubines in the Ottoman Empire

Grand Odalisque, Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, 1814

Odalisque, Natale Sciavoni, 1845

The Grand Odalisque by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres is one of my favorite works and is housed in the Louvre, where I got to see it for myself.
Odalisque by Natale Schiavoni was painted in Italy by the self-taught engraver and painter.
What I love about both pieces are the richness of the colors and the beautiful women, their expressions hiding sensual secrets.

Thanks goes to Wikipedia and Gardner's Art through the Ages for providing information, images and inspiration.