Still Life Painting Project

Cari Amici (Dear Friends),
Some days these days I do not often know which is one day and which moment belongs to the next.  I have been pushing myself to get a lot accomplished during my last term at the Angel Academy of Art here in Florence, Italy.  I am currently on my last still life project:  the texture project.  Parameters consist of a bas relief background and perishables (in my case fruit).  The central object of interest is a vase that I received from my dear friend Hélène Delmaire about five years ago. 

Anyway, this image shows you my previous project:  the red, white, and green one.  How to paint a bright red, as well as a white object using colors much darker than pure white paint (because the highlight must have that).  On the floor, you may see my textured background … a sample for stone on the exterior of a home.  Thanks to Materi.ka ... materiali per la casa, Via Capo di Mondo, 21R, Firenze for the display sample.  It was missing some rocks on the corner, so I made some out of clay and then painted them a similar color.

I had asked the Maestro of the school if I could have a studio space next to a wall so that I would be less tempted to be the party organizer and socialite that I am so tempted to do when around people and on comfortable ground.  I must say, in addition to some privacy, the wall also gives me more storage space. 

Now, to work on other things in my life on this lovely Sunday. . .
 

Still Life Painting Perishables Project

Cari Amici (Dear Friends),
I have been working on an exercise to paint things that are perishable.  However, in my original composition, there were too many individuals wanting equal attention.  And that is not how a society runs.  [Sad, but true.]   So, I decided to put the focus more into the area of high chroma and hung some garbage bags over my models in such a way that the left side was more in shadow.  I am curious to see how the final painting turns out.

Bitcoins and Hope

Cari Amici (Dear Friends),
I have been giving myself various “exercises” in painting in an effort to keep learning.  That is true of all of my artworks, actually.  This latest painting was created using a very limited palette.  I also wanted to leave a lot of the campitura showing through the image.  I am also slowly trying to move into a bit more into the realm of creating my own environments.  I do not know always how to explain some of the thoughts in my head, but know that I am in the midst of a change.  I hope you enjoy the ride with me.

“Hope” 
60 x 80 cm [about 23.5 x 31.5 inches]
Oil Painting on Canvas   -- AVAILABLE
http://www.borsheimarts.com/painting/2014/HopeLion.htm


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Now Accepting Bitcoins for Borsheim Artworks

Well, something new for 2014:  I will be accepting Bitcoins as legal tender for my artworks, from drawings and paintings to sculpture, and even giclée.

http://bitcoin.org/en/how-it-works


And if that is not “weird” enough for you, I have given a wee bit of a facelift to my Web site.  Fewer clicks to see more art sooner is one major change.
But also, I organized the arts by subject matter, as well as by media to help you find what interests you faster.  I would love any feedback (good or not so good), if you have some.
Here is the table of contents page for 2-dimensional art:
http://www.borsheimarts.com/painting.htm

Ciompi Antique Market Florence Italy

Dear Art-loving Friend,

Today I start my last term at the Angel Academy of Art (yesterday, a Monday, was a holiday in Italy).  I have been preparing for the challenge of painting three still-life paintings, each with a specific list of things to learn, as well as working with live models.

The hunt for objects to paint can be fun or frustrating, depending on the score.  Here are a few of the things that could have been found at the most recent installation of the antique market in Piazza Ciompi in Florence, Italy.  The market fills the piazza every 4th Sunday of each month.

Happy Hunting, indeed!

And happy new year.

Hindsight and Daydreaming

Cari Amici (Dear Friends),

For the last several New Year's Eve postings, I thought I would have a little fun and share something with you in the spirit of the culture of Pompeii (pre-volcanic explosion!):  Namely, some naughty art.  Pompei, Italia (as it is spelled in Italian), is rather famouse for its art.  The entryways of many homes and public spaces sported mosaics and fresco of, for example, a man with a giant phallus.  American tastes often dictate [ahem...] that this is simply... er, too much.

However, people who live closer to the Earth tend to openly celebrate human (and even animal) sexuality and see it as a natural part of living, as they saw spirituality.  So, to be greeted by an exaggerated male member was actually a wish or even a prayer, if you like, for fertile growth and prosperity in all areas of life, even economics. 

In this "down week" between Christmas and New Years' I have tried to remain at home alone (unsuccessfully, I must admit), working on my art and reflecting on all of the things that I might have done differently in 2013.  I wish sometimes that I did not ALWAYS put people ahead of my art.  Or rather, I need a balance, but more importantly, I need to learn how to avoid getting caught up in other people's drama.  And learn how to extricate myself from it sooner than later, once I recognize a negative situation.  [I did send a message to my former landladies wishing them happy holidays in an effort to let them know that I blame them less for my losing my home this spring and was happy to receive a lovely response.]

So, this year, I want to share with you two charcoal drawings that I created from live models.  "Hindsight" and "Daydreaming."  Both activities are worth doing (in moderation) and today, I celebrate them.  So, in 2014, it is my wish that we all keep reflecting, dreaming, and learning how to love and how to live closer to our Earth.  Happy 2014!


P.S.  I have recently updated my Web site and have added a page specifically for "Naughty Art."  That way, if it is just not your thing, you may choose to avoid clicking on those words.

Hindsight and Daydreaming

Cari Amici (Dear Friends),

For the last several New Year’s Eve postings, I thought I would have a little fun and share something with you in the spirit of the culture of Pompeii (pre-volcanic explosion!):  Namely, some naughty art.  Pompei, Italia, (as it is spelled in Italian) is rather famous for its art.  The entryways of many homes and public spaces sported mosaics and fresco of, for example, a man with a giant phallus.  American tastes often dictate [ahem…] that this is simply… er, too much.

 
However, people who live closer to the Earth tend to openly celebrate human (and even animal) sexuality and see it as a natural part of living, as they saw spirituality.  So, to be greeted by an exaggerated male member was actually a wish or even a prayer, if you like, for fertile growth and prosperity in all areas of life, even economics.


In this “down week” between Christmas and New Years’ I have tried to remain at home alone (unsuccessfully, I must admit), working on my art and reflecting on all of the things that I might have done differently in 2013.  I wish sometimes that I did not ALWAYS put people ahead of my art.  Or rather, I need a balance; but more importantly, I need to learn how to avoid getting caught up in other people’s drama.  And learn how to extricate myself from it sooner than later, once I recognize a negative situation.

So, this year, I want to share with you two charcoal drawings that I created from live models.  “Hindsight” and “Daydreaming.”  Both activities are worth doing (in moderation) and today, I celebrate them.  So, in 2014, it is my wish that we all keep reflecting, dreaming, and learning how to love and how to live closer to our Earth.  Happy 2014! 


http://www.borsheimarts.com/charcoal-drawing/2009/hindsight.htm

http://www.borsheimarts.com/charcoal-drawing/2009/daydreaming.htm

P.S.  I have recently updated my Web site and have added a page specifically for “Naughty Art.”  That way, if it is just not your thing, do not click on those words. 

Sammezzano Castle in Tuscany Italy

Dear Art Lover,

365 rooms in the Castello di Sammezzano in Leccio, Italy, but you may never see them unless you are lucky enough to happen upon news of a special tour.  My last post went IMMEDIATELY into my two Facebook pages, so perhaps the subscription works too now... in any event, I want to share with you some more of the images of this amazing place.  Buy it if you can!  [Then invite me over]

For more information on the castle, visit:
http://www.sammezzano.org/galleria.html

Happy, happy winter solstice!