More attention is made for the visual arts in 3D.

It might be me and my attention has shifted but I have found more media attention surrounding the architectural community and environment works than the traditional art on canvas.

For example, I really thought Cristo was a fad back in the 8o's but he is still grabbing headlines. The lastestest in archtecture is not centered in New York so exciting new buildings are popping up all over the globe.

The only time a painting is mentioned seems to be when it breaks a record at Sothebys which can be exciting or disturbing depending what way you want to look at it.

My first thought is the shift to 2D art on the internet which allows a clear view of the latest art without leaving your home. I don't agree with this practice but then I also believe that music should be experienced live.

This just maybe an adjustment and only temporary but time will tell.

Lucas Museum abandons Chicago, blames parks group

So, I never wanted to make this blog into a soap opera but Mr. Lucas is gone and he has taken his museum with him.

Lucas Museum officials announced Friday they are dropping plans to build the project in Chicago, ending months of debate and controversy.

Like I wrote in my last blog- forget the crazy architecture, forget the expensive location on the lakefront, this museum did not make sense from a business point of view. It would also set a dangerous precedence in that any billionaire can come to Chicago and build on the lakefront.

I found this to be shady from the start when he tried to build it in San Francisco overlooking the golden gate bridge and officials there said no. So he comes to Chicago and tries the same thing but with an all new design of the museum. I saw the red flag right away.

So long George! May the force be with you.

An art collection without a home.

 

I have spent a number of years working as an artist in Chicago. Although the art scene in the city has come and gone, I have kept my mouth shut on controversy in the art world-until today. Through the miracle of internet, it is time to sound off.

Mr. Lucas- your art collection does not deserve lakefront property.  If you want to build your museum here in Chicago, that is fine, but find another neighborhood to set up shop.

I speak of this more toward the business side. Great museums are able to keep their doors open for a hundred years through private donations and corporate sponsorships. They are able to attract the best and brightest to sit on their board for no money because they enjoy the opportunity to promote the arts to the community.

Your fan base, Mr. Lucas, are not art patrons and will only visit your museum to view the Star Wars memorabilia you have on display.  When this interest wanes, and tickets sales fall flat, what does your business plan have as a back up? You can’t really promote the latest Star Wars movie because you no longer own the rights. The architectural style of your building, thought to be cutting edge today, will become outdated and irrelevant very quickly.

You will find very little support with donations because the museum is (let’s face it) about you.

So in twenty years or so when you are forced to pack up and move away, Chicago is stuck with a building that no one wants to call home. An eye sore to the lakefront, much like McCormick Place is today.

Every Artist needs these three Sketchbooks.

Sketchbooks are vital to every artist's core discipline. Having a sketchbook always within reach enables a free- flowing creative process. I always kept one sketchbook to work on since my high school days but in the past few years, I have found that I need three sketchbooks to work on.

The reason for three is mainly for organization of thought as I need to separate my idea work from my sketching practice. A third sketchbook is just a small pocket pad to take with me at all times.

Here is a break down of the three sketchbooks.

The Idea Journal- This is a hard cover book that when closed, fits nicely on the bookshelf. It's size is 8 x 10 or larger and that paper must be strong enough not to allow color markers to bleed thru. This is where I take an idea and work out color, composition and design. I fill up every page front and back. This is a bound journal so it serves as reference that I can always come back to. 

The Sketch Journal- This is were I practice drawing from life. I take on location so I prefer that it is spiral bound so it lies flat so it is easy to draw on. The pages are heavyweight (140lb) because I sketch in watercolor and I do not like the pages to buckle. I sketch only on one side so that if I come up with something good, I can tear it out and frame it.

The Pocket Pal- This is a small, pocket size pad that I keep in my coat pocket or on the car seat. You never know when inspiration strikes. If you don't immediately draw out you idea, it is usually forgotten and life marches on.

What is my favorite book? I love them all!

Fascinated with Architecture

I have always had a keen interest in architecture since my youth only because I saw it as a visual art that I could not master. One draw back was that I was never good in math but architects are visual thinkers who see four walls and a roof and I am not wired that way.

I would sit down many times and try to sketch a building but get frustrated because I was sketching buildings that are still square boxes. What I see now in the world of architecture, is sweeping curves and organic shapes that are quite fascinating to look at.

Architecture is a public art form. Everyone can see it and form an option on it right away. Other forms of visual art remain hidden behind gallery walls and museums that no attends. 

By walking into a building, you have personal tour of the architect's thinking process. You can see what works and what does not. If you have no time to look around, no worry. The building will still be there tomorrow and for years to come.