A new Chuck Close to look at.

I remember the first time I saw this painting.  I was in grade school, probably 10 or 11 years old and it was the coolest thing I had ever seen.  After 20+ years of looking at the same painting the wonder wore off.

Chuck Close

American, born 1940

"Frank"

1969, acrylic on canvas

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts recently purchased this screen print by Close.  It is awesome, go see it.

"James"

2004, color screen print

Edition 45 out of 80

Now with the newer work by Close I can look back at his painting of Frank and see it with an idea of his development as an artist.  You can see both of these paintings on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

5 reasons we all might like Goya.

In lieu of "Artwork of the month" I give you Goya.

I like Goya, maybe you do too.  I have been looking at one of his paintings for years now.  So why do we like Goya?

1.  Francis Bacon and Goya would have been great friends. 

2.  Goya's work is dark, realistic philosophically and visually, and honest.

3.  Goya is a war hero of sorts.

4. Goya's historical prowess is accurate. 

5.  He is not boring all of the time.

 This oil painting is on display at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.  I enjoy looking at Goya's work for the visual record of his times hat it gives us.  Albeit, I do not really like his work.  It is boring to me.

Francisco Jose de Goya Lucientes

Spanish, 1746-1828

"Self Portrait with Dr. Arrieta"

1820, Oil on canvas

“The dream of reason produces monsters."

- Goya