Favorite Artists

Favorite artists
I've only listed a few of my favorite artists below because the many artists and styles I like are too numerous to mention. There are aspects of almost every style or period that are aesthetically pleasing to me in one way or another.
However, one kind of art I don't particularly care for is non-western art - specifically African, Asian and Oceanian - mainly because these styles are too formulaic and display very little individuality.

Composition VIII
Composition in Yellow, Red and Blue

One notable figure in the category of fine art is the Russian-born Wasily Kandinsky. (1866-1944) His style of painting was very revolutionary for his time. The unique nature of his compositions is evident in his remarkable sense of balance between organic and geometric elements, as well as the use of a full palette of colors.
He was also one of the first artists known to incorporate impressions of music into his compositions. In his studio, he would often play music and visually depict it as he heard it.
Like James Abbot McNeil Whistler (1834-1903), he would often entitle his works "compositions" instead of giving them other titles. His most vibrant compositions were done during the "jazz age" during the 1910's and 20's and the excitement and vibrancy of the age can clearly be seen in his works.


One of my favorite illustrators and cartoonists is Windsor McCay. (1867-1934) His "Little Nemo in Slumberland" cartoons depict the main character, Little Nemo, who is swept away into a dreamlike fantasy world. McCay's surreal landscapes, fantastic architecture and bizarre characters are masterfully drawn and convey a sense of intricacy very few have imitated. A very innovative man for his time, McCay was also the first to do an animated cartoon in 1909 entitled "Gertie the Dinosaur".

	The Jolly Flatboatmen	Country Politician	Order No. 11
Another artist whom I find fascinating is the American-born George Caleb Bingham (1811-1879). He is pictured here in a self-portrait done around 1835. Living most of his life in Missouri, his unconventional style and subject matter give us a unique and sometimes humorous insight into the character of the people living on the frontiers of early America. Unlike static portraits or picturesque landscapes done during his lifetime, Bingham brings to life the vitality and adventruresome spirit predominant in the early years of our country. Although he never abandoned painting even until his death, Bingham became involved in politics in his later years. Even though he supported the north during the Civil War, his outrage at Northern aggression can be seen in Order No. 11. A radical departure from his previous works, this dark, melodramatic painting depicts the atrocities inflicted upon the people of Kansas at the hands of Federal authorities.

	Composition VIII	Composition in Yellow, Red and Blue
One notable figure in the category of fine art is the Russian-born Wasily Kandinsky. (1866-1944) His style of painting was very revolutionary for his time. The unique nature of his compositions is evident in his remarkable sense of balance between organic and geometric elements, as well as the use of a full palette of colors. He was also one of the first artists known to incorporate impressions of music into his compositions. In his studio, he would often play music and visually depict it as he heard it. Like James Abbot McNeil Whistler (1834-1903), he would often entitle his works "compositions" instead of giving them other titles. His most vibrant compositions were done during the "jazz age" during the 1910's and 20's and the excitement and vibrancy of the age can clearly be seen in his works.