From Graffiti To Gallery

If the only thing you know about graffiti is what you see scrawled on walls and trains, you need to hit the Internet and get introduced to this parallel universe in the art world. Many an urban artist has made the cross-over to the gallery and for many, that transition has matured their style and sharpened their skills. HENSE is a young writer from Atlanta and his story is an easy one. Visit his Website, click on Video and get to know him.

And you're sure to enjoy this interview (with studio pics) at PURGE.

This image is from KNOWN Gallery.

New Interpretations of Pointillism

You'll notice two things, right off, about Mellissa Read-Devine's paintings. The brush strokes tend to be big and she's not a slave to the pointillism; painting whatever area needs to be painted in whatever way necessary. The results are refreshing and her views tend to be intimate, quiet and simple.

This image is from her Blog and you can also visit her Website.

Gettin' Jiggy

There's no doubt that Karl Hyde pretty much lets loose when he paints using calligraphic gestures and graffiti stylings. Sometimes he uses normal supports, like this piece on watercolor paper, but he's been known to just grab pieces of cardboard or whatever else catches his fancy. As for mediums, he stretches things a bit and shows us the possibilities of unusual products and procedures.

This image (and more) is from an interview at abstract critical.

You'll see some interesting works on his page at Bernard Jacobson Gallery and installation shots from his Exhibition. (be sure to click on the e-catalogue at the top of the page)

You'll find a very interesting work at White Hot Magazine.

But the best overview of his oeuvre is his Flickr stream with 84 pics.

Visual Maestro

This picture pretty much sums up Allen C. Smith conducting business; the business of making art. His brush strokes are very fluid and I'm sure that like me, you too are reminded of calligraphy. Even though his work could fall into several categories, Allen's paintings are all about gesture and action; but with control. Graphite, watercolor, acrylic and oil are mediums that he easily turns into visual delicacies. And even though they're "easily read", if you'll take just a moment, they will pull you into a beautiful and surprising world of relaxing rhythm. Actually his paintings work in several ways - soothing and calming or refreshing and exhilarating. "The joy of painting" seems to permeate his work.

This image is from his Blog and you'll certainly want to visit his Website.

Electric Pointillism

Isn't it great that just when you think you've seen and understand it all, something new comes along; an artist decides to question the status quo.  Leo Villareal presents us with a very entertaining iteration of electricity and light and does it beautifully. In fact, he's another one of those thoughtful artists who takes his craft seriously; working studiously to make beautiful works that provoke us to think/not think.

You can visit his Website, but like me, you may experience technical difficulties. Another choice would be an Google Image Search or Video Search where you'll find the twenty eight minute video of his Show at the San Jose Museum Of Art.

Paint Balls

When does a dot become a spot; when does a spot become a ball? Monika Steiner paints balls and spots, or however you want to categorize these orbs and sets them in an atmospheric haze, complete with drips.

Visit her Website for more images and information.