Occasionally at fairs, exhibitions, and other art events, I am asked about the artists that I draw inspiration from. I usually respond by listing a few names--some more recognizable than others. Of course, being very visual, I always regret not having the chance to show while I tell. Since blog posts allow for visuals as well as text, I thought this would be the perfect venue to share some of the artists that have given me inspiration in some way, shape, or form. Here are my top 5: 1. Salvador Dali. Beginning in 11th grade, I became more interested in surrealism--particularly in the work of Salvador Dali. In college, I had a poster of one of his most famous works, "The Persistence of Memory," which I would often look at for inspiration and a brain break from my studies. 2. Pierre-Auguste Renoir. During my undergraduate studies, I had the opportunity to visit The Boston Museum of Art, where I fell in love with Renoir's "Dance At Bougival." I had loved this painting for some time, but found that seeing it in person took my breath away. The colors and the mood of the painting took my breath away. I remember staring at that painting in awe for what seemed like an eternity. Everything about the atmosphere Renoir painted lightened my spirits. I knew someday I wanted to create work that could brighten someone else's day. 3. Vladimir Kush. I came across the work of this Russian Surrealist artist while searching for an artist to write a paper about during my graduate studies. Kush is an incredible modern surrealist, and a few years ago, I had the opportunity to visit one of his galleries on the island of Kauai. His imaginative compositions are incredibly inspirational to me in my own work. Below is the first painting that I ever viewed, "African Sonata"--the piece that became the subject of my graduate project! 4. Dave McKean. I first came across Dave McKean's illustrations in one of Neil Gaiman's books. I loved his mixed media collage approach to illustrations, as well as the dark edge to some of his work. 5. Marc Chagall. I first became acquainted with the work of Marc Chagall when I graduated from my undergraduate studies and began teaching art in a public charter school. I was immediately drawn to the imaginative compositions, colors, and folk art-nature of Chagall's work. One of the lessons I did with my students was about Chagall's painting, "I and the Village" (one of my favorites!). There are so many other artists that have been, and continue to be inspiring to me as an artist. Truth be told, I am finding inspiration on a daily basis, as I continue to familiarize myself with artists--both old and new. Their creativity challenges me to grow and push myself to new levels in my work as an artist. No matter the style of art, or the material used, there is always something to gain from studying the work of another artist. So, fellow creatives and art enthusiasts, I encourage you to keep your creative mind ever open to new ideas and inspiration! It can be found EVERYWHERE!
Cheers,
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWelcome to the whimsical world of Tara Pappas' mixed media art! Thank you for stopping by to view samples of my work and read a little about my adventures as an artist. I am always looking for new ways to connect and grow as an artist, so would love to hear from you if you have any questions or interests in a particular piece. I hope that my work brings you inspiration and joy! Archives
February 2019
Categories
All
|
©2024 TARA PAPPAS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
|