What's your favorite painting?

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cosmicfolklore

Moderator
Staff member
Aug 9, 2013
36,468
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Between the Heart of Alabama and Hot Springs NC
I've moved this thread to General Discussion. I apologize for not catching this sooner.

I used to study in the cathedral of PIcasso, until I found David Salle on a trip to NY in college. I can't choose just one of his, because I love them all.
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Then there is David's buddy, Eric Fischl, with his interweaving these strange narratives...

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But, I have been exploring printmaking since retiring the metalsmithing. I could rattle on and on, on printmaking.
 

WerewolfOfLondon

Part of the Furniture Now
Jun 8, 2023
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2,063
London
For me, Giotto's work marks an important turning point in Western art. Figures that occupy actual space, rather than the flat, one-dimensional figures that dominated byzantine religious art. He's grasping at perspective, but he hasn't quite got it. Whilst not an absolute favourite, this one is perfect for this time of year, a quietly devotional nativity scene. Merry Christmas one and all:

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Choatecav

Lifer
Dec 19, 2023
2,000
20,279
Middle Tennessee
For me, Giotto's work marks an important turning point in Western art. Figures that occupy actual space, rather than the flat, one-dimensional figures that dominated byzantine religious art. He's grasping at perspective, but he hasn't quite got it. Whilst not an absolute favourite, this one is perfect for this time of year, a quietly devotional nativity scene. Merry Christmas one and all:

View attachment 438823
Completely agree with on Giotto's impact on art. He was one of the pillars that ushered in the Renaissance in Italy. In Florence, they really drive his influence in on most of the tours. Especially when looking at the golden panels on the doors of the Baptistry that are in front of the Duomo. Also, the tower that he designed that is very near there. He was really a visionary.
 

WerewolfOfLondon

Part of the Furniture Now
Jun 8, 2023
660
2,063
London
Completely agree with on Giotto's impact on art. He was one of the pillars that ushered in the Renaissance in Italy. In Florence, they really drive his influence in on most of the tours. Especially when looking at the golden panels on the doors of the Baptistry that are in front of the Duomo. Also, the tower that he designed that is very near there. He was really a visionary.
I've always wanted to do the Renaissance tours in Italy. The one you describe in Florence sounds like a perfect starting point. I have seen one of his works here in the National Gallery in London, but have yet to see any in their natural habitat. Next year hopefully.
 

krizzose

Lifer
Feb 13, 2013
3,768
26,641
Michigan
For me, Giotto's work marks an important turning point in Western art. Figures that occupy actual space, rather than the flat, one-dimensional figures that dominated byzantine religious art. He's grasping at perspective, but he hasn't quite got it. Whilst not an absolute favourite, this one is perfect for this time of year, a quietly devotional nativity scene. Merry Christmas one and all:

View attachment 438823
I remember my art history professor telling the story of Giotto drawing a perfect circle freehand as an “interview” for a big commission. That story is probably apocryphal, but so good it doesn’t really matter
 

Choatecav

Lifer
Dec 19, 2023
2,000
20,279
Middle Tennessee
I remember my art history professor telling the story of Giotto drawing a perfect circle freehand as an “interview” for a big commission. That story is probably apocryphal, but so good it doesn’t really matter
He was brilliant. Michelangelo, DaVinci, Raphael and others get most of the print as masters of the time, but Giotto was called, "The Father of the Renaissance" for a reason. His impact was off the chart as discussed in this article:

 

SmokingInTheWind

Part of the Furniture Now
Mar 24, 2024
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New Mexico
He was brilliant. Michelangelo, DaVinci, Raphael and others get most of the print as masters of the time, but Giotto was called, "The Father of the Renaissance" for a reason. His impact was off the chart as discussed in this article:


This is a beautiful little book I bought years ago. It has a Giotto painting corresponding with each Mystery of the Rosary.

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anotherbob

Lifer
Mar 30, 2019
18,466
33,587
47
Central PA a.k.a. State College
Impressive collection of art here!

One of my favourite experiences with art was at the Museum of Art in São Paulo. They hang paintings so you see the front first, but the artist’s name is hidden on the back.

I watched people stroll past Bosch, Cézanne, van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet—totally unimpressed. Just another canvas.

Then when viewing the next row, they peeked at the back of what they just saw, noticed “Picasso” or “Rembrandt,” and suddenly it was like a celebrity sighting. Eyes popped, phones whipped out, photos snapped… and off they went about 4 seconds later, mission accomplished.

It was incredible how consistent it was—the art didn’t change, only the brand recognition did.

Pipes can be the same way: meh until you spot “Danish master.”

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I don't like the set up. It doesn't invite one to really take in the pieces. Though I like how the fancy man on the right side of frame looks like he's holding the other painting. That's kind of neat.
But the set up isn't comfortable either Feel like you have to watch not tripping into a painting, just doesn't invite the right kind of focus and attention to the pieces that they deserve.
 

anotherbob

Lifer
Mar 30, 2019
18,466
33,587
47
Central PA a.k.a. State College
Ask me again it’ll be a different answer.


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Edward Hopper, 1956


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Frank Stella, Harran II, 1967

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Mark Rothko.​
Has to be seen in person. No image I’ve ever seen even begins to convey this painting.
I think all art needs to be seen in person. But Rothko really does. There is a life and energy in those paintings that sounds pretentious but really just jumps out in person. It's complexity in detail and simplicity in design.
 
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anotherbob

Lifer
Mar 30, 2019
18,466
33,587
47
Central PA a.k.a. State College
I am not well-versed in the art world so I don't know what makes a piece technically good or worthy of praise but as Brian says on his podcast, I am the expert on my own opinion and I've always found this painting to be particularly captivating. This is Winter Landscape by Caspar David Friedrich.

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art appreciation is like taste in pipe tobacco. If you learn somethings about it you can have a deeper appreciation of your own experience. But at the end of the day it works for you or doesn't. Knowing too much can help or ruin it. I bet if you found out more about how that was made why they put things the way they did you'd get something out of it.
Playing art snob for a second I like the message. That spirit God whatever you want to call the divine can feel shrouded and mysterious and distant but also can be right there in the middle of your mundane life. You can find it in the blades of grass or in this case a pine tree.
 

anotherbob

Lifer
Mar 30, 2019
18,466
33,587
47
Central PA a.k.a. State College
I've moved this thread to General Discussion. I apologize for not catching this sooner.

I used to study in the cathedral of PIcasso, until I found David Salle on a trip to NY in college. I can't choose just one of his, because I love them all.
View attachment 435124

View attachment 435125

Then there is David's buddy, Eric Fischl, with his interweaving these strange narratives...

View attachment 435126

View attachment 435127


But, I have been exploring printmaking since retiring the metalsmithing. I could rattle on and on, on printmaking.
I love seeing a painter that was inspired by collage. I feel like the first artists work looks like paintings of collages and it's awesome. Funny thing would have totally walked past it, if I didn't say why does he like this. Glad I took a moment. Thanks for giving me another rabbit hole to get lost in.