My Apologies To Anthropologie / Channelling Paul Klee
“Art does not reproduce the visible; rather, it makes visible.” ~ Paul Klee
The Passing Time
I’ve been laying low the past while. Last month I suffered a concussion playing hockey and I’m still pretty foggy. I haven’t been able to watch TV, be on the computer, or exercise. To pass the time, I’ve been rediscovering my art books … and I created the above image.
Channeling Paul Klee
Paul Klee is one of my favourite artists and I’ve always loved flipping through his books. His ideas and artwork really connect with me. Some of the titles of his paintings are like snippets from a whimsical song and I’ve always been fascinated by his use of colour, shapes and personal symbols. Below are a few of his inspirations behind my image.
Paul Klee Images: Ancient Harmony (top left), Ad Marginem (top right), Ad Parnassum (bottom left), Comedians’ Handbill (bottom right)
Van Gogh’s Mosaic Brushstrokes
I have a few gorgeous coffee table books of Van Gogh’s paintings. His creations of night skies are mythical and legendary. A major inspiration is his brushstrokes in the painting Starry Night Over the Rhone. I’ve enclosed the image below with a zoomed detail. Check out those big blue brushstrokes … they reminded me of pasted “collaged” squares.
Photo Collage and David Hockney
A few years ago I also purchased a beautiful book called Hockney’s Pictures. I was familiar with Hockney’s photo collage imagery, but I was really blown away by some of his recent paintings. Seriously, check them out. It might be a wonderful surprise. Enclosed below is one of his photo collage images.
My Apologies to Anthropologie
My sister loves the clothes from Anthropologie and my wife started receiving their printed catalogues. I was really impressed by the art direction, photography, colours and textures. To create my image, I started snipping out swatches and glueing my colour chips together. Below are some of the wonderful imagery that I hacked up. Once again … My apologies ;-P
Copyright Note:
I only own the copyright for the top image. I do not own any other images in this blog post. They are shown for research and educational purposes only.
Steppy’s House at Grandma’s House
Jade created a fun drawing for Grandma and hung it up on her fridge.
I Am Gingerbread Chewbacca
A goofy creation of mine during our “Art Time” with my nieces and nephews at Grandma’s.
Jade’s Hotel Transylvania Birthday Party
Happy Boo-Day !!!
My daughter Jade absolutely adores the animated movie Hotel Transylvania.
It made a super fun theme for her 4th birthday party.
Enclosed are a few memorable pics from the day.
Group Mural
The party craft was a giant 8 foot wide poster.
Each kid drew a monster and decorated their own bat.
Even some parents joined in the fun.
In the end, the mural was like a HUGE card for Jade.
Group Photo
Everybody smile !!!
Jade and her happy friends with their finished product.
Pin the Head on Frankenstein
Jade was the 2nd closest.
The game was a “monstrous” hit with all the kids !!
Birthday Cup Cakes !!!
Of course, no party is complete without some sugary goodness.
Jade had a great time but was COMPLETELY exhausted by the end.
She went to bed at 4:30 that afternoon … And didn’t wake up until 5:oo the next morning !!
The Only Flame In Town
Doodling with some Elvis Costello 80s music in the background.
Hockey Weekend Time !!!
Just another typical Canadian weekend on the ice.
Sandy City Day Dreams
Finally some nice weather.
So, we gathered our gear and went to the playground.
Our imagination went wild as we created a new city and world.
I mentioned I might’ve seen Luke Skywalker … Poor Jade didn’t get the reference.
Mmmm, perhaps it’s time to introduce Star Wars / 1970’s style.
Jade’s Home and Workspace
Our family almost always paints or draws at our kitchen table.
We’ve thought long and hard about how to best integrate our family’s art space and material.
Firstly, we wanted to incorporate Jade’s art into the work space.
We also wanted our art resources / materials to be easily accessible.
For a final touch, we envisioned Jade’s paintings in our living room.
Last month, we went to Ikea and purchased some Expedit bookshelves.
For us, it’s a perfect space solution.
Today, I put up Jade’s art in our living / working area (pics below).
Christmas Center of Attention
Three is such a wonderful age and Jade has been fascinated by our Christmas tree.
Our family stares at the lights for hours and we talk about the all different ornaments.
There are a few gifts under the tree and Jade likes guessing what they are.
It’ll be so fun around the tree and finally unwrapping our presents.
Drawing with Icing + Candy
I think our family has a new Christmas tradition!
Jade and I hammered on the icing and candy. Yum!!!
Our drawings have never tasted sooooo good !!!
Drawings For Jade 