We all have a favourite color, a favourite food, a favourite actor or actress.  Well, what about a favourite artist (whether literary or visual) that we admire?  This is a place we can share and learn a bit more from each other. 

Now you're wondering how it will work?  Simple.  Post a few comments about that artist without giving it away altogether.  It's then up to the rest of us to guess who that artist might be.  The first one who guesses correctly then chooses the next artist to be 'discovered' by the rest of us.  Let's have fun with it!  I'll start:

 Name That Artist!

• Mexican painter
• Contracted polio at age six
• Involved in a bus accident
• Known for self-portraits
• Nickname was 'the dove'
• Active communist sympathizer

- chameleon

I know! I know! That would be Frieda Kahlo!!! OK, my turn:  who is this famous painter and sculptor?

• born in Tuscany to a Jewish family
• struggled much with very ill health and poverty (I know ... most artists have!)
• very close to his mother and influenced by her to pursue art
• most famous works contain long oval faces
• died age 35 of tuberculosis, complicated by poverty and alcoholism

-sooz

We have a winner!  Sooz, you guessed right - Frida Kahlo (1907-1954).  Anyone wanting to know more about her can visit http://www.fridakahlo.com/bio.shtml

- chameleon

“  ...from the day that he abandoned himself to certain forms of debauchery, an unexpected light came upon him, transforming his art. From that day on, he became one who must be counted among the masters of living art.[20]  ”

The answer is Amadeo Modigliani.

Now here are your clues:

• Like some of his famous predecessors, - Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Dürer and Holbein-, was left-handed.
• was born in Leeuwarden, the Netherlands, as the fourth and youngest son of a civil engineer
• most famous for his tessellations
• said, “What I give form to in daylight is only one per cent of what I have seen in darkness.”
• during his lifetime, made 448 lithographs, woodcuts and wood engravings and over 2000 drawings and sketches
• Apart from being a graphic artist, he illustrated books, designed tapestries, postage stamps and murals

Can you name that artist!

I must admit that I was so intrigued by the word "tesselations" that I googled it, otherwise I would not have known the answer to this one.  But I will give someone else a turn to answer...

For a fun and educational journey, go to http://www.tessellations.org/ 

~sooz

Hi everyone,

What an interesting and fun site you found, Sooz!  The artist's comment that, ""Filling the plane has become a real mania to which I have become addicted and from which I sometimes find it hard to tear myself away" could be just about any artist's woeful cry, couldn't it?! 

If no one answers, Sooz, jump in with the answer and we'll just keep this post "Running on a fast train to Georgia"!  Yay, Lori, for choosing such an intriguing and skillful artist.  I envy the artist's ability to render amazing perspectives and imaginary landscapes.  Can you imagine completing 2000 drawings not including close to 450 linocuts, woodcuts and lithos? 

chameleon

I am not positive, but it certainly sounds like Escher to me!

I won't post my challenge until I am told I am correct.

Hugs ~~  Aunt Bobby

Yahoo, Aunt Bobby --- you've guessed it!  Post the next "Name the Artist" and we'll post our best guesses or answers.

 For everyone's interest, an artwork that you'll probably recognize as one of the world's most prominent graphics artist, M. C. Escher, entitled "Drawing Hands", Lithograph, 1948:

 - chameleon

Yes, Aunt Bobby, you are correct!  It is Maurits Cornelis (MC) Escher (1898-1972).  The official website is here: http://www.mcescher.com/.  There are SIX wonderful galleries of his work to view. This is a fun game and a great way to learn and share about our favorite artists!  Thanks Chameleon!  OK, ready for your challenge Aunt Bobby! Oh, I guess we should also post at least one of our favorite pieces of art by our Name That Artist once he/she has been identified -- so here is one of my favorites from Escher:

Mobius Strip II  1963 Woodcut in red, black and grey-green, printed from 3 blocks.

Born in Lawrenny, south Wales.

Piloted fighter and bomber aircraft in the RAF during World War II

Was jockey to Queen Elizabeth

Produced a novel a year from 1962-2000, missing only 1998

Received the Mystery Writers of America's Edgar award THREE times

Vowed to quit writing when his wife died in 2000, but to the delight of his many fans, he broke that vow with a new novel in 2006.

Is that enough?

Frida Kahlo of course!

Loved your movie theater marquees of the Link Latte winners!

Chris<><

http://artellacafe.com/blogs/creative_inspirations_2/default.aspx

 www.creativeinspirations.blogspot.com

You're right, EtsyKetsy!  So -- post your challenge!

Dick Francis' most recent book, Under Orders, is one of his best.  And if you have not read Dick Francis' books, I really envy you the pleasure that awaits you.

Hugs ~~  Aunt Bobby

Okay, here's my challenge:

* Spanish born

* Mother died of breast cancer

* Made a film with Luis Bunuel

* Best known as a Painter, but was also a Sculptor, Writer, Photographer, Fashion Designer

* Married to Gala

Hope I've given enough clues! :-)

auntbobby:

You're right, EtsyKetsy!  So -- post your challenge!

Dick Francis' most recent book, Under Orders, is one of his best.  And if you have not read Dick Francis' books, I really envy you the pleasure that awaits you.

Hugs ~~  Aunt Bobby

That would be Salvador Dali ! 

~sooz w