Friday, December 24, 2010

Xmas Lights on Water

See a lot more photos of the Venice (FLA) Christmas Boat Parade. LINK
This looks like fun! Happy Holidays!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Flat Accordion

I'll probably be getting an ipad #2. Meanwhile, look what ipad #1 can do! Thanks, Gary P. of Ukulelia

Vaudeville at the Drug Store





I was transported back in time yesterday. Around the corner at my favorite drug store (Hirons), Whistling Mitch gave a special Christmas performance. He had a vintage Harmony ukulele, green with palm trees, you know the one. Sporting giant ears, hilarious Elvis wig or a crown of colored lights, Mitch played song after song in front of the candy racks, behind the leftover Halloween masks (now perfect costumes for New Year's Eve). I really liked it when he took out a rub vest in the shape of a neck tie and tapped out a tune with his thimbles. I was jealous and almost grabbed it to join in (washboard player that I am), but I got shy at the last minute. Here are the photos. Thanks, Mitch for an old-fashioned 5-and-dime experience.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

El més petit de tots



This figure was created by the sculptor Miquel Paredes i Fonollà (1901-1980) for the Comissariat de Propaganda de la Generalitat de Catalunya in 1937 as a symbol of the revolution and resistance of the Catalan people against fascism. It is of a child soldier who calls the fight against the rebels, with the name "El més petit de tots".
There was also a song (sheet music illustration by Lola Anglada), plus the figure could be used as a hood ornament (as shown in top image).

Friday, December 17, 2010

Monday, December 13, 2010

Illustrations of Little Red Riding Hood

Little Red Riding Hood by Walter Crane
Little Red Riding Hood by Edward Brewtnall

Little Red Riding Hood by Gustave Dore
See more by various artists at SurLaLune.
Such a classic tale. I would love to do one myself! The middle painting (above) is magical. I love all three interpretations shown here.

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

A Children's Book Author in my Family (1924)

Teddy Bear by Louis Glackens
The Sandman by Louis Glackens

"Tell 'Em Again Tales" (shown above) is the only picture book that my grandmother's great aunt, Marguerite Day, wrote. I was reminded of it today when someone on flickr (finsbry) posted an example of the illustrator Louis Glackens' work. I have one fragile copy at home. (I just saw another copy online at Aleph-Bet Books. )
I scanned a couple of loose pages: "The Sandman" and "Teddy Bear". The inscription reads "With Love From Aunt Marguerite Day, Oct. 16th, 1924". It's an oversize book and I don't want to scan anymore of it for fear all of the pages will come out. The writing is in the form of 16 poems and there are nice borders with B & W cartoon characters and some B & W pen & ink (wash) full page illustrations as well as watercolors like those shown above. Here is an example of the writing style:
The Sandman
The sandman comes
From Winky Blink town,
On a lazy white horse
He rides up and down.
He says, "Precious darlings,
With eyes full of sand,
Come ride away, off
Into Dreamland."

Now Winkety-Wink
And Blinkety Blink
Got up on their horse
Too tired to think;
In little pajamas
And eyes full of sand
They rode away, off
Into Dreamland.
Louis M. Glackens (1866- 1933) was an American illustrator, cartoonist and animator. He was the brother of the more famous William Glackens (Ashcan School painter and illustrator). Louis worked for "Puck" and was an early animating pioneer. Maybe I should add something to his wikipedia page which doesn't have much info! I seem to remember my grandmother reading these poems to us when I was little. Especially the one about the sandman!

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

Holiday Sale Extended for Letterpress Print (by Amy Crehore)

Special Holiday Sale on my new 3-color letterpress print, Shygal's Serenade: Only $45. with free shipping anywhere. (Click to Enlarge)
Each print is hand-signed and numbered by me and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
Another view of print showing texture.

"Physogs" (Card Game 1930)


Physogs
Originally uploaded by pilllpat (agence eureka)
Love this. Surreal novelty card game from the 1930s
called Physogs.
Thanks, pillpat (agence eureka).

Monday, December 06, 2010

Artist Links

"Song of the Sea" oil painting by Amy Crehore
This Japanese site has lots of interesting artists links that are fun to browse
(they include my art in their listing of favorite artists) LINK:

Saturday, December 04, 2010

Robin F. Williams Art at P.P.O.W. Gallery

"Tired Prince" by Robin F Williams 2010
P.P.O.W. Gallery (NYC) is featuring artist Robin F. Williams in an exhibition called "SEVEN" during Miami Art Week (made up of 7 galleries). She will also be having a show opening January 20, 2011 at P.P.O.W. LINK
She's a very intriguing and accomplished artist (and still so young). I would love to be able to see this show. This gallery represents so many of my favorite artists like Julie Heffernan (I received a fine catalog of her work in the mail yesterday) and Thomas Woodruff (I have his book, "Freak Parade"). What do they all have in common? Incredible painting chops and imaginations gone wild.

Friday, December 03, 2010

Carole Feuerman Makes Beautiful Bathers



Oil, Resin figures by Carole Feuerman: LINK
Not only are they realistic sculptures of the human figure, but they also appear to be wet. Her work is currently being exhibited in no less than 3 Miami fairs: Scope, INK and Art Asia.
Pretty amazing.
Read more on: wikipedia