Photographer of Paris, Brassai (1899-1984)

Backstage at the Folies-Bergere 1933 by Brassai

Brassai's wanderings around the cafes and bars of Paris at night brought him into contact with many of the artists and writers living in the city during the early 1930's. He established friendships with Picasso, Giacometti, Sartre, and Henry Miller. He published a book of night photographs in 1933 called, Paris de Nuit. Check out this great website:

Masters of Fine Art Photography

When I was in art school, I took a lot of photography and filmmaking classes. I did not start painting seriously until after I graduated. I consider myself to be a self-taught painter with an early background in photography. This has given me a greater sense of composition and story-telling and a desire for finding surreal elements within reality.

Try the amazing Powell's books in Portland, OR for books

about Brassai or anything else your little heart desires.

The Art of Amy Crehore

In Honor of Women

This brief post is dedicated to all women who have lost their sparkling youth to sadistic men. Hopefully they can heal, perhaps through art therapy. May they laugh again and discover their inner strength. May they love again with all of their heart. May they never look back.

The Art of Amy Crehore

The "It" Girl

Why is Louise Brooks so much more amazing than ANY woman in cinema today? Or any woman in fashion, music or theater? Why, why, why? For one thing, she's natural. She's got heart. She doesn't have tattoos. She doesn't have clown make up on. She's not hardcore. She doesn't have fake boobs. She's got class. She's got style. She's got guts. She's fearless. She's beautiful. She's unique. She stood up to the phonies and the copycats. She's got that certain something that is sorely lacking in today's world. We need her more than ever. Go buy the newly restored dvd of Pandora's Box.

The Art of Amy Crehore

Notecannons Nationals

Photo courtesy of Notecannons.com

We have one of these rare ukuleles at home: a 1928 National Tricone Style 1. We thought it was a National mandolin because of the body and often wondered why it had a uke neck, but then finally realized that it is indeed a uke! This is just one of many Nationals in our collection. They are all Art Deco gems. I might have to paint a National guitar, uke or mandolin into my next painting. Here is a great site to just look at them all:
Notecannons
The Art of Amy Crehore

Andromeda

"Andromeda" by G.O.W. Apperley 1917

I like this stylized nude by British artist George Owen Wynne Apperley (1884-1960). More paintings at Apperley-Art .

(Thanks to Internet Weekly)

The Art of Amy Crehore

Mark Ryden News

Beautiful Kirsten of Roq La Rue Gallery wrote up a blurb on the new Mark Ryden "Tree Show" that opened in L.A. this past week. She included pics of the opening.

Check out That Ain't Art blogspot.

(via boingboing)

The Art of Amy Crehore

Circus Family

Picasso 1905 Drawing, Circus Family

I love Picasso's line drawings. This one has a cat in it doing the typical cat rub. Small gestures and details like that are what make the composition special. I am locked away in my studio this week working on a new painting and I have put everything else "on hold" until I finish. Things like cleaning, answering emails, paperwork, etc. have been put on the back burner for now. Stay tuned.

The Art of Amy Crehore