Art & Blog

Blog Posts On All Things Art + The Artwork Of Cindy Yeoman

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My Personal Picks of the 2016 LA Art Show - By Cindy Yeoman

The beauty of the Los Angeles Art Show is its accessibility to a wide range of investors and visitors. Despite a significant showing of international galleries, this years show was distinctly LA in all its eclectic glory. Visitors reveled in over the top performance art played out in all corners of the venue. Artists were on hand to generously share their artistic process and gallery directors were affable and welcoming. It was essentially an LA party with some pretty decent art on show. With that in mind my picks this year are distinctly SoCal* with my star pick of the show being the only exception.

No piece spells SoCal more than California artist, Jason Avery’s Xanax and Cola. As mid century styling takes center stage in design circles, this piece captures the low-slung California ranch house with the confidently cool LA girl taking center stage. It was no surprise seeing a sold sticker on this piece early in the show.

Mexican born LA import, Miguel Osuna’s ‘Suggested Serving’ is a beautifully kinetic work painted in a pearlescent blue oil pigment. There is fluidity to his brushwork that is hypnotic as the reflections of light play on the shapes he creates. Alongside other exhibiting artists, he was on hand to interact with his audience, a valuable an oft-missing element at these shows.

Julio Reyes is an important artist who creates important work. LA born and raised, many of his works capture the soul of the city’s residents, people who persevere through adversity, sorrow and uncertainty. ‘The Falconer’ is a stunningly crafted work with its mix of realism and abstract, its balance of color and a narrative evoked by its subject matter. This work took center stage in a quality lineup at Arcadia Contemporary this year. Good news for LA is that Arcadia is in the process of migrating to the city from New York. 

Los Angeles is the beneficiary to a vast diaspora of immigrant artists in and around the city. One such artist is Russian born Zhenya Gershman. Her large-scale portraiture is created with the perfect blend of classical technique and modern attitude. Her exquisite use of light and shadow in ‘Bereshit’ speaks to her vast knowledge and study of the Dutch master, Rembrandt.

Andy Burgess drew in the crowds with his group of hard edge, graphic studies of California homes. In 'California Cool' (as in all his works) each color is carefully rendered in vivid brights alongside meticulously assigned neutrals. His color vocabulary is impressive especially in his depiction of water. 

The work of Malcolm T. Liepke has graced the LA art scene for many years. A prolific artist, he is a fixture at the show every year. The gesture, flow and mastery of color in ‘Cover Up’ had this artist resisting a powerful urge to bring the work home.

Set apart and on the periphery of the exhibit, as if somehow disconnected from the show was ‘The Poacher’, a large-scale work by Swedish born, Odd Nerdrum. I have studied his work for years. So it was with immense pleasure that I got to study one up close. In my opinion he is the closest artist we have to a modern day Rembrandt. For me, from a purely artist’s point of view and differentiated from the SoCal vein of this blog, it was the star of the show.

The beauty of the LA Art Show is that it has something for everyone. In many ways it echoes the diversity and inclusivity of its host city, as it seamlessly blends modern/contemporary and vintage art in one venue. The Show exhibits both marginal and skillful artworks alongside the other and keeps crowds of all ages coming back for more each year.

 * SoCal – (Southern California)

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My Personal Picks of the 2016 LA Art Show - By Cindy Yeoman

The beauty of the Los Angeles Art Show is its accessibility to a wide range of investors and visitors. Despite a significant showing of international galleries, this years show was distinctly LA in all its eclectic glory. Visitors reveled in over the top performance art played out in all corners of the venue. Artists were on hand to generously share their artistic process and gallery directors were affable and welcoming. It was essentially an LA party with some pretty decent art on show. With that in mind my picks this year are distinctly SoCal* with my star pick of the show being the only exception.

No piece spells SoCal more than California artist, Jason Avery’s Xanax and Cola. As mid century styling takes center stage in design circles, this piece captures the low-slung California ranch house with the confidently cool LA girl taking center stage. It was no surprise seeing a sold sticker on this piece early in the show.

Mexican born LA import, Miguel Osuna’s ‘Suggested Serving’ is a beautifully kinetic work painted in a pearlescent blue oil pigment. There is fluidity to his brushwork that is hypnotic as the reflections of light play on the shapes he creates. Alongside other exhibiting artists, he was on hand to interact with his audience, a valuable an oft-missing element at these shows.

Julio Reyes is an important artist who creates important work. LA born and raised, many of his works capture the soul of the city’s residents, people who persevere through adversity, sorrow and uncertainty. ‘The Falconer’ is a stunningly crafted work with its mix of realism and abstract, its balance of color and a narrative evoked by its subject matter. This work took center stage in a quality lineup at Arcadia Contemporary this year. Good news for LA is that Arcadia is in the process of migrating to the city from New York. 

Los Angeles is the beneficiary to a vast diaspora of immigrant artists in and around the city. One such artist is Russian born Zhenya Gershman. Her large-scale portraiture is created with the perfect blend of classical technique and modern attitude. Her exquisite use of light and shadow in ‘Bereshit’ speaks to her vast knowledge and study of the Dutch master, Rembrandt.

Andy Burgess drew in the crowds with his group of hard edge, graphic studies of California homes. In 'California Cool' (as in all his works) each color is carefully rendered in vivid brights alongside meticulously assigned neutrals. His color vocabulary is impressive especially in his depiction of water. 

The work of Malcolm T. Liepke has graced the LA art scene for many years. A prolific artist, he is a fixture at the show every year. The gesture, flow and mastery of color in ‘Cover Up’ had this artist resisting a powerful urge to bring the work home.

Set apart and on the periphery of the exhibit, as if somehow disconnected from the show was ‘The Poacher’, a large-scale work by Swedish born, Odd Nerdrum. I have studied his work for years. So it was with immense pleasure that I got to study one up close. In my opinion he is the closest artist we have to a modern day Rembrandt. For me, from a purely artist’s point of view and differentiated from the SoCal vein of this blog, it was the star of the show.

The beauty of the LA Art Show is that it has something for everyone. In many ways it echoes the diversity and inclusivity of its host city, as it seamlessly blends modern/contemporary and vintage art in one venue. The Show exhibits both marginal and skillful artworks alongside the other and keeps crowds of all ages coming back for more each year.

 * SoCal – (Southern California)

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Personal Picks for Context Miami 2015 by Cindy Yeoman

In amongst the twenty art shows featured in and around Miami's art week, was the gem that is Context, a show dedicated to emerging and mid career artists. Unlike the tony Art Basel where the serious art viewer has to wade through loads of exorbitantly priced, heavily marketed investment art in order to find the gems, it was great to see a show exhibiting the work of artists steeped in core skills, something that has been somewhat absent in contemporary and modern art over the last century.

Blank Space Art put on an impressive showing of Seung Mo Park’s sculptural wire pieces. At around 9ft tall, the large scale, ethereal wire mesh portrait ‘Maya’ stole the show. The wire is cut in layers and creates a mesh that appears like a delicate fabric. Coupled with his wire thread sculptural figures, Seung Mo Park is both master sculptor and craftsman.  

 Katrin Gunther, represented by Berlin based Wichtendahl Galerie gave the viewer large scale, constructivist urban landscapes that can best be described as ordered chaos. Compositionally flawless, the narrative reveals itself in the disparate content of elements within the structure of the work.

Jonathan Levine Gallery exhibited the wonderful work of Brad Kunkle. He perfectly meshes a background in core skills with a conceptual approach that gives his body of work a surrealistic edge. In ‘Unseen’ he effectively uses metallic leaf without overwhelming the work; thereby giving the viewer the feeling of a living work as the light plays off the leaf.

Born in 1985, Leah Yerpe is one of a great group of younger artists emerging with solid drawing skills. She skillfully weaves this knowledge into compositions rich in form, giving the observer multiple insights into her subject’s state of mind. To say that these works are beautifully rendered is an understatement. The graphite and ink work are perfect. Leah is represented by Anna Zorina Gallery in New York.

Axis Gallery introduced the viewer to South African born photographer Graeme Williams. The theme of his work is revealed in a cohesive series’ that is best viewed as a group. The work displayed below is from his ‘ A City Refracted’ series. It speaks to a socially fractured society, where groups of people lead separate lives based on cultural, economic and ethnic identities. He is that rare breed of photographer who is able to capture the essence of his subject matter without resorting to digital manipulation.

Other notable works were the gentle innocence captured in Francois Bard’s, ‘ Far Away’; Pezhman’s ‘Seraph’ where exquisite digital photographic manipulation is combined with textural elements that make the work kinetic; and the meditative minimalism of the young Acya Koseogullari’s untitled black and white piece.

My picks for this show lean heavily toward skill based work highlighting the figure, portrait and works in black and white. This speaks to a personal yearning to see the art world move away from what I see as the intellectual con that ‘anything’ can be considered fine art.

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Atelier Trained Master Artists - Honoring the skills of Stephen Gjertson, D. Jeffrey Mims, Steven J. Levin, Jeffrey T. Larson, Kamille Corry and Stephen Bauman By Cindy Yeoman

In a world where almost anything posing as art is acceptable, it is refreshing to stand back and applaud the artists who have spent years perfecting drawing and painting skills in the traditional classical academies. Although well regarded in representational art circles, they often take a back seat to the hype surrounding the practitioners of conceptual contemporary art.  

Stephen Gjertson has spent years educating the public on the mission of the classical realists.  In ‘Sentinels’ he beautifully captures a segment of the American family where a resolute older brother keeps guard over his younger sibling. The work echoes American childhood games while channeling American history and the second amendment.

It was D. Jeffrey Mims ‘India’ that inspired me to pursue life-drawing classes. It is a great example of mastery in figure and  portrait. Seeing his work up close is a lesson in structure, brushwork and composition and every single piece he does is impeccable. He is the founder and director of the The Academy of Classical Design.

Steven Levin creates a diverse body of work. Although trained extensively in the atelier tradition, one is reminded of the great American artist Edward Hopper in some of Steven’s work including ‘Coming and Going 2’ that captures the ‘nocturnal emptiness’ of the scene. What makes his work exciting is that he does break out of the classical mold and creates some distinctly modern pieces.

Accomplished in landscape and figure, it is Jeffrey T. Larson’s still life compositions that truly set this artist apart. ‘Reflections’ is one of many stunning examples of his work where his technical ability is enhanced by sublime color choices and a whimsical composition.

Kamille Corry, European trained and a former student of D. Jeffrey Mims is accomplished in portrait, still life and floral works. However, her ability to capture and celebrate the sensuous beauty of the female form in all shapes and sizes is where her work truly shines.

The continuance of the atelier tradition relies on the notion that the student becomes the teacher. Stephen Bauman, like many of the artists profiled, continues that tradition by teaching at one of the satellite locations of the Florence Academy of Art. His imaginative realism paintings carry a 21st century sensibility and an uncanny connection to the soul.

As art schools continue to dismiss the discipline of academy training and students flock to the conceptual art programs, the ateliers face an uphill battle attracting students’ patient enough to put the time in to learn solid drawing and painting skills. What will never change is the respect for the skills of the academy trained artists and their ability to create beautiful art that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. 

To find a comprehensive list of traditional ateliers go to https://artrenewal.org/pages/ateliers.php

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Sketching practice - can never get enough. After Sorrolla by Cindy Yeoman. #joaquinsorolla ,#cindyyeomanfineart , #sketch, #sketchbook ,#male ,#artoftheday ,#illustration,#illustration ,#artpractice ,#drawing ,#instaart ,#myart

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Road Trip Art - Discovering an eclectic variety of artwork on the road from Eugene, Oregon, through the coastal towns of Southern Oregon into Mendocino County, California by Cindy Yeoman

Drive me through any region in the world and I will find art. The winding roads from Eugene, Oregon down the southern Oregon coast into Mendocino County, California, provided the backdrop for this collection of artwork. The art is as varied and eclectic as the roads travelled, from depictions of the unspoiled natural beauty of the region to the artwork on show in local galleries, online and in museums.

There is no greater artform than the beauty of the natural world. It seems that the more beautiful the location, the more difficult it is for artists to capture the scene with the same dramatic impact.  The sculptural sea stacks dotting the beach at Bandon, Oregon stand as giant sentinels facing the vast Pacific Ocean. Photographer Christopher Soukup artfully captures the mysterious and soulful majesty of the sea stack known as Wizard’s Hat. His creation of a black and white silhouette combined with the isolation of the rock heightens the grandeur and presence of this otherworldy natural sculpture.

The Decorative Arts are arguably one of the most ignored genres in the art world. In a world cluttered with throwaway furniture, Victor Dinovi’s creations in various exotic woods are a feast for the senses. His Tete-a-Tete double seat bench combines fluid and delicate lines yet is built strong enough to serve its purpose of good seating. Victor is both master artist and craftsman whose work deserves exhibition in our finest museums.  http://www.victordinovi.com

Walking through the giant redwood forests evokes a sense of man’s smallness in comparison to these statuesque columns. *Harry Pollitt’s brilliant redwood sculpture ‘Infinity Rising’ gives life back to a once felled redwood, organically enhancing its form with sinuous muscles as if pushing new growth. www.pollittstudio.com.

An impromptu coffee break in Gold Beach, Oregon brought me face to face with Elmo Williams photograph ‘Strong Shoulders’.  The simple image of a strong, masculine man gently carrying his daughter on his shoulders spoke to the importance of the father, daughter bond; one that is too often missing in a daughter’s life. While drinking my coffee an older gentleman at another table caught my attention. It was only when researching the photographer once home, that I realized that the gentleman was **Elmo Williams, now 102 years old. How I wish I had known to ask him about the story behind the photograph. (Mr Williams has no website hence the posting of my research photo).

Stumbling upon the University of Oregon’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art in Eugene was a highlight of the trip. Thoughtfully curated, it features extensive holdings in historic and contemporary art including sizable and important Asian collections and is a must see for anyone visiting the city. It was here that I discovered American photographer, Brett Weston (1911-1993).  His 1972 composition of pine needles and snow is one of many thoughtful abstracts available for viewing at [email protected] or www.brettwestonarchive.com

Eugene resident, Olga Volchkova’s The Nature of Religion series initially takes us into the bygone world of religious icon painting – precise, skillful and detailed. Look a little closer and the viewer is drawn into her respectfully irreverent compositions, where she takes the tradition of icon painting in a modern direction. In Saint Hops, the artist draws on her Russian roots where beer is often paired with crawfish. She further adds the pretzel to draw on the American experience of pairing beer and pretzels. Visit www.jsma.uoregon.edu or her website www.olgalaxy.com to explore more of these modern iconographic gems. Each piece is equally delightful and exquisitely rendered.

The beauty of traveling to open road is being open to whatever the journey brings, without expectation or preconceived notions. Finding this eclectic group of artists who have captured the spirit of this beautiful region in all its quiet beauty has been a joy.

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___________________________________________________*Harry Pollitto found the redwood for this piece in Ohio at a barn sale. The wood most likely came from California. Given that this particular blog is about travel, I found it interesting that this piece of redwood had travelled so far from its origins.

**Elmo Williams is well known as a film editor for movies such as The Vikings, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and High Noon for which he won an academy award.

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Water Forest II - Copyright 2014 Cindy Yeoman. Inspired by reflections while kayaking in #hanalei , #waterforest, #cindyyeomanfineart, #abstractart, #artlover, #calm, #trees, #art4all, #artwork

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Oh Cruel Gods Of Infertility - Copyright 2015 Cindy Yeoman - Spending a quiet Sunday afternoon putting the finishing touches on Oh Cruel Gods Of Infertility while listening to Bon Iver. #illustration, #artlover ,#surrealism ,#fertility,#figuredrawing, #art4all,#abstractart

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Investing In Art That Feeds The Soul - by Cindy Yeoman

Investment in art takes many forms. For some it is no more than a risky financial gamble. For others, it is solely a means to cover empty wall space in home decor. However, investing in a piece of art that speaks to the soul is probably the most overlooked investment in the art world. It is an investment that oftentimes gives the buyer most bang for the buck. Owning a piece of art that resonates on a personal level will reward the viewer on a daily basis. The artwork below is a compilation of individual works by both emerging and established artists that have resonated with me personally over the past year.

Few animal artists get to the heart of their subject more effectively than Southern Californian artist, Peggy Ludington. She speaks of developing a spiritual connection with the creatures she paints, a connection most often visible in the eyes of her subject. As with most of Peggy's works, 'Flight Lesson' tells a story that keeps the viewer guessing and coming back for more.

Finding quality artwork on the web is not easy but well worth the search when an artist of the caliber of British artist, Pippa Young pops up. She effortlessly combines a classical aesthetic with modern elements, giving her work an enviable level of depth in both skill and creativity. Pippa consistently produces work that I would like to take home. ‘Approaching Entropy’ was my first introduction to her work and one that continues to delight. 

Purchasing quality prints or giclees from artists is an affordable way to own artworks that speak to the soul. James Jean, both multi talented artist and marketing powerhouse has introduced 48 hour sales of signed, limited edition illustrations, as he did recently with ‘Pescados’. For a hundred dollars it was great to purchase a signed print with the added benefit of knowing that it will never be reproduced again.

Emerging artist Anette Power produces works that speaks to both family and the Southern California coastal experience. An artist who works tirelessly at honing her craft and marketing her work, my expectation is that collectors of Anette's work will steadily gain momentum. Her painting ‘Good Knight’ invokes the joy of a child on a summer vacation and the permission to stay up late. The interplay of language and image gives this work an added dimension; in this case night/knight that is symbolized beautifully in the image of the chess piece.

An introduction to the photography of Howard Ehrlich came through an exhibition at a local art guild, an often overlooked but affordable way to view and purchase art, most often with the added benefit of meeting the artist in person. Howard’s work ‘Tim#1’ balances the technically proficient composition of the work with a sensitive handling of the subject. The idea that when the chips are down, skills built up over a lifetime can provide respite, speaks volumes in this depiction of ‘Tim’.

My favorite piece of the year is ‘Rediscover, Not Recreate’, by South African born photographer, Johnson Tsoku Maela. This piece was showcased in a previous blogpost, The Autumn Art Scene in Cape Town, South Africa. This evocative portrait resonates on multiple levels culturally and reaches far beyond its African theme. With a limited edition of 5 and affordably priced, it a welcome addition to my collection. Find Johnson on Instagram at Tsocu.

I discovered an abstract work online titled ‘Falaises Noires’ by French artist Frank De Blok a couple of years ago. It is a painting that keeps me coming back for one more look. Personally it resonates more on a technical than emotional level. However, occasionally that is enough of a reward on investment. 

A truth best taken to heart is that the majority of investments in art are unlikely to appreciate in financial value over time and inexpensive, mass-produced works do nothing more than fill space. However, investing in a piece of artwork that resonates personally, will with each viewing pay back on a daily basis with years of enjoyment; thereby feeding the soul.

Please contact the above artists directly through their websites, emails or galleries to make enquiries regarding purchases, shipping costs and possible commissions. 

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At some point in the future I would like to showcase the favorite works of my readers, both art lovers and artists. Please email me with an uploaded image and description of why a particular piece of art speaks to you personally. Submissions can be sent to my email at [email protected].

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Limited Edition prints now available on www.cindyyeoman.com

$60.00 small

$99.00 large

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Limited Edition small size print 100, numbered and signed by artist Cindy Yeoman. Professionally scanned and printed on Archival Epson Professional Hot Press Natural paper. Unframed. Shipping free in the United States. Approx size of image: 9" w x 7" h

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The Masters of Drawing and 'Time Put In' - A tribute to the late Glen Orbik -by Cindy Yeoman

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A few years ago, while attending classes, I witnessed breathtaking, weekly figure drawing demonstrations by the recently deceased American illustrator, comic book artist and teacher Glen Orbik. Within twenty minutes he would produce masterful pieces of work. One day, feeling hopelessly inadequate as an artist, I pulled him aside and asked if it was possible for me to ever reach the level of skill he had demonstrated. Without hesitation, he replied that it was possible, but boiled down to ‘time put in’ - Sage advice that I neglect more than I follow. As a result, I still find myself reverently in awe and envy of the great masters of drawing both classical and contemporary for the ‘time put in’ honing their drawing skills. 

Taking classes with Glen Orbik completely changed my approach to drawing the figure and instilled in me a deep appreciation of the artists/illustrators working in animation and comic book art. I had previously taken classes that stuck to a very traditional, classical approach to drawing the figure. The comic book/animation illustrators take that classical training and exaggerate it, giving it a dynamism, attitude and energy that take the figure to another level. 

That being said, the purely classical masters both past and present continue to inspire me and remind me that oftentimes doing drawing study's before launching into a painting will often result in a better composition. Here forth is a sampling of a few of my many favorites. The brilliant Italian Renaissance artists’ Raphael 1483-1520 and Leonardo Da Vinci 1452-1519 as well as German born, Albrecht Durer 1471-1528.

The dynamic and sensual work of Flemish artist, Peter Paul Rubens 1577-1640

 The wonderful figures and portraits of US based classical artists’ and teachers D. Jeffrey Mims and Juliette Aristedes.

I can’t get enough of the contemporary works of artists’ James Jean and Carl Krull right now.

James Jean is the poster boy for ‘time put in’ when it comes to his craft, from practicing and producing numerous works in his Moleskin sketchbook, creating major paintings and murals, self publishing books and by fuelling a solid marketing engine. Follow him on Instagram for surreal, illustrative gems that will take your breath away. He also has a number of videos on youtube. 

Danish born Carl Krull’s painstaking line work is a feast for the senses. He creates incredible time-lapse videos of most of his work that speak to ‘time put in’ and skill of this artist. These can be found on his website, www.carlkrull.dk.

The works of these amazing artists and the lasting legacy of the wonderful teacher that was Glen Orbik has inspired me to spend my summer putting in the time to hone my drawing skills under the guidance of drawing manuals created by Glen Vilppu, Michael D. Mattesi, and Anthony Ryder. The hope is that I will have the fortitude to go beyond the summer and put in the time necessary to reach a greater level of skill. I hope all artists who read this blog will join me in this endeavor.

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Books:

Vilppu Drawing Manual by Glenn Vilppu

Force – Dynamic Life Drawing for Animators by Michael D. Mattesi

The Artists Complete Guide to Figure Drawing by Anthony Ryder

Lessons in Classical Drawing – Essential Techniques from Inside the Atelier by Juliette Aristedes

Xenograph by James Jean (Coming out in September 2015)

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Celebrating the Supreme Courts decision to legalize gay marriage in all 50 states with one of my favorite works to date. #gay-marriage,#abstract-art,#modern-art,#LGBT, #supreme-court, www.cindyyeoman.com Copyright 2014 Cindy Yeoman

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Copyright 2014 Cindy Yeoman Digital Composite www.cindyyeoman.com

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Marriage of Souls by Cindy Yeoman Copyright 2015 Cindy Yeoman www.cindyyeoman.com

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Artist and Blogger, Cindy Yeoman's personal picks of artwork on display in Cape Town, South Africa