The Earliest Pieces of Etruscans Sculpture

The Etruscans were a people living in north central Italy form the 8th century onward.  Before the middle of the 7th century, they occupied an area of west central Italy bounded on the east by the valley of the Tiber and on the north by the Cecina River.  These were the regions of classical Etruria in which the Etruscan civilization reached its height in the 6th century B.C.

The very earliest pieces of Etruscan statuary are flat rectilinear figurines from Vetulonia and Capodimonte di Bolsena.  These figures ocur in later contexts in the Regonlini-Galassi and Bernardini tombs, both of which contain pieces in a more advanced style which cannot have developed much later.  These are figures of women in pigtails and long skirts depicted in a style not unlike that of north Syrian, although this female type, copied in ivory and amber, is certainly local.





The above is just a bit of art history trivia that you may find interesting.  Art enjoyment comes in many forms - that of today's modern paintings and art appreciation of older eras.  Discovering art of the past is a great way to appreciate and learn about the art that is created in today's world.  Ancient styles are copied or used as inspiration for today's artists.  Art history styles sometimes repeat in today's art world. Find some of my own works of art at:  Dee Phillips Galleries

Are you interested in becoming an artist?  Do you want to refine your art techniques? Get Real Art Lessons, ebooks and DVD's, by Artist Delmus Phelps to get instructive information On How To Make Photo-realistic Paintings. Create realistic paintings in oils of flowers, still life...and much more!  Click Here!

Art Trivia - Who was Antoine Etex?

Antoine (Tony) Etes was a French sculptor, painter and architect.  His two sculptures "Peace" and "War" stand at each side of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.  He was born in Paris in 1808 and died in 1888.  He is also famous for a large allegory painting "The Glory of the United States", which he painted for City Hall in New York City.  His best-known architectural works are the tomb of Naopoleon I in the Invalides and a monument of the 1848 revolution.

Get Recognition and Make Money Selling Your Art

Do you love to draw? Do you love art? Do you love to paint? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, you probably already dabble in painting, drawing or other artwork. You may love to create sculptures -- from clay, wire, metal or other materials. Whatever your art passion is, you may want to know how to sell your artwork. Selling your artwork not only makes you money, but also enables you to share your artwork with others -- and that is a VERY rewarding experience. If someone likes your art enough to pay money for it, then you can feel like you have succeeded as an artist.

Don't be a starving artist with no recognition for all your passionate hard work! Learn how to sell your artwork and get the praise and feeling of recognition that you deserve. After all, you have put hard work and creative effort into your artwork piece.

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Art Auctions - Drawings

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Art auctions for drawings are categorized into antique, modern and contemporary. Antique drawings are any drawings that were produced before 1900. Modern drawings have to have been created between 1900 and 1949. Contemporary drawings are drawings that were created from 1950 until the present.

There are a lot of contemporary drawings listed in art auctions that never get a bidder. There are many reasons for this. One of the main reasons is that the starting bid is set so high that it discourages interest. There was an art auction for a drawing that was created in 2000 that depicted James Dean welcoming Elvis Presley into heaven. The starting price for this art auction was twelve million dollars. I am not surprised that it did not get a bidder.

I found another pen and ink drawing in an art auction that was listed for a lot more than it was worth. The original listing started at $825,000.00 and when it didn’t sell, the artist lowered the price to $545,000.00. He offers the copywrite to the design, which he thinks would translate well for prints, posters or greeting cards.

There was an art auction for a drawing that was purchased in 1971 London that did very well. The seller of the drawing inherited it from his grandfather, who was the original owner. He started the bidding at a reasonable $599.00 and the drawing ultimate sold in the art auction for over twelve thousand dollars. He did a great job describing and picturing the drawing.

Antique drawings in art auctions can garner a lot of interest. I saw a drawing of two men in the nude that was drawn in the 1800’s go for more than eleven thousand dollars. This drawing was pen and ink and had a brown wash and traces of charcoal on lines of black pencil.

I was very taken with an antique drawing made by Sir Francis Grant in 1832. The drawing in the art auction was of a woman and her daughter in Scotland. The drawing was a signed original and sold for two thousand dollars. I hope that it ends up framed and hanging in a collection of similar pieces. It was really nice.

Another reason that art auctions for drawings don’t sell is that they are listed in the wrong categories. I found several contemporary pieces that were listed in the antique category. With so much competition in art auctions, it is important to make sure every detail is noticed.

Modern drawings are by far my favorite art auctions. I wanted the stamped Degas I saw up for auction, but it was way out of my budget. I’m sure that the person that ended up with the highest bid at the art auction will love and treasure it.

Well known artist’s drawings can fetch a lot of money in online art auctions. If the title of the art auction contains the words original Picasso, for example, it is sure to go over two thousand dollars. If the item is signed, it can go for much more.

I really liked a drawing I found in an art auction from an artist that I was unfamiliar with. The artist was Patrick Caulfield and he titled his drawing Grapes. He used colored pencils on black paper in the late 1980’s. This drawing sold for the opening bid, $4,250.00.

Give an Art Portrait for Christmas

If you want to give a truly unique and heart-felt gift to someone special this Christmas, now is the time to order an art portrait.

Done in a combination of acryllic and pencil crayon, this art portrait would make a beautiful Christmas gift. All you have to do is submit a color photo of your loved one, and I will take it from there.

The likeness of your loved one in the art portrait will be done on 8 X 11" paper and will be in full color.

Cost for the art portrait is only $55.00 (single subject) plus shipping.

If you would like an art portrait done for someone you love this Christmas, email me at phillipsdee@ymail.com.

Artists - Ways to Become Inspired

If you an artist you know it happens -- you get artist's block. You get to a point where you don't know what to do next. Sometimes this is as a result of too many projects going through you head, or sometimes you just feel tired and can't think of anything you want to paint. (I speak of painting, but this can also relate to sculptors or other types of artists). It feels as though you have hit a brick wall and there is nothing left in the world that is interesting or unique.

So, what do you do to break this block?

One way is to turn to nature. Go for a walk along a woodland path. Take a stroll through a park. Heck, even turn on one of the nature channels on T.V. Everytime I turn to the nature route, I find something interesting to set off my creative juices. I am not strictly a nature painter -- I paint a lot of people -- but nature still thrills me and inspires me in all my painting. I can see a young girl sitting underneath that canopy of leaves in the woods. I can see a fairy sitting on that mushroom beside the rotting log. I can see an angel in flight through the blue, blue of the summer sky. You get the idea!

Another way to become inspired is to read the history of another artist. Even if you don't paint like that particular artist, some of the details in their work can inspire you to try different things in your own work. Perhaps their use of color, or the way they have incorporated an object as a symbol in their painting. Maybe its how they painted what was the normal everyday life of their time. Or possibly something in their style of painting that you always wanted to try--now may be the time.

You can also try a different medium. If you are a painter, try sculpting a little. If you make jewelry, try sketching clothing designs in pastels. This could not only lead you to new ideas in your own work, but may turn you on to a new phase of art.

There are many ways to combat artist's block. Look around at the world you live in and try new things. I guarantee there is a world out there that only needs a new way to look at to help you become inspired.

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Art Trivia - Who was Albert Besnard?

Albert Paul Besnard was a French painter and etcher, born in Paris on June 2, 1849. His work revealed adherence to French academic tradition mingled with contemporary influences, especially English. Some of his early works, such as "Procession des Seigneurs de Vauhallan" displayed a romanticized classicism derived from Ingres, of whom he was a pupil.

Besnard seems to have originated the technique in his works of suggesting form by coarse cross-hatching while omitting the closed line.

Albert Besnard also made many impressive portraits in oils, etching and pastels. He also did frescoes in the Ecole de Pahrmacie and the Nouvelle Sorbonne.

Besnard was director of the French Academy from 1913-1921 in Rome and of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris after 1922. Besnard died in Paris in 1934.

The picture at right is a portrait done by Albert Benard entitled: "Madame Roger Jourdain"

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My Own Artwork

Since this is my art blog and I am an artist, I thought you may like to see some of my own artwork. You can view it at: Yessy-Denny Phillips Art Gallery

The picture shown is called "Maria". It is a pencil crayon drawing of my sister at a young age.

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Art Trivia - Art Sales in 1969

Did you know that a Rembrandt self-portrait was purchased from the private collection of Col Heywood-Lonsdale and went to the Norton Simon Museum in Los Angeles in 1969? The museum purchased the piece for 483,000 pounds from Christie's in London.

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Put Your Art Talent to Work

If you love to paint or draw (or sculpt or whatever), you can also use your talent to earn money. You can make a living doing what you love to do.

Many artists find a personal satisfaction in their art creation. But artists also like their work to be appreciated. There is no greater satisfaction than when someone is willing to pay for what you have created. You can feel a sense of pride of accomplishment that your work is good in someone else's eyes as well as your own.

It isn't enough just to WANT to sell your artwork. Selling your artwork is a business that you have to work at, just as anything else is. You have to get your artwork in front of people so that they can see it before then can buy it. And that takes a bit of work.

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You can be an appreciated artist and you can make money as an artist. Put your art talent to work for you!

Art Trivia - Learn About John Steuart Curry

Today's art trivia focuses on John Steuart Curry, a U.S. painter whose art reflected the social and aesthetic values of the depression years of the 1930's. He was born on Nov. 14, 1897 and died in 1946.

After returning from a jaunt in Europe, he won recognition for his works "Hogs Killing a Rattlesnake", "Baptism in Kansas" and "The Tornado" (along with other works). As you can see his subject matter was definitely American oriented, and his style reflected a new expression of the energy of American life. Favorite subjects of his were the circus, the landscape and traditions of where he lived and the spectacle of American sports.

Curry taught at Cooper Union in New York at the Art Student's league and was the artist in residence at the University of Wisconsin from 1936 until his death.

The picture above of his work is titled: "Study for Oklahoma Land Rush".

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Art Trivia - Who was Adam Elsheimer?

Because this is an art blog, you can probably deduce that Adam Elsheimer was an artist of some kind. In fact, he was a German painter (1578 - 1610) who was considered one of the founders of the modern landsacape painting. He was a pupil of Philipp Uffenbach, and was also influenced by the Frankethal school, by Gillis van Coninxloo and by the Valckenborghs. He work was also influenced by Giovanni Bellini, and Giorgione, as well as Rubens, who was his good friend.

Elsheimer's works are typically small landscapes containing mythological or bibilical figures. They are painted on copper and undated, making it difficult to establish an accurate chrolology. One one of them is signed, "The Flood" (Frankfurt). Other famous paintings of his include "Myrrha" (Frankfurt) and "Philemon and Baucis" (Dresden).

Elsheimer also did a few etchings which were early copied, imitated and reproduced as prints. He was reputed to be a fine draftsman, executing his designs with a vigorous stroke. The picture shown is "St. Agnes".

So now you know....

Artists of past and present have always wanted their works to be seen and appreciated. Artists then and now want their works to sell. If you would like to learn how to sell your own artwork, try How to Sell Your Art Without Selling Out

Art Trivia - Who was Francois Duquesnoy?

Did you know that Francois Duquesnoy was a Italo-Flemish sculptor usually called Il Fiammingo? He was born in Brussels but lived in Italy. His actual date of birth is unknown (about 1592-1594) and he died in 1643. Along with Alessandro Algardi, they represented a more conservative influence within the baroque movement. His two most famous works were the monumental statues of St. Susanna (at Sta. Maria di Loreto in Rome) and of St. Andrew (found in the crossing of St. Peter's).

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Art Trivia - Donatello

Of course you know the name Donatello. He was one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, right?

Did you know that really Donatello was a famous Italian sculptor (c. 1386 - 1466) and one of the founders of Renaissance Art? He learned his craft of stonecarving from one of the group of sculptors working for the Florence cathedral in about 1400. His own style of sculpture, although developed around the style of Lorenzo Ghiberti, displayed revolutionary boldness.

Donatello's genius for sculpture is displayed prominently in his two marble statues of "St. Mark" (1411-13)(shown at right) and "St. George" (1415 - 16) which were created for niches on the exterior of Or San Michele, the church of the Florentine guilds. It was in these two sculptures that the human body, in striking contrast to medieval art, was rendered as a self-activing, functional organism and the human personality was displayed with a confidence in it own worth. The figures can stand on their own legs, physically and spiritually.

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Art Trivia in the Year 1968

1968 offered three exciting art exhibits staged in Paris, France. The first was devoted to Picasso, the second to the treasures of Tutankhamen's tomb and the third tothe work of J. A. D. Ingres.

The Picasso showing was France's official tribute in celebration of Picasso's 85th birthday. The huge exhibition included 284 works displayed at the Grand Palais, 508 drawings, ceramics and sculptures viewed at the Petit Palais, and a selection of graphic work and illustrated books shown at the Bibliotheque Nationale.

The Tutankhamen showing was opened in Mid-February of that year and included a spectacular exhibition of priceless treasures from the young Egyptian king's tomb (lent by the Cairo Museum). Objects included jewelry found on the king's body when his tomb was discovered in 1922, the famous solid gold funeral mask, and a life-size wooden figures that guarded the entrance to the burial chamber.

The 100th anniversary of the death of the Neoclassical painter, Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres was celebrated by two major shows in France. The first, entitled "Ingres et son Temps" was held at the Musee Ingres at Montauban, southwestern France (where Ingres was born). The exhibition contained 160 paintings and drawings by Ingres and 145 works by his teachers. In autumn another exhibition opened in Paris at the Grand Palais, which was a splendid review of Ingres' work. The picture shown is a self-portrait done by Ingres.

To view my artwork go to: The Hojt-Tonte Gallery

Selling Your Artwork

Being a creative person isn't easy. Not only do you want to create something, such as a piece of art, you want to be able to share it with the world. After all, these are your feelings, your expressions, your thoughts put into a medium. They are important to you, and you want others to appreciate your work.

Some people may not understand that that is why you want to sell your art. It is not just a money-making proposition. Everyone wants to be appreciated for the work that they do. Artists also want to their artwork to be appreciated and thought about.

There are many means of selling your artwork - just about as many as the types of art that you create. Not any one way is good for everyone. Some artists may choose to sell their art in a gallery setting, while others may choose an online focus. Some artists prefer art fairs or their own art store. Some artists may choose to sell their works strictly through an agent. Whatever way you choose to sell your art, there is a way and means for you to do so that suits you and your personality.

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Sell Your Artwork!

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Art Trivia - Photographic Art

Photographic art was brought into being because several 'artists' had a need to create art, but had an inability to draw. Among those were Josephy Nicephore Niepce, who was led to photographic art becuase of his inability to draw on lithographic stone. William Henry Fox Talbot was another whose inability to draw when doing his research let him to photographic art.

Louis Jacques Mande Daguerre, and artist and scene painter, presented an illusiionistic Diorama in Paris and London which showed enormous painted views that had changing light effects. He used a camera to make preliminary sketches which thus led him to photographic art.

Photographic art was also influenced by being able to create multiplying quantities of pictures (lithography) and with semi-mechanical means of picture-making, for example the silhouette and the physionotrace.

Photographic art is now an art in its own right. One can find fantastic photographics that are definitely works of art, but one can also find photographs that have been manipulated into art forms. Photographs are also used in creating artwork like collages.

To view my artwork, which includes some art photography, go to: The Hojt-Tonte Gallery

Art Trivia - Pablo Picasso

Did you know that Pablo Ruiz Picasso, the initiator of Cubism, was born on October 25, 1881. His father was also an artist and was a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Barcelona. Picasso received his first lessons in art from his father.

The painting shown is called "First Communion".

Art Trivia - Futurism

Filippo Tommaso Marinetti (1876-1944), an Italian poet and dramatist published in Figaro of Paris, the first official manifesto of Futurism. Futurism was about (in general) the love of danger, the admiration for speed in machines, the glorification of wars and general destruction of the past (including museums). He wanted to free a rising generation of painters, sculptors and literary men for more expression in their crafts.

Along with a number of writers, the Futurism movement gathered 3 young painters, Umberto Boccioni, Carlo Carra and Luigi Russolo, who were later (in 1910)joined by Giacomo Balla and Gino Severini. Futurist pictures have been compared with a frozen motion picture or a series of superimposed candid camera shots or stroboscopic photography. The most direct example of Futurism is in Balla's work from 1912 "Dog on Leash" (shown)which depicts a sequence of multiple positions of moving forms of a small dog being walked.

To view my artwork, go to: The Hojt-Tonte Gallery