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Don't expect this to be an oil painting (there is no texture). This is a color copy, thin paper mounted on a frame and similar to those black and white prints you would find at Walmart for $29.00. It does take up wall space though, but I recommend not to make this a focal point in your room.

Reviews

The painting are completely beautiful and I can't wait to hang them. The only issue I had was that the colors were not as bold as they seem in the picture listed for the product. I specifically bought them for the bold red's and the subject matter, but what I got seems faded. I wish I could have seen an enlarged picture of this before, at that time I didn't even think about it. I just fell in love with what I could make out of the picture upon seeing the thumbnail, and being a fusion dancer, the boldness depicted in the painting, struck a chord in me and I decided I wanted the painting.

Reviews

I was soooooooooooooooo impressed with all the performances, but I was absolutely bowled over by Ed Harris' interpretation of "Jackson Pollock, the Artist." WOW! I was quite impressed. If you aren't familiar with "Pollock," the Artist and his Art, chances are that you wouldn't be seeking out his biography, unless you were a fan of and searching for, an Ed Harris film to watch. Personally, I was aware of both, but have to admit I was a fan, more of the latter than the former. The life of "Pollock" is shown in all the beauty and horror (mostly inner horror) that this troubled Artist experienced. His wife, played by Marcia Gay Harden, was his main support system, both professionally as well as in his mostly alcohol lubricated role as husband. This was (to me) the strongest part I have seen Mr. Harris perform. I am now researching all of his movies to broaden my experience with his talent.

An excellently made film about a disgusting man who some would say is a gifted artist. Sorry, but his life exemplifies a drunkard with psychotic tendencies. The final straw is when he kills one young girl and severly injures another while taking his own life in a drunken accident. If you want two hours of drunken hypocrisy, Pollock is your bag. DRR

"Pollock" is an underrated masterpiece by actor/director Ed Harris. It is a mesmerizing portrayal of the 20th century's most polarizing artists. Whether you enjoy or dislike Pollock's paintings, this movie is quite moving. Ed Harris studied the character of Pollock deeply--the rough Wyoming artist who hit it big in New York City. He shows Pollock in all his aspects--from an admirable artist to a violent alcoholic to an overweight womanizer. Marcia Gay Harden is equally great as Pollock's pained wife, Lee Krasner. "Pollock" is not only historically accurate, but authentic when dealing with the characters' emotional struggles. Pollock is not without his faults--alcoholism among them. Harris' real-life wife, Amy Madigan, stars as socialite Peggy Guggenheim, and Val Kilmer stars as Willem De Kooning. Jennifer Connelly appears later as Pollock's much younger mistress, who supplants Krasner in Pollock's passions. "Pollock" is an artful work, painting on the big screen!

Jackson Pollock was not a likable person. He was an alcoholic, an adulterer, an egotist and simply a plain jerk. He also was a pioneer in the field of modern art, so he became famous and hence, even had this movie about his life. I found it very interesting. Ed Harris was a good choice for the role. Harris, who looks like Pollock, did a fine job of portraying this "tormented" soul, a word critics love to use for famous artists (see Van Gogh). ****possible spoiler**** This movie actually inspired me to become an artist and I did a handful of Pollock imitations, several of which actually sold for a decent price. I love Pollock's work, and I enjoy character studies of people on film, but this gets a little sordid as the film goes on with a definitely-unhappy ending. Hat's off to Marcia Gay Harden for her performance as Pollock's wife. She has the New York City accent down pat. She is shown worshiping her husband and it's painful to see her get hurt. The story is a bit soap operish but if you enjoy art, and especially Pollock's work, you'll find this story fascinating.

I don't know what the reviewer "Gordon Larko" is smoking. For some reason, he feels compelled to leave the EXACT SAME horrible review and 1 STAR rating for all GAY-THEMED movies. Probably a "personal problem" of his. Hopefully this review will help correct this imbalance. I can't believe AMAZON is allowing this GAY BASHER to use their website as a venue to spread his hate. By the way, This is an absolutely WONDERFUL movie!

Reviews

Great for Teachers- good review. A bit fast for some Comm college students and for some reason the narrator put them to sleep. You should judge for yourself- classes/students may be different. I suggest a video that integrates in lively fashion, artists life and times with the work. This is more a "list" of his works.

I'll have to agree with the other reviewers. The DVD quality is lackluster at best and I was disappointed by the fact that they didn't delve too deeply into Kandinsky's life with interviews of experts or perhaps even some visuals of the places he called home in Germany and Russia. On the other hand, to be fair, I was constantly comparing this DVD to a big budget DVD I own about Rousseau that I picked up at the National Gallery of Art during last year's exhibit of Rousseau's work. What I can say is that I was pleased to see some of my favorite "Composition" paintings presented. Kandinsky's work is utterly wondrous and even a mediocre DVD can't hide this. The colors, the spiritual depth, the sophistication yet simplicity of the form - Gosh, it was great. At the end of the day, I got more out of buying this DVD - both with regard to the entertainment as well as educative benefits - than I would a visit to the local movie theater. I wish they'd do a whole DVD on Kandinsky's work "Concerning The Spiritual in Art" - that would be great. Here's a quick tip: try buying a copy of the DVD from one of the other sellers (Just click on "used and new"), the quality is just the same (as a new one) and the price will no doubt be better. Even if the DVD isn't what you'd prefer it to be, it shall certainly prove worth the small spend. I hope this review is helpful... Enjoy the art!

I really enjoy a DVD about the art and artist such as the Alberto Giacometti DVD. The artist lives not only though his art but his own voice and that of his friends. Kandinsky is a steril DVD. If the art was not so compelling, for me this presentation would get 1 star. Buy only if Kandinsky's work compells you, not his life.

Russian painter Wassily Kandinsky is generally regarded as an originator of abstract painting and one of the most important innovators in modern art, both as an artist and as a theorist. He only started painting when he was 30 after training as a lawyer in Moscow, suddenly abandoning his home and profession and traveling to Munich to study art. His talent quickly tested the constraints of art school and he began exploring his own ideas. Beginning in 1903, his work was exhibited throughout Europe and often caused controversy among the public, critics and his contemporaries. Kandinsky's unrelenting quest for new forms produced works of a great many styles. His earlier works, both abstract and figurative, are characterized by a romantic superabundance of brilliant colors and complex patterns. In the 1920's, his work took him to the extremes of geometric abstraction, with sharply etched outlines and clear patterns. In very late works, Kandinsky blended the free, intuitive image of his earlier years with these geometric forms to create a more elegant, beautifully balanced style. Accompanied by spectacular images of the artist's greatest work.

Reviews

This is a great film and I recommend it for all looking to know more about Paul Klee. However, the narrator's voice is not very inspiring and, though one grows used to it, could have been much better. Also, he pronounces "Kleeee" instead of "Clay", which is confusing. The documentary aspect is sort of lame - there's no real talk of the era, only some mention of contemporaries, and he's died within the first ten minutes. However, the film gives you lots and lots of Klee's art, close up and beautiful. You get lots of titles and dates and plenty of close up art. There is even a bit of art historian style interpretation of the art, its execution, drawing attention to some details, styles, and only a wee little bit about the man. But just to sit there and look at art, with thumb hovering near the pause button is delightfully rich and rewarding, and I recommend it with this approach.

This documentary presents hundreds of works by the artist. It is a narrated slide show. The commentary is very detailed, competent, and comprehensive. It includes extensive biography mixed with a very professional painting analysis encompassing influence of other artists with examples of their works. The quality of video and sound is good.

Almost a second after mentioning his date of birth, the narrator states when Klee got married. At three and a half minutes, the date of his death comes up. One never gets to see a photo of the artist (cameras did exist at that time). So this was almost entirely about his work. They stress his musical background. I think his work was meant to create a type of synesthesia. They mention so much painting that he did in the 1910s, but World War I never comes up. Maybe he was a purposely apolitical artist. Eventually, the narrator mentions Picasso and cubism, but schools and fellow artists hardly come up. If you like dry, but deep, art lectures, then this is for you.

The images on the DVD aren't as clear as you'd like. The biography is cursory. There is no linkage with museums/cultural sites. There is no investigation of how Klee developed his unique style. If you are buying to show to elementary students, it'll do. It sure didn't jazz my socks.

Reviews

This book, & Rolina van Vliet"s other publication, "Painting Abstracts", is loaded with information & exercises to spark new ideas & hone the artist's skills. Both books are written in a very down to earth, 'reader friendly' style, as if you were in the midst of a terrific workshop!

This book introduced me to the world of abstraction with the best articulation of the creative process. Great exercises to learn to express subject matter abstractly.

This is a well-written treatise on the validity, elements and process of abstract painting, but the style of the paintings within is a bit dated and unappealing, and even annoying. I do like the daily exercises, which I do with Caran d'Ache watercolor sticks in a watercolor sketchbook, but again, I do not like the images, which are all too much the same with what I consider little, if any, originality in composition or color. Just make a few scribbles on a piece of paper, and color them and this is what you get in the book. However, once I do the exercises, which do stimulate my own originality, I can then choose to do a painting on canvas of them, and in that regard, the book has been an impetus to my own work. The text is thoughtful and interesting and provides a sound basis for any abstractionist's artist statement. The merits of the book are in the text, not the images, which are redundant and boring.

Ms. van Vliet puts you through your paces in a slow, very-deliberate fashion and takes you into many realms of abstract art. This is a great "idea" text...and her directions are simple to follow. I include it among a select few books that I consider primers in moving into abstraction. Great images.

A disappointment. Unlike her earlier book on abstract painting, this one dwells little, if at all, on the practical aspects of making a painting. Indeed, early in the book Ms. van Vliet says there are no how-to-do-it instructions because abstract art comes from within, and we must not be constrained. I don't know about the rest of the world, but I read these painting guides to learn how to paint. The author seems to have discounted her readers' motivation in buying her book. Instead of instruction, she gives us endless convoluted riffs about the more spiritual and philosophical aspects of abstract art. Many of the photographs of paintings are badly done: fuzzy or out of focus. And many of her works she chose for the book are hardly exhibition quality; a few are just plain awful. I know it's difficult to talk about technique in abstract art because there are essentially no rules: anything goes. But let me at least understand how YOU do it, Ms. van Vliet -- then I'll go on to chart my own path. I'm giving this book two stars because there a few worthwhile nuggets, though they are few and far between.

Reviews

"In transgressing and lying against the LORD, And departing from our God, Speaking oppression and revolt, Conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood." -- Isaiah 59:13 Kandinsky's life is a fascinating study in political, social, and artist revolt within a spiritual context. There can be few parallels for his experiences and actions during the first half of the twentieth century. While I knew the outlines of those themes before reading the catalogue's essays, those factors are now burned into my consciousness in a way that allows me to see more in Kandinsky's work. That was the greatest gift of this book. The second greatest benefit came in seeing so many of his works reproduced in mostly chronological order, making it easier to understand his geographical periods and subperiods within them (as he described them). I admire whoever planned the catalogue for assigning so many essays from so many different perspectives. The combined effect is to cast light on many parts of Kandinsky's life and art that might otherwise have remained hidden in the shadows because the brilliant color of his triumphs eclipsed those aspects. I particularly commend the extended, well illustrated chronology compiled by Annegret Hoberg. Well done! The catalogue will also serve as a permanent reminder that I can always expect to see some wonderful Kandinsky paintings whenever I visit the Guggenheim in New York. Alongside all that praise, I do have some constructive suggestions. I believe that the essays could have been either edited or coordinated in order to make them a lot less repetitive. A number of the authors appear to have been under the impression that no other sources of information would be in the book. Naturally, when looking at an exhibition catalogue, especially for a major one like this, I would like as many plates as possible in the largest possible size. This book doesn't deliver as well as it might have in those dimensions. To keep the cost down, the page size is smaller than for a major show. Within the size that is presented here, many of the works are reproduced in quite small size. That's a major missed opportunity for the many works that display the kind of fine detail that would have made Miro proud. Unless you are a Kandinsky scholar with many works already, I still commend this work for your purchase.

This is a decent book, with very good reproductions. I made the mistake of concentrationg on the essays without really looking at the paintings before heading off to the Guggenheim, which is ninety miles away. I realized immediately that I was in trouble, especially with Kandinsky's abstract paintings. It was not a wasted trip because I knew that I needed to look closely at the individual paintings before returning to the Guggenheim. I did look at every Kandinsky painting in the book, please note that only about thirty percent of the paintings are discussed in any detail. There is no discusion of the other paintings in the book. But, I know Kandinsky's work from years ago, so I was able to use my prior knowledge to understand most of the painting. My second visit to the Guggenheim was a success - a great success, but only because I figured out how to get the most out of this book. The four stars are really for the quality of the reproductions. They are so good that, on a few occasions, the reproductions look better than the paintings.

In what should have the ultimate Kandinsky book is instead a major let down. The book starts off great, the cover is a nice composition and the circles are actually die cut circles in the white cover to show the colored circles underneath. After that about 2/5 of the book is devoted to critical analysis of Kandinsky. I could have done without this part in exchange for more artwork. The book itself is small in size for an art book which is a problem considering the complex compositions of Kandinsky's paintings. Once you get to the plates there is, unfortunately, too much white space around the images. So you effectively get reproductions that are postcard size---much too small to really enjoy the artwork. Because of the small illustrations I'm giving this just 1 star. There aren't a lot of Kandinsky books so you don't have much choice out there. I ended up passing on this and give it a recommendation only for the die-hard Kandinsky collectors.

This is an all-inclusive catalogue (printed in Germany) of a major triple exhibition of 100 of Kandinsky's large oil paintings. Differing from Munich and Paris the Guggenheim opted for a small square format. Making this a much lighter, more easily handled tome than usual - and a perfect fit for Kandinsky's predominately squarish paintings. As one would expect it has immaculate colour reproductions and extensive biographical essays by 3 leading Kandinsky authorities. All of which reinforces how fortuitous it was for both Samuel R Guggenheim and Kandinsky they formed a business relationship whereby his most forward-looking art left Europe for the New World. Although the New York Times art critic wrote enthusiastically about the staging of this exhibition what one cannot accept is her initial remarks suggesting the Guggenheim has a tedius obligation to dust off its Kandinskys every 20 years to remind America there once was this austere Russian guy who invented Abstract Art. The implication being his work remains largely incomprehensible - except to a snooty clique who despise pretty sofa pictures. I'll admit her comment "Kandinsky never met a diagonal he didn't like" was amusing and true. It also helps to refute her other statement "he never painted a perfect picture". If she's referring to a work of art where you cannot add or subtract one musical note or one element in a painting without ruining the entire composition this exhibition contains at least 2 of his many perfect paintings. Namely "Composition 8" and "Three Sounds". The latter being one of his most ingenious compositions where despite not having one major diagonal line the central picture surface is being pulled vigourously to the 4 corners - one of which is empty! And what other artist could resolve a heavy red, black and purple circle in the upper corner of a horizontal canvas with a myriad of thin black lines and a few pale circles. "Accent in Pink" is another winner. The entire picture held together by one small white circle in the botton left corner. Although much emphasis is placed on his theoretical and spiritual approach to colour, during his Bauhaus period I see a supremely confident happily-married genius whose hobby was setting himself impossible compositional challenges - and inevitably finding the (god-given) inspiration to come-up with mind-boggling solutions. But when forced to return to Paris in 1933 it's undeniable his paintings became more whimsical and diffuse. Without the stimulating competitive atmosphere of the Bauhaus he retreated into his own world - one which even his staunchest supporters find less accessible. Nevertheless in 1935 he produced "Seccession". Not so much a painting as a lexicon. A discordant colour palette which 30 years later became the norm in the 60's Psychedelic Art era. Sadly, in virtual exile during the dark days of WW2, he could never have guessed his fame and influence would continue to grow unabated during the following 65 years. But neither would he be too pleased to know during this period not one major artist has emerged to fill his shoes. To become more familiar with the beginning of Kandinsky's roller-coaster career I'd like to recommend a wonderful catalogue for an exhibition which never left Germany in 2009 "Kandinsky - The Complete Prints". Containing 100% accurate reproductions of every single print that left Kandinsky's hand . Most of them safely stored in Gabrielle Munter's cellar to be handed over to the Lenbachhaus in 1957. The culmination of an engrossing romantic saga. Requiring the purchase of at least 4 more Kandinsky books!

Life must have been tough for Kandinsky. Born in Odessa in 1866, his parents divorced when he was aged 5 and he suffered from depression in his youth. At the age of 30 Kandinsky bravely relinquished a promising legal career and moved to Munich to study art. The onset of World War 1 caused him to return to his homeland, only to be embroiled in the Russian Revolution. All his family wealth was confiscated during this time and his only child, Vsevolod, died aged 2, partially as a result of malnutrition. His stay in Germany was cut short by the rise of National Socialism, resulting in a further transfer to Paris in 1933. He died there of a stroke in 1944. It is fascinating to observe the changes in Kandinsky's style with his geographic moves. This is clearly deliniated in this catalogue of the present Guggenheim exhibition. Kandinsky's most important phase coincided with his stays in Munich and Murnau (1908-14). This is where he developed his initial abstract style. Although his later works (Paris) are regarded as less significant, I enjoy the playfulness and impeccable sense of color and balance of this period. This catalogue gives an excellent overview of Kandinsky's work and life. Most of the introductory essays and painting annotations are informative and help shed light on the artist's sometimes difficult and esoteric style. An exception is Matthias Haldemann's prolix artspeak essay eg " The picture-in-picture principle makes itself known as a kind of reflection. It is generated and dissolved like visibility as an interaction from outside and inside, and with that, subject to iconicity." Work that out if you can! The print and reproduction quality of this book is above average. It is a pity however that the page size is on the small side; a larger format would have shown Kandinsky's works to far better advantage. Recommended with minor reservations.

Reviews

This week we mark the anniversary of Joan Mitchell's death to oropharyngeal/pulmonary cancer (10/30/1992). We turn to a splendid book put together & written by three impressive ladies. Joan Mitchell, not often found in general art books, none-the-less imposes a powerful presence in the tapestry of american art. Overshadowed by masculine icons the likes of Pollack, de Kooning, Kline. Mitchell brought a strong feminine bravura to the abstract expressionist genre. This lovely book celebrates the Whitney museum's 2002 - 2004 exhibtion. The paintings presented here sweep through the decades from her establishing herself during the 1950's - 60's through her mature visual paraphrasing of the 80's. Delicate energetic masterpieces are beautifully brought forth in 88 full page color plates. An embodying text follows her life from marginalized artist to a forefront figure strong in both expression and lifestyle.

If you're looking for a book on Joan Mitchell's vivacious abstracts, this is as good a place to start as any. In 2002, ten year after Mitchell's death, the Whitney staged a comprehensive exhibition of her work. This book was published to coincide with that exhibition. The colour quality of the illustrations aren't bad; although the description and bioblurb are pitched to a ubiquitous audience, they're nonetheless grounded in reality, intelligently written, and thus painless to read. All in all, you can't go wrong. If you can afford it, go for it!

text isnt that good.....way too many plates from when her paintings werent so good...1950 to 1964

I went to this amazing show at the Whitney. I stood for hours with her huge paintings. Even though a book cannot compare to the artwork in person, this book does a good job presenting Mitchell's stunning work. The only other book I have seen that might compare is Joan Mitchell by Klaus Kertess, but this book is hard to find. I recommend buying the Whitney Museum book. It is inexpensive and is comprehensive.

The painting of Joan Mitchell was for me a discover of an tremendous and excellent painter, almost unknow in my country Argentina. The quality of images, photographs and texts includes on this catalogue dont dissapoint me, in fact, it gave me hope in contemporary paint and help me as a painter. I recommended this book for any person who love the beauty of color, life and paint, and for painters who want to learn what means the freedom of action and think. Thank you and excuse my english.