Your favourite artist?

[Harpo]

I have various favourites. The first that came to mind right now was Andy Goldsworthy.

[Curt Chiarelli]

Originally Posted by Allegra

The one on the top is timeless, Curt.

Currently there is an exhibition of Giuseppe Arcimboldo in Paris at the Musée du Luxembourg until January 08, then it will show in Vienna till June 08. I almost forgot how much I loved his fascinating portraits! Can he be called the ancestor of surrealist?

Both he and Bosch typically are offered that mantle, but, technically speaking, they really weren't Surrealists. It's true that they were a powerful influence on future artists with a fantastical bent, but to say they were the first Surrealists (as some do) would be to de-contextualize them historically and philosophically, in spite of superficial similarities.

So to answer your question: Yes, although not true Surrealists, Arcimboldo and Bosch are possibly the progenitors of that school.

[Thessaly]

I have so many favourite artists; the Pre-Raphealites (especially Waterhouse, see avatar, though his Belle Dame sans Mercy is my absolute favourite), and Caravaggio, whose paintings never cease to make me gasp in awe whenever I see one in the flesh. When I lived in Rome, I trekked to every church and gallery that had a Caravaggio! I like the old masters, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio, Rogier van der Weyden and Jan van Eyck spring to mind. Bernini's sculptures are staggering, and I love Kandinsky and Miro's vibrant colours and dancing compositions. And so many more; Monet, Dali, Brancusi, the list is endless.

These are a few of the artists who could actually inspire me to get out some paints or clay, and make me wish I had a modicum of talent in that area!

[Tillane]

Mine would have to be Edward Hopper, with Roy Lichtenstein a close second. I don't know anyone who understood light like Hopper. I have copies of both of these at home:

[HardScienceFan]

Brilliant Till
Both of them

AMazing watercolour
Maris
Title(transl.):Light,Air & water

if this one doesn't blow you away,i don't know what will
Dutch,of course

[Tillane]

That's gorgeous, Ben. And, on a different tack altogether, two very different reasons why I love pop art. Lichtenstein and Kandinsky...

[HardScienceFan]

Breitner
SNOW
makes you want t o grab your mittens

Ah Kandinsky
you're probably also a Tanguy and Miro fan then,Till?

[Tillane]

Oh yes. Tanguy in particular. Which reminds me (dunno why): a friend of mine - and a seriously good surrealist artist - recently set up his own site, The Singing Garden. Take a look...you might like it.

[HardScienceFan]

Richards

"Sea"

darn

that's what i call painting

[Talysia]

Tillane and Ben, those are some great paintings. When I started this thread, I had no idea that there would be so many artlovers here. I'm pleased.

[Mithridelle]

THOSE are some great paintings... but have you seen some of the things that we call art nowdays? I saw a canvas that was just painted red - nothing else - just a red canvas, and it was sold for over $5000... *shakes head*

[Talysia]

A red canvas, that sold for over $5000? I'm surprised, and then not so surprised. I'm another one of those people who isn't too fond of some types of modern art.

[HardScienceFan]

the cabbage Patch.by Anton MAuve
Dutch painter
painted ca. 1880

Jacob Mesdag
Seascape
again, a Dutch painter,same time frame

[Talysia]

Ben, that seascape is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing it.

You know, I've seen far much more art now, thanks to this thread. Thanks everyone!

[HardScienceFan]

a still life by Willem Claes Heda