The Mulberry Tree, 1889

<<  The Mulberry Tree

Vincent van Gogh

Oil on Canvas

This painting is by Vincent van Gogh called The Mulberry Tree, a very important piece of work painted when van Gogh entered the asylum at Saint- Rémy- de- Provence. Van Gogh painted the surrounding landscape of the asylum. This painting was full of thick, and curling swirls. Eight months after this painting was finished Van Gogh committed suicide. His friend and fellow painter Camille Pissarro knew that this painting was important and immediately acquired the painting to his possession.

Protrait of a Peasant (Patience Escalier)

Protrait of a Peasant (Patience Escalier) >>

Vicent van Gogh

Oil Cavas

 

I was so excited to go to the Norton Simon Museum, because they have a lot of old masters work. Like one of my favorite Vincent Van Gogh. I have never seen any of his paintings in real life and I was so excited when I finally saw a few of his paintings at this museum. I never thought this painting were just in Pasadena, I had always heard they were in Washington or New York until now.
This painting is called Portrait of a Peasant (patience Escalier), a oil painting on canvas,1888. I over heard many people around me who was looking at this painting said "this was a self portrait of Vincent van Gogh." Then walked away without reading the description. However, Van Gogh painted this painting when he was in Arles, and this man in this painting is one of two Patience Escalier, a old gardener.
The brush stroke and paints were so unique and beautiful. I was literally pressed up like a inch away from the glass frame looking at the brush stroke just pops out of the painting. I was very impressed at the details and color he chose to used. The man looks so real and I could not believe that no one bought any one of his painting when he was alive.
The Rosenberg Criteria can't fit in this painting because the strokes of the brush is not perfect and does not match one another. No one can mimic Van Gogh works, so the criteria to be Van Gogh is nearly impossible to follow. The colors are so nicely blended together.

The 14th- 16th Centuries

      

The Norton Simon Museum was very organized and in every room a time period is the theme. In the 14th- 16th Century, European arts were on display, for example some of the work in this time period includes master pieces from the Early Renaissance, the High Renaissance, and the Mannerist period. There were art works from Northern and Southern Europe, many of the paintings were based on religious aspects of time and history. There were paintings from Paolo Veneziano, Giovanni Di Paolo, Palma Vecchio, Giovanni Bellini, and so many more artiste in this time period. 

^ Venus and Cupid in a Landscape.                                             Palma Vecchio                                                                               Norton Simon Museum.                                                                                This painting  is called Venus and Cupid in a Landscape, a oil painting on canvas by Palma Vecchio. Palma Vecchio modernized and regenerated Venetian paintings from the sixteenth century. He specialize in women, clothed or nude. Painted either the women is half- length or in a recumbent poses.

Cupid is the little child next to Venus, some time in the painting history the child was painted in the 1970s after it was uncovered during the restoration time. Many believe that a Northern artist may have helped to finished Palma Vecchio art work after his death. Many notice the warm flesh tone and the landscape.

Norton Simon Museum

<< Entrance to the Norton Simon Museum. 

"I am not essentially a religious person, but my feeling about a museum is that it can serve as a substitute for a house of worship. It is a place to respect man's creativity and to sense a continuity with the past. It is a place to give us a feeling of the dignity of man and to help us to strive towards our own creativity and fulfillment."
- Norton Simon, 1974

This powerful quote is by Norton Simon in 1974, it touched me in my thought and heart. A art museum is a place to get inspired by the past masters. A art museum is not just a building with paintings hanging on the walls, its almost like a living breathing place that is full of emotions everywhere you turn. Its a place for inspiration, creativity and it be a quiet place to soul search for fulfillment.
To me a beautiful painting is like a rare gem in a sea of rocks. They are so rare in this world, however, nothing in this world can mimic the master piece.

Desiree Engel

<< "Kiwi"

Desiree Engel

$450 

The "Kiwi" was the first glazed ceramic piece that I came across when I walked around the gallery. It caught my eyes instantly because it feel like I can make something just like this if I had clay. However, then I realize that it cost $450. So I stood there thinking about this piece, why would it cost so much. I realize that, this simple looking "Kiwi" just looks very simple. But, what looks simple does not always means its easy to make. It might take me a month to make it look this perfect and realistic. She spend time on this work and put in every detail to make the final product.

Desiree Engel works were mainly Glazed Ceramics. She used edible objects as still art for her art works. As a teacher and the 14 years of experience, her works turned out very Beautiful. The different glazed ceramics has a edgy feel to it when I viewed each one. It was incredible because the color of each individual pieces and how she worked with the clay made the object look so realistic. I enjoyed her work very much and having a chance to talk to her in person.

I really like Engel "Pomegranate and Guava" which cost $500. The color spilling from the pomegranate looks so rich. The seeds through this picture could not capture every detail of this piece. However, the guava does not really look like actual guavas to me. I have never seen guavas so small.

^"Pomegranate and Guava"

Desiree Engel

$ 500

The Three Lovely "57 Underground" Artists

These three lovely ladies are the artist and creator to the art works on display throughout the 57 Underground Gallery. To the left we have the ceramic artist Desiree Engel. She been working with ceramics for over 14 years and she also teaches students and adults on ceramics arts.
Then we have in the middle Janet Adams, at the time she was sitting down working on another projects. She was treading beads on fabric, as I watched her work, I notice she carefully choices all the different beads. Adams works was so full of carefully plans details, she showed it to me as I walked by and we spend some time talking about her works on displayed.
 Then to the right, Janice DeLoof, she was very welcoming and amazing. When I was talking pictures of her works she came up to me and at first I did not know what she wanted because I was not expecting a stranger to talk to me. Then she told me who she was the artist of the works I been taking pictures of. She talked to me about the meaning behind some of the acrylic, pastel on embossed paper works. Each one of her works cost over $700 - $900 dollars.

57 Underground Gallery

The first step through the door way of the 57 Underground Gallery, was already really interesting. The entrance looked dark, so my friends and I did not know what to expect. I thought the gallery might be closed, however, the door was proped open. So we all decided to check this gallery out regardless if it was closed or not. 
We all took the stairs leading to the gallery. What we found at the end of the tunnel was a well lighted white room. The gallery was opened and many viewers were looking around the room. I found most of the art work to have elegance, simplicity and uniqueness. What's I found the most exciting about this gallery, was that all three artiste was at the gallery to answer any question we had to the art works. 

Luis C. Garza

These two photographs by Lusic Garza hung in the Latino Art Museum really stood out to me.

Luis Garza >> 

Neo- Nazi

1972

This photo was taken in the time, when blacks were in slaved, hated and separated by the whites.
This photograph is called  Neo- Nazi. Does the Neo in the title stand for Negro- Nazi? This photo made me instantly frustrated and annoyed at the past behaviors of these hates groups. 

A white man who stood as if he was superior, with Hitler badge on his shirt and raciest poster with a black dog  next to him make many who view feel the strong feeling of hatred and anger.

<< Luis Garza

Joyería Mexicana

1979

 The Joyería Mexicana photo just reminds me of how funny fashion taste was in those days. The men actually wore high heels in a suit.
Lusic Garza criteria for his collection must be photos in black and white and in the 70's.

Time Refocused

^ Time Refocused

Photographic Exhibition 

Luis C. Garza

 Left Corner of the 

Time Refocused  v

Time Refocused was a photographic exhibition by Luis C. Garza. The time period the exhibition was focused on was the 70's. All the photo's were black and white, with much history behind every picture.

The photographs were displayed in a white room that looked old and simple, with pipes hanging from the roof.
I really like how this whole exhibition was arrange, either if it's accidental or on purpose the emotions that was in the room sends a powerful message to the viewers. Pulls you back through every photograph and reminds many that the past historical events that occurred shaped our present and future.

Alberto Castro

<< Alberto Castro 

Duron's Ekons- 2009

Spray- Paint on Canvas

Amanda Chakravarty

^ Amanda Chakravarty

$50 (each)

What a fishy little art work, sold for $50 each by Amanda Chakravarty. These painted boards idea is so creative and unique. The grain of the woods for each of the individual painting gives it a unique water background for the group of weird looking fish. The color chosen for each block of woods for each of the four fish, makes them appear to be in their natural habitats, so the fishes look like they are swimming.

Icons Collide

This acrylic panel is called Icons Collide by Manuel Ortega. This art piece is sold for $150, which is a pretty decent price. I mean really, its Mickey Mouse. Who would ever find this acrylic panel in Disneyland.
I think this painting is a little twisted because Mickey is tied to a cross smiling a happy goofy smile? That is kind of disturbing because Jesus Christ was not smiling while he was on the cross.
Then in the background behind the cross there is a figure that is suppose to be Mickey shadow from the lighting angel. But it looks more like a pointed cloaked figure, almost like Death.
On criteria the color, shading, and lines, it looks great. The point of this painting is not justs to have Mickey  Mouse in the center of the page, but its suppose to collide two very important Icons together to form an artwork. I thought this idea was very clever. However, even if I don't believe this portrait fits Rosenberg criteria would not be what he would expected as a master piece, but the color and shading is what make this unique painting so amazing.

Latino Art Museum

^ Enterance to the Latino Art  Museum

Displayed Posting >>

The entrance to the Latino Art Museum. This gallery was amazing, but I think the dA gallery was still the "hottest" in comparison.
I personally enjoyed some of the work that was on display in this gallery. The first and basement floor was where all the art works was located. The first floor was mainly students work.

The basement was where all the expensive framed photograph, paintings and ceramics was on display.

The Latino Art Museum was created to promote the talented works of Latin American contemporary artists in the United States. This nonprofit organization, also provides learning experience for children and adults.

 

Arlene A. Moreno

Cali Desert Palms >>

Arlene A. Moreno

$200.00

The Cali Desert Palms and  Anasazi Mystery are watercolors paintings  by Arlene A. Moreno. These paintings were quite lovely, full of color and details. These two painting is hung in the Pomona Frame House, where the lighting and environment really sets off the unique qualities of Arlene A. Moreno works of arts.

 Anasazi Mystery

Arlene A. Moreno

$300.00   v

 

Mija V

This photograph sold for $75.00 by Thomas Matranga is definitely "hot." This photograph has more depth then what is on the surface.

 ^   Miji V 

Thomas Matranga 

$75.00  

 This framed photo caught my eyes instantly when I first saw this photograph. Okay. I must admit the breast really pops out at you with the certain lighting the photographer used.
I played, I see you see with my friend Robert Micklis on Mija V. Robert pointed out some really interesting points. If the women was not half nude and in this arch position; would this photo really capture the viewers attention the way that it has?
I would personally say no, because the way she arch her back, it's almost like it focusing the lighting towards the center of her body. This really sets off the flare and glow of the women's body. The contrast between black and white, has also made a world of difference. For some reason this photograph reminds me of the 2006 movie 300 the Oracle Girl.This women seem like she is floating almost like she is descending towards the heavens.
I think this photograph was amazing, this women was half nude, but she displayed it with confidence and grace which made this photograph shine beautifully.

Mija IV

When I first walked pass this framed photograph, I was amazed by how skilled Thomas Matranga
work was. The lighting

angels made the elegance of the natural curves of the women's body stands out. This photograph made me feel peace and tranquility when I gazed upon this photo, it did not make me feel uncomfortable for this women.
This photograph Mija IV  is worth $75.00 at the Pomona Framed House.  I liked this picture, its very refreshing  to gaze upon someone like Thomas Matranga work. He was able to capture the beauty of a womens body without making the women look trashy.                                                          

^      Mija IV

Thomas Matranga

$75.00

Pomona Frame House: Main Street Gallery

^ Window Display, Pomona Frame House: Main Street Gallery

The next gallery my friend and I decided to visit was the Pomona Frame House. This gallery was right next to the dA gallery and if it was not for the sign outside the store I believe I would have walked right pass this gallery. The man sitting at the first floor also said "I had to put the sign outside, many don't realize there is a gallery upstairs." It was hidden to the public because many who never been to this gallery only see the first floor through the window. Who would ever expect the second floor to be full of beautiful framed photographs. This gallery features photography art, of the natural curves and beauty of the women's body. It also has paintings of landscape, plants and so much more.

In Combat

<< In Combat
     Juan Thorp

This painting is a series of "Mechanos." Mechanos are blocks like shapes drawn in isometric perspective. When I first saw this drawing I really did not know what this blocking looking thing in the middle of the art work was about. I saw lines of different colors, that was all jumbo together to form a round ball looking object. I admit I really did not care what it was about because I did not stop long enough to take a better look at it.
However, I keep walking through that area while

I was still at the gallery so then
I decided to take a picture of this painting anyways. What I saw through my camera was not what I expected,
it actually shocked and surprised me. Through my camera I could make out a lion and a human in combat. The human has the lion in a head locked position.
Then I read what the artist has wrote about his work and what this piece was really about. I found out that it was actually Hercules and the Nimean Lion in combat.

Hercules and the Nimean Lion >>

Giuseppe Niccolo Vicentino 

Sotto Voce Series 1-6 $900 each

<  Up Close: Sotto Voce Series.

This work of art is by Susan Joseph I would personally say this is the best in show. I really enjoyed this collection because the eagles feels and look so real in every frame. The eagle flying movements are so well displayed and designed its breath taking. The framed design for each picture is made out of symbols of numbers and the alphabets.
 Which I thought was pretty creative.

Also, if I could I would have purchased the whole collection. However, sadly each of these framed pictures was worth $900 dollar a piece. So I would just admire it from a distant, also where these collection is placed the lighting really sets off all six pictures.
My friends and I were talking about these six portraits and the beautiful flaps and movement of each eagle that the artist had captured. Robert thinks the eagles looked very confident, brave and strong like in real life. I thought the eagles were more elegant trying to land softly and slowly on a branch so it does not go crashing into something.

Sotto Voce Series 1- 6 >

Susan Joseph   

$900 (each)  

Yolanda Gonzalez

These individual paintings by Yolanda Gonzalez are very nicely painted and drawn of a Latina women Sueno. The first light blue shirt painting is called Sueno de Alicia and the one next to this painting is called Sueno with Eyes Closed both of these individual painting is sold for $12,000 in the dA gallery. Both these paintings are so bright with color and style.
The four pencil drawn pictures on the paint boards are called Nude I, Nude, II, Nude III, and Nude IV. Each of these drawing are worth $1,000 dollars.  I can feel the emotions of confidence, strength and individuality flowing through these drawing and paintings. Yolanda Gonzalez truly capture the beauty of the inner women in each of these magnificent works or arts.

Sueno de Alicia

Yolanda Gonzalez

$12,000             v

^ Sueno with Eyes Closed

Yolanda Gonzalez

$12,000

 

^  Nude I- IV

Yolanda Gonzalez

1,000 (each) 

Birth of the New Consciousness

^ Birth of the New Consciousness

 Leslie A. Brown $28,000

I think this painting  Birth of the New Consciousness by Leslie A. Brown. Was one of my favorites in this gallery. It an odd painting, but nonetheless it was was creative and inspirational. It's unique and it's full of details. No wonder it cost $28,000 for this beautiful work of art.

I really think the tropical bird fits very nicely in this painting because its symbolize nature and sets off the mask to the center women mask and the mountain goats horns. 

Also, the real branch used at the top right hand corner was nicely adjusted to give this painting life and realistic feature.

Not Thinking of...

< < Not Thinking of ...

       Athena H. Hahn

       $3,200

At the entrance of the dA museum, through the door way, a painting stood out to me instantly. This bazaar painting by Athena H. Hahn is called Not Thinking of.... As I stood in front of this painting I can't help but ask myself, why the heck would anyone lay down in between two train tracks, in the middle of nowhere. Seriously.
However, as I think more about the painting I wonder to myself what if the painting was actually suppose to be symbolic instead of just a women stranded in the middle of no where?
 In the painting there were two cars that drove right passed this poor and tattered looking women. Why  would no one stopped to help or asked if this women was alright? Maybe the meaning behind this painting is that people are so busy caring about themselves that they don't think of others in need?
It's very obvious, this women looked injured: her shoulder blade and ankle looks scraped up. She is bare foot and look pretty much like a bum. However, this women have a nicely bun up hair do and a nice pair of jeans. 

 The criteria that Rosenberg would say about this painting, is that the road and cars look pretty parallel with one another. The road is not expanding towards the skies. The lines on the painting makes the miles of endless roads looks real and forever.

Saturday Night Live

Across the Street from: 

The dA Gallery Center For The Arts

A time of wonders and excitement hung in the night's air while walking down a street of Down Town Pomona. Galleries after galleries lighted up their store to lure customers and viewers as invitation to gaze upon the unique beauty of different art works displayed.
<< Entrance to The dA Gallery

There were even snacks served: crackers with different kind of cheese, with complementary plump purple grapes and fancy wines.
January 30, 2010, on a Saturday night was very nippy and windy in Down Town Pomona. It was a fun night to spent it in the cold with my friends walking to different galleries to discover and experience many creative styles of art. The first Gallery was the dA Gallery, they were featuring the New Traditionalists.

 << Window to the dA Gallery. New Traditionalists

The dA Gallery, had many creative and beautiful paintings that made me revisit the painting over and over.
Many of these paintings made me wonder if there is a
deeper meaning behind them.       >> Band Set up at the dA Gallery

 The New Traditionalists are artists that were inspired by older traditional artists arts and ideas. Many new artists in the dA gallery base their work of arts on landscape, people, animals, abstract and mortality. These ideas can be recognize from older paintings. But the way many of these arts are painted are New. Walking into this gallery its over obvious its not like old master pieces instead these new paintings is full of bright colors and everyday objects placed into a painting to make the painting look more 3-dimensional.