Moving on
Now with some time to think about the direction I’m headed with my work, I thought I’d put up my reading list for books that are on my reading palette.
This book was recommended by Susan Mains and is a combination of art history, criticism and technical guide all wrapped up in an engaging true story. This book is sitting on the coffee table in my studio waiting to be read.
Concerning the Spiritual in Art. By Wassily Kandinsky.
A staple for any artist to understand some of the conceptual grounding for the use of form and color, particularly in painting. Kandinsky also touches on the position of the artist as an avant garde. A lot of the work is pretty esoteric but interesting in the artistic conversation.
What Painting Is. By James Elkins
I carry this book around with me and read when I get moments. Elkins likens painting to alchemy as a basic premise. As a painter we work with chemicals and elements such as earth (pigments) and water (or oil) to create something on canvas that is ‘gold’. As an art form painting is very tactile and messy and like alchemists, painters spend their time combining different chemicals at different ratios in search of a perfect balance.
In Pursuit of Elegance. By Matthew E. May
Symmetry, Subtraction, Seduction, Sustainability. These are the elements of elegance. This book is usually found in the science section but it is applicable in business, art, and just plain old good ideas. There are many elements I’ve taken away from reading this book that I am applying in my art and how I think about my work.
I have a couple other books on my wishlist but these are the ones that I’m juggling right now. Let me know if you are reading any of the same!
