Update on the work in progress of my life-sized nude, and about the composition.
Model in the Studio, wip
Rebirth: Death and Life through Art
Today is Easter, a symbol of death and rebirth. It is a beautiful thought that though the child passed away 14 or 15 years ago, she lives on the memory -- through a drawing that will always be alive.
Where No Mind Had Gone Before
For the artists that didn't turn away they would have to cope with, defend, and manage resentment. For their art they would breath deep, fortify themselves, and let go of certainty and control and dive into a vast alternative universe; exploring where no mind had gone before.
A Little Greek Pastel Painting Trip by Michael Newberry
Years ago I took a pastel painting trip of a lifetime, for three months I traveled from Athens, Greece to many islands, eventually to Istanbul, and slowly back again to Athens. My first island was Tinos, from the harbor I rented a scooter, booked a tiny house outside of town for 15 dollars a night. The porch had a sloping view over gray-green olive groves down to the dark and brilliant ultramarine blue Mediterranean, about 300 ft to the left was a small, room-sized luminous white-plastered Byzantine church.
Update 2, Evolution Through Art: A Psychological and Aesthetic Journey by Michael Newberry
Horses Heads, Venus of Willendorf, and Lion Man, 40-35,000 BC I hope everyone is doing okay in these early stages of quarantining. Heartbreaking. Around the start of it I came up with the concept to write this book on aesthetics. I am dividing my time painting, writing the book, and, it seems, washing dishes. I …
Stephen Hicks visits Peter Schipperheyn’s “Zarathustra” Sculpture
Stephen Hicks: In Melbourne, I met Peter Schipperheyn, creator of the magnificent Thus Spake Zarathustra. The monumental piece is at the McClelland Sculpture Park near Mornington. The tension running through Zarathustra’s bowed body as he reaches and affirms his decision is powerful.
Student Testimonials
"I began art lessons with Michael as a true beginning student. Michael was patient and kind, but honest, which allowed me to progress while not feeling intimidated. I was excited to learn about technique with different media, color theory and light. Michael's passion and knowledge instills positive energy in his students."
Embargo Series by Michael Newberry
The Animal Lifted Embargo Series has significantly changed my opinion about including animals in my paintings. They really help set off the scale and atmosphere of the landscapes. I am surprised that just two tiny marks, in the case of the sandpipers, can reset the landscapes dramatically.
3rd and 4th in the Animal Lifted Embargo Series by Michael Newberry
With this Animal Lifted Embargo Series I am refining my hierarchy of subject values. Humanity is at the top, consequently I paint/draw individuals filling the universe of the canvas or paper space. Animals are a far distant second place, recently insignificant, but I am now enjoying placing them in landscapes as minor players. It makes be feel peaceful and the experience of painting them in feels a bit magical. If I made them the same size as humans (allowing perspective truth etc) I would be extremely uncomfortable with that.
Michael Newberry 