#Painter in Pittsburgh

[faganpaintingpa]

[scrollsofhumanlife]

Lisa Myers nee San Mei Tan (left) with a loved 1 circa 1973-75

Born November 20 1959 in Jakarta, Indonesia

Renton, Washington

[mickmalone]

[mendopaintingpa]

Mendo Painting

Phone: (412) 510-2631

Address: Pittsburgh, PA 15216

Website: https://mendopainting.com/

Mendo Painting is a reputable and reliable company that offers professional painting services in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Our team of skilled and experienced painters is dedicated to providing high-quality workmanship and exceptional customer service. With a wide range of services including interior and exterior painting, wallpaper installation, and deck staining, Mendo Painting is the go-to choice for all your painting needs. Our commitment to using only the best materials and techniques ensures a flawless and long-lasting finish for your home or business. For more information on their services and to see examples of their work, please visit their website at https://mendopainting.com. Trust Mendo Painting for all your painting needs in Pittsburgh, PA. Transform your surroundings into captivating works of art, where quality meets creativity. We are HOA compliant & fully insured.

[riverstonepaintingco]

Riverstone Painting Co | Painter | Residential Painting Services in Pittsburgh PA

We are your dependable and trustworthy go-to Painter in Pittsburgh PA. Using only the best paint materials and techniques, we can transform a simple space into a more appealing and colorful one. Our professionals are committed to delivering exceptional customer service and attention to detail, ensuring that every project exceeds our client's expectations. Moreover, acquiring our high-end Residential Painting Services in Pittsburgh PA, can enhance your property's overall appearance and curb appeal. From interior to exterior painting, we do it all with great care and precision, ensuring outstanding outcomes. With us on hire, you can surely bring your vision to life. So, if you need our expert assistance, call us today.

[madlori]

Hey how about some ART TALK

Art history is a bit of a hobby of mine. Last weekend I went to the Frick in Pittsburgh because they had a special exhibition we wanted to see, and in the gift shop I picked up a book that told the story of a series of acknowledged masterpieces. The first one in the book is Birth of Venus, the second is Mona Lisa, and the scream I scrumpt when I turned the page to see the third:

Let me tell you about Artemisia Fucking Gentileschi.

She was a 17th century painter and one of the first women to be admitted to a Florentian art society and is widely regarded as one of the finest of the Italian baroque painters. She was raised by her father, who was also a painter who studied Caravaggio, and early in her career she had to put up with people saying that her paintings surely must have been painted by her father (despite her father himself saying she was a peerless artist and super accomplished).

As a young woman she was raped by a colleague of her father's. Her father sued the rapist because he hadn't married her (THIS was the crime, not the rape itself, of course) and Artemisia was tortured with thumbscrews to verify her testimony. Some of the...ahem...feelings about this entire episode definitely come through in her work.

Contrary to how these stories usually go, Artemisia had a long and productive career, was well paid for her work, enjoyed the patronage of the Medici family, and traveled widely. History, however, has only recently come to appreciate her and name her among the great painters of the period.

Let's talk about THIS FUCKING PAINTING, though. Judith Beheading Holofernes. Probably her most famous work.

The story is one of Judith, a Jewish woman, who got the general of the army about to invade her city to come have dinner with her, got him drunk, and chopped his head off. Then she paraded his head out to the army, like a boss. It's been painted a number of times but this one...this one really brings the rage. Look at Judith, the strength in her arms, how she's got a look of steely concentration. If you look closely, you can see she has her knee up on the bed behind him to get more leverage. Her maidservant is helping hold him down. Neither of them look horrified or hesitant, they're ready to cut this motherfucker. (also that's definitely Artemisia as Judith. She put herself in a lot of her paintings)

It's an apt interpretation of the verse from the Book of Judith, which is admiringly succinct:

Her sandal ravished his eye, Her beauty made captive his soul, The sword passed through his neck. — Book of Judith, 16:9[7]

It's got a real "the tiger is out" energy, right?

Now let's look at the same scene, painted by Caravaggio, who was no slouch at painting, but...come on.

Judith looks like a scared teenager. She's holding him at arm's length as if that's gonna work. Her maid is a crone, lurking at her shoulder like Wormtongue. This does not, imho, compare to the power of Gentileschi's version.

Artemisia painted another image of Judith holding the severed head. And a lot of other paintings. I'm just thrilled to see this one in this book, as it's one of my favorites. We have one of her paintings here in Columbus and I always visit it when I go (when it's up, that is).

[robertalanclayton]

Industrial painter, painting the interior of a nuclear power plant, Pittsburgh PA, RA Clayton #commercialpainter #industry #powerplant #photography 

[brookstonalmanac]

Birthdays 11.4

Beer Birthdays

Gottfried Krueger (1837)

Carl Sedlmayr (1847)

Pat Boyd, Miss Rheingold 1945 (1922)

Alfred Heineken (1923)

Five Favorite Birthdays

Art Carney; actor (1918)

Walter Cronkite; television journalist (1916)

Chris Difford; rock musician, singer, songwriter (1954)

James Honeyman-Scott; rock guitarist (1956)

Will Rogers; humorist (1879)

Famous Birthdays

Alton Adams; composer (1889)

Martin Balsam; actor (1919)

James E. Brewton; painter (1930)

Larry Bunker; jazz drummer, percussionist (1928)

Sean "Diddy" Combs; rapper, producer (1969)

Charles Despiau,;French sculptor (1874)

Harry Ferguson; Irish engineer, inventor (1884)

Bethenny Frankel; television chef (1970)

Charles Frazier; writer (1950)

Kathy Griffin; comedian (1960)

Dick Groat; Pittsburgh Pirates SS (1930)

Gail E. Haley; author, illustrator (1939)

Audrey Hollander; adult actress (1979)

Kyōka Izumi, Japanese author, poet (1873)

Marlène Jobert; French actress (1940)

Charles K. Kao; Chinese physicis (1933)

Klabund; German author and poet (1890)

Peter Lord; English animator (1953)

Ralph Macchio; actor (1961)

Robert Mapplethorpe; photographer (1946)

Delbert McClinton; singer, songwriter (1940)

Matthew McConaughey; actor (1969)

Cameron Mitchell; actress (1918)

James Montgomery; Scottish writer (1771)

Eden Phillpotts; English writer (1862)

Markie Post; actor (1950)

Doris Roberts; actor (1930)

Loretta Swit; actor (1937)

Taylor Tomlinson; comedian (1993)

Carlos "Patato" Valdes; Cuban-American conga player (1926)

C.K. Williams; poet (1936)

Gig Young; actress (1913)

[jamieroxxartist]

Episode #1419 of 🎨#JamieRoxx’s www.PopRoxxRadio.com 🎙️#TalkShow and 🎧#Podcast w/ Featured Guest:

Pam Ross Music #PamRoss ( #Americana )

Pop Art Painter Jamie #Roxx (www.JamieRoxx.us) welcomes Pam Ross (Americana) to the Show!

● WEB: www.pamrossmusic.com ● IG: @pamrossmusic ● FB: @pamrossmusic ● YT: @pamross5567

Pam Ross, known for her distinctive blend of rock, Americana, and country music, is thrilled to announce the release of her new single, “Doublewide,” on August 9th, 2024. This track is the lead single from her forthcoming LP, “Outside the Box,” and comes with an accompanying music video. Recorded at Goodluck Studio and mixed in Nashville by Marc Frigo, “Doublewide” exemplifies Pam’s ability to create music that resonates deeply with her audience.

Pam Ross shares, "I just want people to enjoy my music. I hope they sing along, and it makes them feel something inside when they listen. Be it happy, sad, warm and fuzzy, angry…something. Music should provoke emotion and I hope I do that for people."

The forthcoming album, “Outside the Box,” will feature seven tracks that continue to blend Pam's roots rock style with heartfelt storytelling. Fans can look forward to experiencing the full album’s release later this year.

Pam Ross has built a reputation for her unique musical style, known as “Pam Music,” which effortlessly blends rock, Americana, and country. She has received numerous accolades, including Musician of the Year at the 2023 Whos Hoo Country Music Awards and Fan Favorite at the 2023 Independent Music Network Awards. With over 350K streams on Spotify, Pam’s music continues to touch the hearts of listeners around the world.

Born in Pittsburgh, PA, and later establishing her career in Houston, TX, Pam moved to Nashville, where she gained recognition as a talented songwriter. Currently residing in Fuquay Varina, NC, Pam continues to create and perform music that resonates with her ever-growing audience.

● Media Inquiries: ● FB: MTS Management Group/MTS Records ● ​ WEB: www.mtsmanagementgroup.com

[druggeddraccus]

December:

Favorite book this month:

Imogen, Obviously was super cute i was surprised by how much i loved it. and Dreams of Gods and Monsters was a really good finale (though i hope to have more to read from that world lol)

All books read (this month):

True Love Bites by Joy Demorra (5/5)

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado (3/5)

My Dearest Darkest by Kayla Cottingham (2/5)

Small Things like These by Claire Keegan (3/5)

Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor (5/5)

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli (4/5)

Coraline by Neil Gaiman (3/5)

All books read this year: (italics = reread)

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Sanderson (5/5)

The Martian by Andy Weir (2/5)

Foster by Claire Keegan (5/5)

Everything Leads to You (4.5/5)

Little Women (4/5)

Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler (4/5)

Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler (4/5)

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree (4.5/5)

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)

Frugal Wizard by Brandon Sanderson (3.5/5)

Wizards Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher (4/5)

All Systems Red by Martha Wells (3/5)

Spiderwick Series by Black & DiTerlizzi (5/5)

Homebody by Rupi Kaur (2/5)

Lucky List by Racheal Lippincott (4/5)

Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wisner (5/5)

Something to talk about by Meryl Wisner (4/5)

Little Thieves by Margaret Owen (5/5)

Painted Devils by Margaret Owen (5/5)

Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Sanderson (3.5/5)

Are You There God? It’s me Margaret by Judy Blume (3/5)

Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher (3/5)

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor (5/5)

Wool by Hugh Howey (5/5)

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor (5/5)

Shift by Hugh Howey (4/5)

The Sunlit Man by Brandon Sanderson (5/5)

Pride and Prejudice and Pittsburgh by Racheal Lippincott (5/5)

Narrow Road between Desires by Pat Rothfuss (2.5/5)

True Love Bites by Joy Demorra (5/5)

In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado (3/5)

My Dearest Darkest by Kayla Cottingham (2/5)

Small Things like These by Claire Keegan (3/5)

Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor (5/5)

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli (4/5)

Coraline by Neil Gaiman (3/5)

Yearly stats:

Books read: 40 (reached my goal!!)

Rereads: 3 (counting Spiderwick series as 1)

Pages read: 14,060

Average rating: 4.08

[faganpaintingpa]

Fagan Painting LLC

Fagan Painting LLC is a trusted interior and exterior residential and commercial painting contractor servicing the Pittsburgh, PA metro area. Fagan Painting can handle large-scale projects including estates, commercial buildings, and warehouses. Fagan Painting guarantees the highest-quality paints at competitive prices with a two-year warranty on all their work. We are a leading Pittsburgh painting service provider. We do very high quality interior and exterior residential painting. We are a local, and family owned Pittsburgh painting company. Have your home become old, the color is destroyed, and looking for an expert painting service in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area? Contact our Pittsburgh painting service providers today to make your home look like new. Call us now to get an estimate!

[longlistshort]

It was Andy Warhol’s birthday this past Tuesday, August 6th, so today seemed like a good time to post some images taken at The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh. Warhol was a prolific artist and the museum does an excellent job at presenting both his body of work, and the essence of what made him such a unique presence in the world.

Below are a few selections from what was on view in February of 2024.

Warhol made several film works including Screen Tests, his series of portraits in which the subjects attempted to remain still for around three minutes. The results were then played back in slow motion. Many well known names participated.

The museum has a room dedicated to their recreation of his delightful installation Silver Clouds.

From the museum about this work-

“I don’t paint anymore, I gave it up about a year ago and just do movies now. I could do two things at the same time but movies are more exciting. Painting was just a phase I went through. But I’m doing some floating sculpture now: silver rectangles that I blow up and that float.” —Andy Warhol, 1966

In April 1966 Warhol opened his light and music extravaganza the Exploding Plastic Inevitable (EPI), a complete sensorial experience of light, music, and film at the Dom, a large dance hall in the East Village in New York City. Running concurrently with the EPI was Warhol’s bold and unconventional exhibition at the prestigious Leo Castelli Gallery that comprised two artworks: the Silver Clouds and Cow Wallpaper.

Constructed from metalized plastic film and filled with helium, the floating clouds were produced in collaboration with Billy Klüver, an engineer known for his work with artists such as Robert Rauschenberg, Yvonne Rainer, and John Cage. Warhol originally asked Klüver to create floating light bulbs; an unusual shape that proved infeasible.

Klüver showed Warhol a sample of the silver material and his reaction to the plastic sparked a new direction, “Let’s make clouds.” They experimented with cumulus shapes, but the puffed rectangle was the most successful and most buoyant. The end result was w hat Warhol was looking for from the beginning— “paintings that could float.” Silver Clouds, like the EPI with its flashing lights and overlapping films, was an explosion of objects in space and presented an immersive, bodily experience for the viewer.

Warhol was always experimenting with new ideas and processes. Pictured above is Oxidation, 1978, and a closer look at the canvas. It is part of Altered States, an exhibition of this body of work and its creation.

Below the museum explains Warhol’s process, and how the paintings were altered both during past exhibitions, and again when the museum lost power and climate control.

Andy Warhol’s Oxidation paintings represent the artist’s radical approach to Abstract Expressionism, a movement popularized by painters like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko after World War II, and a style Warhol didn’t experiment with until late in his career. Between 1977 and 1978, however, when Warhol began testing the corrosive effects of oxidation by mixing copper paint and urine, the beautifully iridescent canvases were a critical breakthrough at a time when his standing in the art world had taken a hit. The Oxidation series, along with abstract works like the Rorschachs and Shadows, allowed Warhol to reinvent himself yet again.

To create the Oxidation works, Warhol and his assistants mixed dry metallic powder in water before adding acrylic medium as the binder.

Canvases were spread out on the studio floor and coated in copper paint. Warhol’s assistants or Factory visitors were then invited to urinate on the canvases while the paint was still wet. As the urine acid oxidized the metal in the copper paint, a range of unpredictable patterns emerged.

Before Warhol’s death in 1987, the Oxidation paintings were exhibited only three times, including the Paris Art Fair FIAC at the Grand Palais, where the artist first noticed the volatility of the works. “When I showed them in Paris, the hot lights made them melt again,” he said.

“It’s very weird.. they never stopped dripping.” More than 45 years later, unpredictability remains a hallmark of the series. In June of 2020, after a power outage disabled the museum’s climate control for several days, staff conservators noticed changes similar to what Warhol observed in Paris. New drips appeared on the surface of Oxidation (1978), shown here, and the areas of corrosion changed color.

This presentation seeks to answer a deceptively simple question:

What happened? Museum conservators, with help from colleagues in the field and scientists, have been hard at work finding answers. The examination and analysis of the Oxidation paintings in the museum’s collection will contribute to proper stewardship, preservation, and treatment of the nearly 100 other works worldwide.

Several of the paintings on view are in his signature style, including portraits of famous (and less famous) people, and in one room, different skulls in various colors.

From the museum-

Warhol’s Skull paintings have often been considered memento mori, recalling the centuries-long tradition of art that reminds us of our mortality. Memento mori, from Latin, translates roughly to “remember that you are mortal” or “remember you will die.” Warhol’s own near-death experience happened in 1968, when troubled writer Valerie Solanas shot Warhol in the abdomen after claiming the artist had lost a script she had written. After reportedly being declared dead upon arrival at the hospital, Warhol’s life was saved during five hours of surgery. After nearly two months, he was released from the hospital but required further surgeries over the following years.

On one of the floors is The Archives Study Center. There, behind glass, are some of Warhol’s Time Capsules- boxes he filled with a wide variety of items, sealed and put into storage.

On the same floor is the Great Dane pictured above, Champion Ador Tipp  Topp (“Cecil”), who Warhol bought at an antique store after being told the dog had belonged to Cecil B. De Mille. The dog remained in Warhol’s office until his death.

A little more detail from the museum-

This mounted Great Dane, called Cecil by Warhol and his associates, was once a champion show dog. Born in Germany in 1921, original name was Ador Tipp Topp. Owned by Charles Ludwig, a top breeder, Cecil was sold to Gerdus H. Wynkoop of Long Island who entered the dog in several shows earning him the title of Champion by 1924, and Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club.

After his death in 1930, Cecil’s remains were sent to Yale University in Connecticut, where they were mounted and displayed with 11 other breeds in what was known colloquially as “the dog hall of fame” at the Peabody Museum. However, by 1945, the canine display was removed to storage and forgotten.

In 1964 Scott Elliot, a Yale drama student, went to the Museum to find birds for a new play. He found the birds and also bought all 12 dog mounts for $10 each. When Elliot had to move a few months later, many of the mounts were left with a friend who put them in rented storage, which went unpaid and the contents were dispersed.

Warhol came across the display in an antique shop on 3rd Avenue several years later. He was told that the dog had belonged to film director Cecil B. DeMille. Warhol bought the story and the Great Dane for $300. Cecil found his final home at Andy’s office, where he was kept until Andy’s death in 1986.

Cecil’s current appearance differs from his championship form. His coat was originally black and white but exposure to sunlight has faded it to brown. Over the years, it sustained damage to the ears; they were repaired in April 1994 in anticipation of the opening of the Warhol Museum, to reflect the style of current breeds.

This is just a brief selection of what was on view. The museum collection also includes his early commercial paintings, some of his collaborations, television work, and more.

One of the great things about Andy Warhol is that no matter how much you know, there are always new things to learn. Even more than thirty years after his death, he remains as relevant as ever.

[alldancersaretalented]

Cami Vorhees' solos over the years

2013/14 (Age 5)

"My Boyfriend's Back"

1st in 8 and Under, Nexstar Columbus

2nd in Mini Solos, StarSystems Pittsburgh

Miss Mini DanceXplosion, DanceXplosion Nationals

2014/15 (Age 6)

"The Way You Make Me Feel"

1st in Mini Solos, JUMP Pittsburgh

2nd in Mini Solos, JUMP Providence

2nd in Mini Solos, 24/7 Rochester

Mini Female Velocity Artist, Velocity Nationals

Didn't place for Best Dancer, TDA Las Vegas

"Sweet Child of Mine"

5th in Mini Solos, Nuvo Pittsburgh

3rd in Mini Solos, 24/7 Tysons Corner

2015/16 (Age 7)

"All that Jazz"

2nd in Mini Solos, Jump Syracuse

3rd in Mini Solos, Jump Pittsburgh

3rd in Mini Solos, Nuvo Pittsburgh

"Circus"

1st in Mini Solos, Jump Providence

"Nature Boy"

2nd in Mini Solos, Radix Pittsburgh

1st in Mini Solos, Jump Pittsburgh

1st in Mini Solos, Hollywood Vibe, Pittsburgh

5th in Mini Solos, 24/7 Pittsburgh

1st in Mini Solos, NYCDA Pittsburgh

Regional Mini Female MVP, Velocity Pittsburgh

1st in Mini, 3rd Overall, VIP Dance, Pittsburgh

1st High Score Junior, Open Call Pittsburgh

Didn't Place for Best Dancer, TDA Orlando

2016/17 (Age 8)

"Dance like yo Daddy"

1st in Mini Solos, Jump Pittsburgh

Placed with other Solo, KAR Youngstown

"Wings"

1st in Mini Solos, 24/7 Rochester

2nd in Mini Solos, Radix Pittsburgh

1st in Junior Solos, Hollywood Vibe Pittsburgh

1st in Secondary 8 and Under, KAR Youngstown, Miss Petite

1st in Mini Solos, Jump Toronto

"Here I am"

2nd in Mini Solos, 24/7 Pittsburgh

"Who I am"

2nd in Mini Solos, Jump Buffalo

"Painter"

1st in Mini Solos, Jump Providence

2nd in Mini Solos, Nuvo Pittsburgh

2nd in Mini Solos, NYCDA Pittsburgh

"The Way"

1st in Mini Solos, NYCDA Pittsburgh

3rd Runner-up for Mini Female Best Dancer, TDA Orlando

2017/18 (Age 9)

"Ashed"

1st in Mini Solos, Jump Providence

3rd in Mini Solos, TDA Orlando

"Painting Grey"

1st in Mini Solos, 24/7 Tysons Corner

1st in Mini Solos, Jump Albany

1st in Mini Solos, Jump Philadelphia

Mini Female Best Dancer, TDA Orlando

"Bad Dream"

1st in Mini Solos, Jump New York

1st in Mini Solos, Nuvo Buffalo

"Stations"

1st in Mini Solos, Nuvo National Harbor

1st in Mini Solos, 24/7 Rochester

"Look What I've Become"

1st in Mini Solos, Nuvo Pittsburgh

1st in Mini Solos, Jump Pittsburgh

1st in Mini Solos, 24/7 Meadowlands

"Forgotten"

1st in Mini Solos, Jump Toronto

2018/19 (Age 10)

"Painting Gray"

Closing Show, Jump Portland

"Cringe"

Closing Show, Jump Pittsburgh

Closing Show, Nuvo Boston

Closing Show, Jump Buffalo

Closing Show, 24/7 Pittsburgh

"Into the night"

Closing Show, 24/7 Atlanta

Closing Show, Jump Washington

Closing Show, Nuvo Dallas

Closing Show, Jump Honolulu

Closing Show, 24/7 Meadowlands

1st in Mini Solos, Radix Pittsburgh

"All The World Will Know"

Closing Show, 24/7 Pittsburgh

Closing Show, 24/7 Chicago

2019/20 (Age 11)

"Movement"

1st in Junior Solos, JUMP Pittsburgh

"Everest"

3rd in Junior Solos, Nuvo Pittsburgh

"Into the Night"

1st in Junior Solos, 24/7 Pittsburgh

Top 15, TDA Live

"Flux"

1st in Junior Solos, 24/7 Rochester

2020/21 (Age 12)

"Unplug"

1st in Junior Solos, Nuvo Pittsburgh

1st in Junior Solos, Jump Baltimore

1st in Junior Solos, 24/7 Pittsburgh

1st in Junior Solos, Jump Pittsburgh

1st in Junior Solos, Radix Pittsburgh

1st in Junior Solos, Nuvo Meadowlands

1st in Junior Solos, TDA Orlando

"Knives Out"

Closing Show, 24/7 Pittsburgh

1st in Junior Solos, Radix Baltimore

1st in Junior Solos, Nuvo Atlantic City

Junior Female Best Dancer

"Belly Of The Beast"

1st in Junior Solos, Jump Philadelphia

2021/22 (Age 13)

"Fuego"

Closing Show, Nuvo Cleveland

Closing Show, 24/7 Orlando

Closing Show, 24/7 Pittsburgh

Closing Show, 24/7 Myrtle Beach

Closing Show, Nuvo Miami

Closing Show, TDA Orlando

Closing Show, Jump Philadelphia

"Paper Planes"

Closing Show, Nuvo Pittsburgh

Closing Show, 24/7 Meadowlands

2022/23 (Age 14)

"Don't Worry, Darlin"

1st in Teen Solos, 24/7 Pittsburgh

2nd in Teen Solos, Radix Pittsburgh

2nd in Teen Solos, TDA Orlando

"Dance of the Dream Man"

Teen Female Best Dancer

"Esotro"

1st in Teen Solos, Nuvo Pittsburgh

[sheltiechicago]

Massive Woodcut Prints Are Dense Scenes Telling Dreamy Stories

Artist Valerie Leuth is the creative force behind Pittsburgh-based studio Tugboat Printshop.

Woodcuts stand out for their unique and striking aesthetic. As one of the oldest forms of printmaking, it has been used across different countries and even influenced the art of painters like Van Gogh and Monet. Tugboat Printshop carries on the tactile beauty of this medium by producing exquisitely detailed woodblock prints. Founded by artist Valerie Leuth, the Pittsburgh-based studio specializes in complex designs full of dreamy

[alleannaharris]

Today's Black History Month illustration is of Henry Ossawa Tanner (1859-1937), the first Black painter to gain international acclaim for his depiction of landscapes and biblical themes.

Tanner was born in 1859 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was the first of nine children born to Sarah Elizabeth Miller, a formerly enslaved woman who escaped her enslavers via the Underground Railroad, and Benjamin Tucker Tanner, an African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Bishop.

His middle name comes from the town Osawatomie, Kansas, where the abolitionist John Brown started his anti-slavery campaign.

When Tanner was young, the Tanner family moved to Philadelphia. While in Philly, he attended the Robert Vaux School, one of the few Black schools that offered a liberal arts education. Despite his father objecting, Tanner decided he wanted to become a painter when he was 13. He began his art career in 1876 by painting harbour scenes, landscapes, and animals from the Philadelphia Zoo.

After self-study, in 1880, he enrolled at Philadelphia’s prestigious Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) where he was the only black student. Tanner made many connections among the artists and became a favorite of his teacher Thomas Eakins, one of the most important artists in American art history.

In 1888, Tanner secured a teaching position at Clark University in Atlanta with the help of Joseph C. Hartzell, a bishop from Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1890, Hartzell arranged an exhibition of Tanner’s works in Cincinnati, but when none of the paintings sold, Hartzell purchased Tanner’s entire collection.

The money from Hartzell’s purchase allowed Tanner to travel to Paris in 1891 and enroll at the Academy Julian. During this time, he made Paris home because he felt less affected by prejudice.

His greatest early work depicted Black people and tender moments. His most famous painting, “The Banjo Lesson” where an older man was teaching a young boy how to play the banjo was created while visiting family in Philly in 1893.

By 1894, his paintings were critically admired in the US and in Europe. In 1899, he created one of his most famous works, “Nicodemus Visiting Jesus,” which won PAFA’s Lippincott Prize in 1900. Through the rest of his life, he shifted focus to religious scenes and continued to receive praise and honors for his work.

He was named honorary chevalier of the Order of Legion Honor (France’s most distinguished award) in 1923. In 1927, Tanner was made a full academician of the National Academy of design, becoming the first Black person to receive the distinction.

After Tanner’s death in Paris in 1937, his name recognition declined until 1969 when the Smithsonian in Washington DC exhibited a few of his works. This exhibition was the first major solo exhibition of a Black artist in the United States.

In 1991, the Philadelphia Museum of Art assembled a touring exhibition of his work, sparking a new wave of interest.

Side note: The Tanner House is on 2908 W Diamond St in North Philadelphia (Strawberry Mansion). It gained recognition as a National Historic Landmark in 1976, but it fell into disrepair. They’re still trying to find a long-term non-profit steward, but the temporary local fiduciary is the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia. To donate to the Tanner House Campaign, reach out to the Preservation Alliance.

I’ll be back on Monday with another illustration and story!

[mybeingthere]

Wonderful paintings of Margaux Williamson, a Canadian painter, filmmaker, and writer.Margaux Williamson was born in Pittsburgh in 1976 and lives in Toronto. Her first book of paintings, I Could See Everything, was published by Coach House Press in 2014, alongside shows at the Mulherin+Pollard Gallery in New York, and Frith Street Gallery in London, UK. 

Her feature-length film, Teenager Hamlet, premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.Williamson’s paintings are meant to be understood in part as "a philosophical investigation of the landscape around her, as well as dedicated rigour and formal exploration into the development and possibilities of painting as a medium". 

Through her work she has created a highly personal visual language which she uses to explore themes of storytelling, life, death, ageing and tension. Although dealing with dark and heavy themes, Williamson's works are ultimately hopeful, exploring the possibility of light in darkness.

http://www.margauxwilliamson.com/