I started the "Squares" series because I wanted to try out something new, more abstract. I came across Gerhard Richter 4900 colors which he has been working on for the last past 30 years, using a method of random computer generated colors. Each individual spray-painted enamel square measures 9.7 x 9.7 cm and each panel of 25 squares is supported by Alu-Dibond.

I was instantly seduced and inspired. I wanted to paint squares using my brushes and my own self-inspired

Wheat Fields by Jacob van Ruisdael,1670

In Rembrandt’s time anyone could collect art be he a lawyer, a king, a cobbler, a butcher, or a farmer,...The art market was open, lively and transparent. Most people were informed. The quality of the paintings was excellent and the prices affordable. Collecting art was a sound activity and everybody owned beautiful pieces, which they proudly hung on their walls.

Today one prefers watching TV to collecting art because the art market is ruled

I was searching for an art movie on YouTube when I discovered this funny old man, Andy Rooney, because his name was linked to Picasso. I live in Switzerland so of course, I didn't know Andy Rooney. I checked his name on the Internet and learnt that he was an American journalist who was famous for being straight forward. I wondered who he was, so I clicked and listened to what he had to say.

Hereafter is a summary of

Composition n°6 by Wassily Kandinsky

Similarly to anything that requires a certain skill, painting is a practice that needs to be learned. The cost of entry is low. Anyone can buy a few brushes, some tubes of paint, a canvas and start painting. However, the cost of learning is heavy because it takes dedication understanding proper drawing, good usage of paint, the theory of colors, steady perspective, balance in the composition, firm brush strokes, interpretation of subjects, etc. Practicing the

No Courbet didn’t do it. He didn’t paint the upper part of L’Origine du monde. A few weeks back we all read that in 2010 an art collector bought what was supposed to be the missing face of L’Origine du Monde from an antique dealer. Experts from the Musé d’Orsay rejected this hypothesis on the basis that the style is different, the size of L’Origine du Monde corresponds to that of standard frames used at the time (46x55cm) and that,

Cezanne was not a very good painter in the beginning. He lacked in spontaneity, he copied Manet too much, and he made it too obvious his need to be loved. The subjects he chose missed enthusiasm. His pallet comprised mainly of dark and somber colors. His brush strokes were heavy, overdone and at times sounded childish. He used far too many layers of paint which gave his painting a feel of heaviness. This was probably the cause of so much

As the saying goes, inspiration comes and goes. How true! Inspiration is something
mysterious which can lead to the “intergalactic” borders of creation but it is impossible to predict when it will take you there.

Inspiration is a truly fantastic moment of emancipation but it does not occur all the time. You can't push it nor can you provoke it. It just happens. At best, you can humbly wait for it to reach you. Inspiration it comes and goes, like waves

Picasso is a true artist and yes, he nailed it. I am not saying this because Picasso is a praised and world renowned artist. He probably was a bully and certainly a very hard person to live with. Nonetheless, Picasso is simply a fantastic artist who produced great art, and who pitilessly deconstructed his own work to generate even greater art.

He started drawing and painting at a very young age and, undoubtedly, had a facility for creative arts. Yet,

I often wonder why I paint. Why do I spend time drawing, splashing paint and colors on canvas? What's the purpose? Why do this? What's in it for me? The first answer that comes to mind is: It freaks me out!

The thought that when we die we may not leave to our family anything more meaningful and outstanding than a few useless items scares me. Yet, I believe we are here with a purpose: that of grabbing and “sucking”

Ikea chair in front of books

It's great to let your inspiration go wild and it is even better when it is channeled a little.

Studying and understanding how to draw a line properly, constructing correct perspective, enabling balanced composition and mastering the hidden secrets of color combinations are good tools to have when we want to paint. Learning the basics and letting in some academics in our work is essential to control the forces of impulsiveness and creativity.

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