Original Antoine Art

Art that moves us

2009-10-21T13:35:00.005-04:00

In my last post I talked about great drawings being so much more than just the capturing of subjects. The same principal I believe is of course true for paintings as well as all other kinds of artwork.

Today I am asking the question; But what exactly is it about certain artworks that move us? Why do we walk past one artwork barely noticing it while another stops us dead in our tracks? Simon Schama, author of The Power of Art described it well: “the greatest paintings grab you in a headlock, rough up your composure, and then proceed in short order to re-arrange your sense of reality. . . “ Most art enthusiasts can relate to this. But what is the difference between an artwork that causes this reaction versus one that does not? And how about certain work moving one person but doing nothing for another?

The Practice and Science of Drawing

2009-10-15T17:39:00.012-04:00

Recently while at the Goodwill, my husband discovered a book called “The Practice and Science of Drawing” by Harold Speed. Though I am merely past the introduction, I was immediately moved. How often do we have ideas and no words to articulate them? Then I find a guy like Harold Speed and it’s like meeting an old friend. Though written nearly a hundred years ago (1917), his words are as true today as ever.

Harold begins by talking about the difference of art that is only technically correct versus art inspired by something deeper, by referring to ‘works showing much ingenuity and ability, but no artistic intention’ ‘The best things in an artist’s work are so much a matter of intuition’ and then he continues explaining that ‘intuitions are shy things and apt to disappear if looked into too closely’

For a long time I’ve found myself trying to explain just this; that there is so much more to art than merely capturing the world. But how do you explain the difference between an artwork created with great talent and masterly precision but a mere replication of the subject versus an artwork in which the artist poured his heart and soul?

Harold says that ‘the facts of life are conveyed by our senses to the consciousness within us, and stimulate the world of thought and feeling that constitutes our real life… Pure intellect seeks to construct from the facts brought to our consciousness by the senses, an accurately measured world… The artistic intelligence is not interested in things from this standpoint of mechanical accuracy, but in the effect of observation on the living consciousness’

‘It is not enough in artistic drawing to portray accurately and in cold blood the appearance of objects. To express form, one must first be moved by it’

Enough said.

12 x 12"
Mixed media
Not titled yet

Back to work

2009-09-23T18:39:00.007-04:00

Lateral Self I

Lateral Self II

Two new 12x12 inch mixed media pieces fresh of the easel. I have started working on these shortly before my son was born and really enjoyed bringing them to completion.

8lb 4oz of Love

2009-09-09T21:19:00.007-04:00

It was a beautiful, clear Friday afternoon, a week before our son was due when my husband, TJ and I went out shopping. Suddenly a painful contraction stopped me dead in my tracks. I recall thinking that these Braxton Hicks are surely becoming challenging. I still had a photo shoot as well as a dinner meeting scheduled for the next week. I knew most first time babies are about a week late -especially if he is anything like his Mom.

Around 11pm we were doing our grocery shopping when things were speeding up. In the cereal isle I had one contraction but by the time we got to the soup it already progressed to two. The ice-cream isle was met with three and it was somewhere between the cheesecake and the ice pops when the realization slowly dawned on me; my son just may have his father’s genes and be early after all. By this time TJ already started timing. I was still adamant about completing our shopping, but thankfully my more sensible hubby finally convinced me getting out of there is more important than the dishwashing liquid or the bath tissue.

On August 15th, after another 16 hours of peaceful labor our son Aidan was born.

I would never have imagined that one could feel so much love for such a tiny person. My world has changed completely.

Original Antoine Art… Tattooed

2009-08-13T10:15:00.018-04:00

Last night I had sort of an email crash (I’ll spare you the details). But while sorting out backed up emails, I came upon a photo someone sent me a while ago. All the email said was: “thought you should see this..” with the attached picture.

I assume the person who sent me the email is the person in the photo with the tattoo of one of my paintings. I'm really not sure what to make of it. Do I feel flattered? Glad about the variety of ways my work is displayed? Upset about the copyright infringement? (For a moment I wondered if I could sue them so that they legally have to remove it... imagine) Or should I suggest that next time I do the tattoo myself to get a better depiction of the original? Perhaps I could ask that “© Antoine Art” be added… What do you think?

Oh by the way, here is a link to the original

Nudity & Art

2009-08-05T11:19:00.021-04:00

As an artist focusing mostly on nude, figurative work, it is obvious that getting involved in discussions around the good, the bad and the unfortunate of nude art will be a regular occurrence. I believe all who knows me are aware of my passion for honest & human nude art and at the same time my fierce dislike when the figure is displayed in anything but respectful ways.

Unfortunately many have a real challenge distinguishing between, forgive my bluntness, art and porn. I find it sad that beautiful nude art are so often subjected to numerous constraints in order to be shared. It is always very interesting hearing other’s take on this issue and I thought this youtube video from Blunty was particularly interesting;

To prove the point further, below is a slide show of my first underwater shoot that youtube took down due to ‘inappropriate content’ (twice). Though I respect their policy, I find it really sad that at the moment no form of nude art can be shared via this medium.

As Blunty aptly said when talking about nude models “that leaves only the raw exposed truth of what it is to be human and how beautiful that can be. If only we open our eyes to it more often. To accept completely who we are… "

Line & Form

2009-07-31T16:47:00.009-04:00

It is the most simplistic elements that often moves me the most. Line, form... simplicity. These two drawings are part of a 7 piece series I just completed.

The Artist in the Nude

2009-07-24T12:30:00.012-04:00

Will this blog ever be the same...

Over the years quite a number of offers to be on the other side of the lens came my way. I am the artist. I love being the artist. There is nothing I love more than being the artist. And various times I had to explain why I had no modeling ambitions.

However when my dear friend Susanna Tanner offered to document my pregnancy, how could I refuse? These photographs were taken when I was about 5 months. It is unfortunate that we moved before Susanna could document the later months.

© ST Photography
SusannaTanner.com

What artwork moves you?

2009-07-17T11:13:00.037-04:00

Since this blog was intended to be about my artwork, I do end up talking quite a bit about me. Well, today that is about to change.

Besides an artist, I am of course also an art lover and thus collector. There are very few things that move me as much as experiencing an exceptional piece of art on a daily basis. When arriving here in Savannah, my favorite artists' artwork were hung long before half the boxes were unpacked. TJ and I often laugh at our dilapidated furniture, however the few art pieces I have managed to acquire leaves me feeling rich beyond measure.

This is some of the artwork in my home that inspires me;

The first is a piece by Tina Mammoser, an artist originally from Chicago currently living in London. I have been fortunate enough to pick this piece up at Tina's London studio and meet her in person after she has been an inspiration to me for many years. I believe Tina is an abstract artist in the true sense of the word. She cycles all over the U.K. -especially the coastal areas and then takes her experiences & visions back to her studio where she captures them in the most beautiful and honest way. For more about Tina, please visit her website, Tina-m.com

This second piece is a glass sculpture by Steve Sizelove. I think most people would agree with me when I say that there is something about glass that is not like any other medium out there. Besides it's beauty and texture, there is something secretive, something so delicately intriguing. To think that before man learned the secret of glassmaking, nature was the world's glassmaker. Lightning striking sand melted it into tubes of glass, volcanoes erupting melted rocks…

Being fascinated with glass, Steve kindly invited me to his studio and made this figure while I watched (and posed :) For more about Steve's work see SteveSizelove.com

This third piece is titled 'Red Gold' and part of an elements series by Anita Lewis who said; "The elements are the hidden treasures of

the earth, and

whether decorative or practical, poisonous or healthy, destructive or useful, they are the road into science, or avenues to the metaphysical."

I've had the pleasure to exhibit with Anita at a series of Art Expos both in New York and Las Vegas. Every time while walking the isles, Anita's work just stopped me dead in my tracks. I do not have the words to explain why, but there is something so touching about her delicate yet powerful creations. Anita's site: AnitaLewis.com

Now I am almost feeling guilty about not mentioning the other artists who’s work I collect… but I’ll leave that for a next post.

Enouth from me. I would love to hear what artwork moves you?

Getting back to work

2009-07-07T17:08:00.008-04:00

After arriving in Savannah it has been hard getting back to work. Of course working out of a hotel room had its obvious challenges. This reminds me of the days, many years ago, when I worked out of a hospital bed. I also recall nurses that were not all too impressed with the smells of varnish surrounding my quarters (nor the stains on my bed linen… :)

Although filled with ideas and inspiration, creating a new place from where to create has been an interesting challenge. I never thought about it much; why does it feel great being in one surrounding and just not right in another? Now I am not even going to talk about the challenges being 33 weeks pregnant adds to the whole process of setting up studio...

While working on my new temporary studio, I’ve been spending a lot of time behind the drawing board. One of the most wonderful things about drawings; you can do them anywhere! In the meantime am I also planning a new mixed media (oil, pencil & charcoal) series, which will be the first paintings to be born here in Savannah.

New Drawings: 'Turning Within I & II'

2009-06-23T17:31:00.018-04:00

"I create from within. The Figure is a portrayal of a search that start inside and ends, if it ever does, deeper inward. Since I dislike the long monologues, I create a companion to whom I can talk. This dialogue can be very real sometimes" -Vladan Ignatovic

Turning Within I

Turning within II

The Art Model's Handbook

2009-06-04T16:08:00.019-04:00

Recently when Andrew, a model friend of mine contacted me in regards to a figure modeling guide he is writing, I immediately knew it was a great idea. There are so many aspiring models out there that I talk to on a daily basis and the same questions always come up; 'where do I start, what should I do, not do….' ?

In The Art Model's Handbook I think Andrew, an experienced life and photography model, really captured a lot of topics essential to both models, artists, art teachers and everyone involved in figurative art.

Models play such a crucial part of any figurative artist’s work and with no real training out there, this book is definitely long overdue. Available from Amazon

Best of luck, Andrew!

The cover is a painting I have done of the author, Andrew Cahner in 2004

Southern Inspiration

2009-05-26T20:10:00.017-04:00

After just over two weeks in Savannah, I have never had more ideas and inspirations that I am itching to put down on canvas. While strolling through the exceptional, historic squares (and there are 24 of them!) underneath old curling branches decorated with Spanish moss I really feel like I am in a different world. Since arriving here we’ve been living in a Hotel where there is of course little space for easels and canvasses. The preceding weeks have also been filled with preparations and distribution of work to galleries & publishers. Therefore my need for creation is at an all time high. However early June I will be getting back to what I now long for most!

Photo above taken@

Hilton Head Island

Antoine Art Studio moving to Savannah, GA

2009-05-05T18:01:00.010-04:00

After 6 wonderful years in the Midwest, the time has come to continue the journey and go and experience a new part of the country. So in just a few days Savannah, Georgia will be 'home'. Although I have only spent a weekend in Savannah, I was completely taken by the place, it’s energy and charm. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is of course one of the largest in the US and has a large influence on the city, which is unbelievably rich in history, culture, architecture and beauty. I have found Savannah to be very inspiring and I am sure this will be an amazing new chapter in my work.

Therefore if you are considering adding a new ‘Antoine’ to your collection, this week may be a very good time to do so… feel free to contact me for more details

Exhibition at Nan Miller Gallery

2009-04-23T13:52:00.010-04:00

I have been invited to take part in a group exhibition at Nan Miller Gallery in Rochester, New York. The opening will be on Thursday, April 30th, 6:30pm (reservations required for opening night @ 585-292-1430) The exhibition will be up until May 30th. Unfortunately I will not be there in person due to prior commitments, but if you are in the area, please do stop by and let me know how it was!

"Levitate II" -one of the 7 originals to be displayed at this exhibition.

It's a boy!

2009-04-14T15:44:00.015-04:00

On second thought, I should perhaps mention that I am 'with child' before announcing that it is a boy :)

Today I am writing a personal post. However I am sure that this new chapter will also inspire a lot of changes in my work in the years to come. After spending six of the most amazing years of my life with the man of my dreams, we have decided to enter a new phase of our lives together. Therefore if all goes well, TJ and I will welcome two little pink feet into this world in August.

-Photo by TJ Louw

PS. I also need to mention that I have just written a new newsletter. For more info on how to subscribe, please click here

New publishing contract with Encore Art Group

2009-04-07T12:02:00.007-04:00

It feels like yesterday when I was heading to my first Artexpo NY and an artist friend excitedly told me ‘just imagine if you get picked up by a publisher!’ Though most artists would jump at the opportunity, the idea kind off scared me. I’ve always loved doing everything myself, so every year when a number of publishers approached me I never really considered.

However when the Encore Art Group (owners of CAP and Winn Devon) recently approached me, I decided to take a step back. Simultaneously being artist, marketer, web and graphic designer, blog writer, editor, publisher, wife… does get a little challenging at times. At the same time the Encore Art Group really impressed me. Besides being one of the biggest publishers out there, they are getting raving reviews from their artists. Today I am in the process of discussing a contract and soon my work will be available to a wider audience through Winn Devon.

Below is ‘Doubled Up’ one of the pieces soon to be published.

Feature in Carrie Leigh’s Nude Magazine

2009-03-26T21:57:00.006-04:00

Shortly after I returned from New York I got a call from Nude Magazine’s editor asking to do another feature on my work. This will be the third time that the magazine is featuring my work and I am just thrilled. The coming issue will include some of my paintings and talk about my recent New York exhibition. Fun, fun…fun!

A big thanks to the editor, Gary Frischer as well as to Carrie Leigh for once again including my work in their superb magazine!

For more info on this Magazine please visit CarrieLeigh.com. You may also buy the issue or subscribe from here.

What a month!

2009-03-23T15:56:00.016-04:00

It was many years ago, but I can still remember clearly how TJ and I sat next to Centurion Lake (in South Africa), drank red wine and ate breakfast. It was a late autumn evening and our first ‘date’, however what I remember most was how we talked about our passion for travel and seeing and experiencing as much of the world as we possibly could.

This month surely lived up to our expectations. We kicked it off in Manhattan followed by a Yogathon in Indianapolis for me while TJ was hiking more than 30 miles in the Smokey Mountains. Last night we returned from a weekend in Toronto, Canada and this coming Thursday we’re flying to Savannah, GA. Finally March will end with a visit to Cincinnati.

Below I am sharing a little of Toronto.

Pillars at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre

Entrance of the Toronto Art Expo.

My friend, Suzanne Metz (www.suzannemetz.com) in front of her exquisite artworks.

CN tower -what an amazing landmark!

Article about my New York exhibition

2009-03-15T18:15:00.009-04:00

It was a cool February morning in downtown Manhattan when Antoine stopped in front of the Javits Convention Center with over fifty of her most recent originals. Within 12 hours over 300,000 square feet will be filled with the highest standard of contemporary artwork from over forty countries and the excitement was already building in the air.

From the first day that I arrived I knew that this would be an exhibition to remember. As everyone was setting up I could already sense that the quality of the artwork was better than I had ever seen before. The current economical challenges caused only the best of the best to be able to afford exhibiting at such a prestigious show.

The first two days of Artexpo, the largest of its kind in the world, was only open to galleries and art dealers. It was during this time that Antoine’s work was picked up by a renowned Canadian Art Publisher, six new Fine Art Galleries across the country as well as a number of Antoine’s returning galleries and dealers from previous years. The reaction of the traders to her new body of work was extraordinary and before the show even got underway, Antoine knew it was a success.

As an artist, putting yourself out there can really be a challenge. I spend months in my studio out of the public eye creating, during which I allow myself to forget about the rest of the world and simply turn within. It is also during this period that my canvasses become an integrated part of my emotional journey and expressing what moves me most. Often I get so involved in my work that I find it hard to maintain perspective or to even distance myself. It is quite the contrast after such a time of hibernation to suddenly put myself out there in front of more than 40 000 visitors.

The weekend when the show opens to the public, is the true highlight. Collectors travel in from all over the globe creating a dynamic atmosphere in which Antoine’s work truly stood out and got the recognition it deserves by collectors and art enthusiasts alike. It was therefore only just that Antoine was awarded the Solo Artist Award by Eric Smith, Vice President of the International Art and Framing Group.

I was speechless. Receiving such a big award from such a renowned person caught me completely by surprise and I was both honored and stunned. However the highlight of the week was the public’s reaction to my recent body of work. It was the first time ever that I publicly displayed my photography and I was almost sold out on the first day. Furthermore hearing people talk and connect to my paintings moved me deeply. I am aware that my work is not ‘mainstream’ and often only a small percentage of people are really able to connect to what I create. My aim has always been to visualize the moments I am experiencing, the chapters playing out in my own life rather than creating what is asked of me. But seeing a large number of people connect at such an intense level was an unforgettable experience.

Blogging from New York

2009-02-27T15:40:00.003-05:00

When I become quiet, it usually means I am becoming exceptionally busy. During the last few weeks this was especially true. I completed over 30 new originals all currently on display here at the New York ArtExpo. Today is the second day of this five-day exhibit and so far I am just having a superb show, with more new galleries and more sales this time any year before. However besides the exhibit, TJ and I are also having a marvelous time in the Big Apple, making good use of the variety of restaurants and paining the town red in our free time. Happy days!

My work's new homes

2009-01-21T11:24:00.005-05:00

I was quite surprised today when I realized how long it has been since my last blog entry. At the moment I am working night and day on my upcoming New York Exhibition (Feb 26th – March 2). I have decided to take about 30 new originals that have never been shown before. However now that my exhibit is starting to take shape I came to realize that I have once again much more ideas than I will ever be able to execute. But then again, has it ever been different? LOL...

Putting this exhibit together in these challenging economic times has not been easy. In fact I have seriously considered not doing New York this year. However with continuing support and encouragement I have been able to make it happen.

Besides acquiring my work, my collectors have been incredibly encouraging in so many ways. Like this week when I received photos of my work in the homes of two of my wonderful clients, Colette Krelle from Los Angeles and Emile Voyer III from Fort Myers. Some of these I sold as far back as 2003. You can just imagine how special it was to see my work in their new ‘homes’.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T20:00:00.005-05:00

I would like to take a moment to wish you all a very happy and healthy 2009. May it be a year in which we all grow. May we all find ways, no matter how big or how small, to make this world a better place for each other as well as for generations to come.

I saw this today on a model, Lela Rae's blog and it really moved me so I decided to share:
Come sit with your angels
and give us some time
Forgive us this fragile frame of mind, it’s all right,
But it’s difficult changes for each in our turn
‘cause baby your angels never learned,
no we never learned…

Rain is gonna come down
Change is gonna come ‘round.

We’re given these moments,
We’re given this time,
We do what we must just to get by
Just to stay high and dry
And as sure as these blue skies they’re gonna turn gray
You’ve given your angels all of your days
but you can’t stay…

Rain is gonna come down
Change is gonna come ‘round.

Rain is gonna come down
Change is gonna come ‘round.

~Jon Heintz "Rain"
Click here to listen

As Gandhi said: "Be the change you want to see in the world" and it is with this thought that I am entering 2009.

Holiday Wishes

2008-12-23T21:22:00.004-05:00

And there another year is wandering off to go and place itself in the line of eternity. I would like to wish everybody a joyous Christmas and a very jubilant New Year.

I don’t think I can ever thank everyone who has supported me enough. Especially in these hard times I realize most of us are focused on the bare essential and in most books fine art does not fit that category. It has regardless been a very special and memorable year and the beginning of many new dreams.

the first of a new abstract series I am working on...

Touching Email

2008-12-16T21:13:00.015-05:00

I get quite a number of emails and spend a significant part of my day corresponding with galleries, suppliers, models etc. But then every once in a while I get an email that stops me in my tracks and reminds my why I chose to do what I do. This recent email from Laura Kathleen was one of those that really moved me. I believe no matter who we are or what we do, it’s crucial for each of us to find an outlet for our creative sides. I am sharing Laura’s message here with her permission;

I thank you for the email you sent months ago and for being an inspirational being in my life. There are some incredible creations in the world -- including your art, many musical compositions and books, and others -- that have been gently reminding me of the importance of letting life guide you toward being your most vital, passionate, and creative self. As a child, I dreamt of becoming a painter. I tried my hand at it several times but did not develop skill in that arena. For years I sadly envied those with such talent. But, I have learned that my creative gifts are in the form of writing and in helping people, both of which draw largely on my intuitive abilities. I realize that it is particularly strange to share all this with someone I haven't met. Yet, I merely wanted to let you know that in this world of six billion people, there is at least one more person out there who cherishes the art you create and is inspired to follow her dreams toward work that stirs her soul as much as your paintings do.