Art is one of the most personal things out there. Who knows what it is in an image – whether a photograph, painting, graphic design or otherwise – that moves us. But we know it when we feel it – right? Kind of like love. We usually have a ‘type’ we’re drawn to, but every once in a while something comes along that breaks the mold and your world is turned a little upside down. And sometimes the two are very intertwined…
Years ago I dated a nice Texas boy. Houston to be exact. I lived there for about two seconds and in that time I remember visiting the Rothko Chapel. I had always liked Rothko for his use of color (or sometimes, absence of) and abstract yet linear style. It kinda feels like the inside of my head – I like to see the world so simplified into blocks of color . But I digress. So, while I lived in Houston, we visited the Rothko Chapel, which was an appropriate name for the building because seeing his pieces in there is a religious experience to be sure, and I completely fell in love.
Ever since then, I’ve been drawn to Rothko’s works and others like it. Josef Albers is one artist that comes to mind…
I never would have thought myself attracted to such ‘simple’ art, but I realize it appeals to my type-a personality and love for color. And this style absolutely influenced the paintings I created for my own home that hang above my sofa because it’s one I can wrap my head around and express in my own way.
Trust me… I’m no artist. But the influence that Rothko, Albers and others have made – not only in my taste in art, but my understanding of color and the impact it has – makes such a difference in the way I perceive design. What about you? Do you have an artist who has influenced your style or aesthetic in other ways?
*this post sponsored by art.com. all thoughts and opinions are my own.
so excited to see this post! I fell in love with Rothko’s work in college. I was always drawn to simple abstract shapes and beautiful color. What I would give to have an original in my apartment!! <3
I love the soothing shades of a Rothko painting. When I was younger I used to like more traditional paintings of landscapes, but as I get older, my eyes are drawn to abstract paintings with lots of colors.
Best,
Alison
http://heartofgoldandluxury.blogspot.com
Mark Rothko has always been one of my favorites, his pieces are just amazingly emotionally charged for me.
I need to visit the Rothko chapel, it looks amazing.
Xx
Callie
I may just try this for my bedroom
what do you mean you’re no artist? people say this, but I don’t know what the phrase means. I think your paintings are beautiful– give yourself some credit, girl!
haha- ok, artist-in-the-making then, perhaps?? thanks jessica!
Love this post. To me, there might be no one greater than Rothko…at least as far as abstract expressionism goes. His paintings are truly emotional pieces. And simply beautiful! PS…my humble opinion is that you, indeed, are an artist…
Color is art for me…subject matter…not so much. When I see dress design…art…when I see pillows…art. Personal. franki
Oh wow, new artists for me to love!