Art Appreciation Site
	Camille Gizzarelli BellaOnline's Art Appreciation Editor

Where Bosch and Harry Potter Coexist
Books by Harry Potter and Hieronymus Bosch can be found in the children´s room of your local library. I have my "Oprah-like" book recommendations for young people.

'The Taking of Christ '- One Lost Painting
The re-discovery of the painting 'The Taking of Christ' by the Baroque Old Master artist Caravaggio has precipitated a book 'The Lost Painting - The Quest for a Caravaggio Masterpiece' by Jonathan Harr.

A - Painting - A - Day – In 19th Century France?
What began in 2004 with Virginia artist Duane Keiser, the ‘A-Painting-A-Day’ craze has surged in popularity, offering affordable paintings by talented artists. What would artists from 19th Century France have thought?

A Vermeer Painting Owned by Hitler
Johannes Vermeer, the 17th century Dutch artist who was the original 'painter of light,' produced one work of art that Hitler wanted for himself.

Abstract Art: From Kandinsky to Scully
In the history of art, abstract art is said to have begun with the Russian born painter Wassily Kandinsky. How does Abstract Art of today compare? Comparisons with Sean Scully as well as other artists.

And Yet Another Rembrandt Self Portrait
As it is difficult for any two art experts to agree on the actual number of Rembrandt self portraits, a painting dated 1665 from the Kenwood House, London will travel outside of Europe for the first time in 2012.

Andrew Wyeth - Much Adieu About Christina & Helga
The American artist Andrew Wyeth is best known for ´Christina´s World´ and the Helga series. Have critics been unfair in evaluating Wyeth´s work?

Art in Writing: Calligraphy, Cy Twombly
Calligraphy and graffiti are probably the best known writings in art. I will discuss the ‘Book of Kells’ and modern day artists who use pencil or ink as their material of choice.

Artist Van Dyck Influence on Gainsborough
Anthony Van Dyck was a 17th century Flemish Baroque artist and Thomas Gainsborough was an English Rococo and Romantic artist of the 18th century. How could the former have influenced the latter?

Bill Gates, British Royals - Da Vinci Code (x)
The world's constant fascination with Leonardo Da Vinci and 'The Da Vinci Code'. I will introduce Leonardo's Codex to some of my readers and expound on his many talents.

Can’t Afford a Picasso? Hurray For Free Art
Most of us can only dream about owning a fine art painting or sculpture. Luckily, many art related activities in your community or on the Web are free.

Caravaggio - Sinner or Artist Extraordinaire?
I discuss the conflicting theologies between the radical Baroque artist Caravaggio and his extraordinary religious art.

Celebrity Art Collectors: Jolie, Pitt, Martin
If you have ever wondered what art your favorite celebrities purchase, I have focused on the couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, as well as comedian Steve Martin.

Conspicuous Isolation in Edward Hopper’s Paintings
In many of Edward Hopper’s paintings, the subjects (people or locations) are intentionally isolated. Why did the artist use this as his theme and claim to fame?

Damien Hirst – Artist - Not Nature Lover
In 2012, British artist Damien Hirst exhibited over 70 of his works at Tate Modern. His use of animals and invertebrates (living and dead) in his art is both legendary and controversial.

Damien Hirst’s Spot Paintings & On Mortality
British artist Damien Hirst has an unprecedented one man show at Gagosian Galleries worldwide. I’ll discuss how his Spot Paintings relate to mortality (his) and 'what four things he would take from a burning building.’

Decorative Arts by Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright’s style of architecture was coined ‘organic’ because of his natural motifs. He not only designed the building but the interior furnishings: rugs, chairs, tables, lamps, and fabrics. I will discuss the Dana-Thomas House in Springfield, Illinois.

Dürer’s ‘Four Apostles’ Painting Misinterpreted
One of the greatest Renaissance artists of the 16th century was Albrecht Dürer. In honor of the anniversary of his death, the Solomon Islands issued stamps of ‘The Four Apostles’ in 1978, but unfortunately, there was a mistake in identifying the saints.

Giacometti Sculpture Sells For $104.3 Million
What makes a work of art so unique that it sells for the highest amount paid to date? What sculpture sold for this unprecedented amount and to whom?

Halloween : Artist Evoking Horror - Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon was a British painter best known for his Screaming Pope series. Also, comparisons made to Hieronymus Bosch and Pablo Picasso.

Jackson Pollock and Abstract Art
I discuss Jackson Pollock the man, an abstract artist so talented, yet 'lived on the edge'. Similarities noted between Jackson Pollock and James Dean, real American Idols.

Mark Rothko on Nature and Surrealism
Mark Rothko was greatly influenced by fellow artists Bonnard, Matisse, and Gaugin. His work from 1949 and beyond look amazingly contemporary.

Monet – Best Known For Repetitious Paintings
Other 19th century European artists painted the four seasons (Millet) but no one painted repetitive subjects as passionately as Claude Monet.

National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC has a wonderful outdoor sculpture garden. On any fine weather day, people can be seen around the fountain and surrounding grounds relaxing and observing the sculpture.

Natural and Man Made Organic Art
When you think of Organic art, you might envision pottery, a straw basket or wooden furniture. As Frank Lloyd Wright brought us Organic architecture, the artists Sean Scully, Andy Goldsworthy and Mariana Cook open our eyes to Organic art.

Non-Sustainable vs. Eco-Friendly Art
Artists, like other responsible citizens, must consider the ramifications of large scale art which may become a contaminant to the environment. What defines eco-friendly art?

Red - The Color of Love and Matisse
February is the month to think "red." Red is the color of the heart, thus love and passion. Henri Mattise was a famous 20th century French artist who painted with red as if it were the subject matter. I'll discuss his painting, "The Red Studio."

Saint-Gaudens -Sculptor and Designer of U.S. Coins
The preeminent American sculptor, Augustus Saint-Gaudens designed the $20 double eagle gold coin. To some, this is considered one of the most beautiful American coins.

Sargent and Velázquez: Comparison Study
A comparison study of work by John Singer Sargent's, "Daughters of Edward Darley Boit," and Diego Velázquez's, "Las Meninas."

Textiles in Art - The Quilts of Gee's Bend
I discuss textiles used in art by Christo and Jeanne-Claude, the Quilters of Gee´s Bend, and Henri Matisse.

The Work & Loves of Artists Klimt & Kokoschka
Oscar Kokoschka may be a lesser known artist than Gustav Klimt, but what do they both have in common with composer and conductor Gustav Mahler besides their homeland?

Van Gogh & His Influence on Art
Van Gogh was a Dutch artist who influenced modern art, despite his short life and personal rejections. He left the art world a plethora of paintings in a variety of styles. I will discuss what really tells us 'volumes' about his inner thoughts.

Van Gogh: Only One Painting Sold in His Lifetime
Vincent Van Gogh is probably one of the most recognizable names in the history of art. A ‘starving artist’ during his abbreviated life, selling just one painting during his lifetime, his paintings would posthumously realize the highest price ever paid for a work of art.

Vatican Art -- The Other Michelangelo
Best known is Michelangelo Buonarroti, the Italian Renaissance artist. Born seven years after Michelangelo´s death, Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was to become an extraordinary Italian Baroque artist and the 'bad boy' in the history of art.

Victoria Beckham’s Photo Like Balthus Painting
Pop star Victoria Beckham landed the cover of ‘Allure’ magazine’s August 2008 issue. A centerfold reveals the Spice Girl’s provocative repose straight out of Balthus painting ‘Golden Days.’

Victorian Artist: Sarah Wyman Whitman
A talented pastel painter from the Post Civil War era became a prominent woman stained glass artist.

Vincent Van Gogh - the Artist and His Life
Unlike the works of Picasso which can be explained by the loves in his life, the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh can best be understood by where he lived and worked. I will discuss ‘The Starry Night’ from his stay in Saint-Rémy as well as other notable paintings.

Warhol: Great Artist ?
I have the same question that Sister Wendy was heard to ask, "Was Andy Warhol a great artist or a con artist?"

Women Artists Coping With Illness: Frida Kahlo
Art and medicine is a partnering that has healed many bodies and souls. I discuss the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo as well as cancer survivors.