A feel good painting

'Euphoria' - a feel good painting :)

Truly, it is an enormous compliment when other artists, in training, emerging, established or hobbyist, are inspired by my work.
It gives meaning to my existence and to what I do.
I often receive visits on my website from art schools all over the world, and it makes me happy!
I truly hope the students can learn something of how my paintings are put together.
However, when people are trying to copy my work, because they don't have enough imagination of their own, it does annoy me.

How unsatisfying it must be to only copy, especially when you have enough talent of your own!
If it is for reasons to learn and develop, it is okay. However, if one keeps on copying... NAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!
What about your own input? What about creating your own style?
A true artist has a style of his/her own.
Copying most of the time only happens for financial reasons.
It's always about the money.
YUK!!!!!

I feel pity for those who only copy. They NEVER experience the feeling that often comes over me.
It is unexplainable how it feels when another great piece of art rises from under my hands and brushes.
The only word that comes near is EUPHORIA

The ART of LIFE

 

'Thrive'. This documentary might change your worldview. It did mine, but it also confirmed some of the feelings and thoughts I already had. It is absolutely very worthwhile to watch!

A Warm Welcome to all new followers!

I received some nice publicity lately, from significant international ART BLOGS, I highly appreciate:














* Warholian - www.warholian.com and https://www.facebook.com/WarholianFan
* Daily Art Fixx - www.dailyartfixx.com and https://www.facebook.com/DailyArtFixx
* FAD - Cool Art Stuff - www.fadwebsite.com and https://www.facebook.com/FADartstuff?ref=ts
* ArteeCollage - A style of permanence - www.arteecollage.com and http://arteecollage.wordpress.com/2012/09/20/creative-thirst-thursday-introducing-esther-barend/

Because of this publicity, I am happy to give a warm welcome to all new followers of my art and adventures!

If you are interested in invitations and special offers, subscribe to my newsletter: HERE

'I Need Your Attention'

That's the title of the painting I'm constructing. It's almost ready. I guess it takes one or two more days.
The figurative-abstracts take more time than ever, because of more layers and more details.
Today someone asked me, if I was inspired by masks of carnival.
Not at all... on the contrary! 
I want to show on the outside, what's on the inside.

We've got a lot more going on in our inner world, than we show on the outside.

A lot of people wear a mask all the time. They (unconsciously) hide their history, emotions or uncertainty behind it.
The looks we see on the outside, can be strengthened, weakened, supplemented or adjusted, by the sensations and thoughts, which are (sometimes carefully) hidden on ones inside. 
We just have to open our minds, to look beyond our initial sight. 
It's in the manner of seeing, that moves our understanding.

This is a close up of a part of the painting. 
When the painting is ready a picture of the complete work will follow soon (here or on my website).

Scenes of a movie that never has been shot

Last week I visited the exhibition of Helmut Newton in Le Grand Palais in Paris.

Helmut Newton is a great photographer, and I admire his work and style over the years.

However, the exhibition was a bit of a disappointment to me... until the moment that we finally could enter the small video room.
The documentary, filmed by his wife June, made the difference. In my point of view, one had better FIRST shown the documentary, and next lead the visitors to the photos.
It's very interesting to see and hear what drives him, how he watches and observes, and what kind of person he seems to be. It makes that you can look at his photos from a different point of view.
 
Le Grand Palais itself is a beautiful site for photographers, and I couldn't resist to capture (simply with my iPhone) what I saw myself... I saw scenes of a movie that has been never shot.
Nothing in comparison with Newton of course, but nevertheless... I like them.
(more pictures of Paris, check here)

Body Talk - inner happiness

Yesterday I finished my new piece. The working title was changed into: Body Talk - inner happiness. It is about how people can shine, just because of what the feel/sense/experience. Love always shows!

A body never lies. It always tells the truth about your well being... or not. We should listen to our bodies, and listen to our feelings. They are related.
Last year I read a book: The Healing Power of Ilness by Thorwald Dethlefsen and Rudiger Dahlke (doctor and psychotherapist). The title in dutch is: De zin van ziekzijn - In german it is: Krankheit als Weg. It tells all about the relation between body and soul, and the influence of your characteristics and your soul on your body. I highly recommend this book. Anyway, since I read it, it helped me, and also several of my friends and family, as well. You don't have to be ill to read it... better read it, so you will not become ill!

BACK on TRACK!

Picture 1: In the first stages.
Picture 2: detail - in the finishing stages.

After being occupied with a lot of personal business for about 2 months, I finally started painting again a few weeks ago.
I really had missed to paint / to create / to disappear into paint / to astonish myself.
Because that is what I do. With every new painting I discover new 'things' which I want to explore further, and which make it a little bit different.
That is how I keep on evolving.
I am in the final stages now of a new 'Girls in Paint'. I think it will take me one or two more days to finish it. As always, the details make the finishing touch.
I currently work in the back room of ARTISHOX Art Gallery in Hasselt, Belgium. People who visit the gallery, can see me painting.
In the first stages of the painting, I only work when the door is closed. I don't want anyone to disturb me. I cannot make a composition with someone watching over my shoulder. It makes me extremely nervous.
Also, I need to step out of reality, into the painting. But then, when the composition has rised, it is no problem anymore to paint with audience... uptil a certain level I have to say! ;)

Although the painting rises under my eyes and hands, I am still curious for the final result. I already fell in love with it (in my opinion this is necessary, to be able to finish a painting properly). Happy me again!

Successful and very crowded opening...

... of my solo show at Galerie De Kei in Nuenen, the Netherlands

I had a GREAT weekend!

Next Sunday start of a new solo show @ Gallery De Kei + free artist-print.

'Lucid Intuition' is ready, right in time before my next solo exhibition will get started. And don't think you've seen it on this picture... you have not seen the sides yet... and did I mention the layers? ;)

You are very welcome to come visit this show which runs from Sunday May 13 until June 17 - 2012, at Gallery De Kei in Nuenen, The Netherlands. In this show you can see a combination of my Dynamic Abstract-series and the 'Girls in Paint' series.

Upcoming Sunday the opening will take place. Of course everyone is cordially, happily, cheerfully ;) invited for the opening from 14.00 - 17.00 hours.

And during this opening show (as long as supplies last) an artist-print of one of my 'Girls in Paint' is waiting for you.... for FREE! By the way, it's not the one below (Different Points of View). Check http://www.galeriedekei.nl for the address.

Maybe we'll meet there!

CALVET in Belgium.

(sorry, my friend and I were pulling various funny faces... not suitable for publicity :) You'll have to do with this part of the picture)

Sunday evening I went to DOCVILLE in Leuven, Belgium to see CALVET for the second time.
This documentary, made by Dominic Allan, with touching soundtrack of Edith Progue, about my fellow artist Jean Marc Calvet, also for the second time, hit me right in the face again.
The shooting of this documentary has been like a therapy for Jean Marc, going back to the venues of his past. Although Dominic is the producer and director of this film, he turned out to be a very good friend for him as well during this period (and still is). When you face your shadow, like Jean Marc did, you need some very good company for reflection. 

In my point of view, CALVET is so much more than 'only' a documentary. That is why everyone should see it.

Take your chance if you live in Belgium or the Netherlands, tomorrow MAY 3, DOCVILLE, Cinema Zed in Leuven, Belgium, 21.45 hours. check www.docville.be

Standing in the middle of LIFE

This is a part of my latest painting 'Standing in the middle of LIFE'.

The painting reflects my current feelings. As one can see, I've got a lot going on in my life. However I am a very positive person, not everything is well. But hey... let the one stand up, who is doing perfectly well. I am very grateful for the positive consequences... and, blimey, I feel very alive and kicking! For the complete painting, check my website www.estherbarend.eu

CALVET - the movie in BELGIUM!!!!

Yes... finally CALVET is coming to Belgium. The screenings will take place on April 29 and May 3 on the DOCVILLE festival in Leuven. The movie about the unlikely life story of my fellow artist - French painter Jean Marc Calvet, is as impressive and fascinating as his paintings. Little by little the viewer is led into the world of the now very successful artist who struggled to distance himself from his turbulent past as a drug-addicted thief who walked out on his own son. He fled to South America where for nine months he underwent a terrifying metamorphosis in all meanings of the word. A brutal but inspiring film about human low points, responsibility, regret and hope, destruction and artistic creation. The soundtrack is made by my dear friend Edith Progue.
I was privileged to see this movie at DOC NYC, in New York last November, in the company of Jean Marc Calvet himself, the producer Dominic Allan and the gallery owners of Monkdogz Urban Art, with whom Jean Marc and I work in New York.
The documentary just hit me right in the heart. 

Check http://estherbarend.blogspot.com/2011/11/film-and-exhibition-in-new-york.html, if you want to read about my experiences.
Check www.calvetmovie.com for more info and on http://www.jmcalvet.com/ for Jean Marc Calvet's paintings

Of course now I've ordered tickets again!

Do you want to join me? You can order the tickets online: http://www.docville.be/programma/film.asp?film=21317 - http://www.docville.be/programma/film_en.asp?film=21317
I'll be going on April 29!
Maybe we'll meet in Leuven!!!

DON'T mention them!!!

This blog is about my art....

But what seriously annoys me, is that the media in the whole world, talk all the time about the lawsuit of a serial killer from Norway, who murdered about 77 young people... and about the lawsuit of a male person in the Netherlands, who is that sick in his head, that he has had the most perverse sex with babies and children. And these are only a few examples...

WHY???
WHY do we need to be remembered all the time of these sick people.
Just do NOT mention them!!!
If no one talks about them, if they are ignored.... they are punished more.
They just love the attention.

The media themselves are sick too
I think it is very important that people stay critical and that the people stay informed about what's happening in the world.... But I get a nasty taste in my mouth, about the reporting of a large part of the media nowadays.... it's all about the money here too. Who's the first to report about the next murder??? Who will be the first to film, photograph.......
Really sick...

How wonderful would it be if the media would start looking for the bright sides of life more...
All this negative, awful and bad reporting... it does the world no good.

My art on TIMES SQUARE New York City?????

Okay... this is really me...

I decided to participate to this awesome looking art competition....

But now I just found out that it appears that if I had enough money, I would be able to just BUY ME IN TO THIS COMPETITION...

and if I do 'Your work is guaranteed to be shown on a 21 ft by 12 ft sign in Times Square'

Duh?????

Only if 77 people within less than 1 day click on 'COLLECT ME' on my page, I will be able to enter the competition.... not that my art will be shown on Times Square jet. And okay, since I am not very good in networking I think I can forget about it.

I'd better get back to what I'm good at: painting.

;)

If you do believe in miracles and want to try to help me get my art to Times Square .... stop dreaming! I withdraw my participation. I don't want to be part of this.

LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT

just been born... still got a long way to go to grow up

I've been pretty successful lately in painting and sales of paintings, despite of the economic crisis. But suddenly LIFE itself has hit and overrun - like a truck - every fiber of my body and soul. The rollercoaster takes me to places I've never been before, without taking into account whether I want to go there, or not. Life can bring and take. It's what you do with it, how you react on it and it's in the manner of seeing, that moves your understanding. I don't know where we are going, but I know I can do it.

Watching life through a lens

Watching life through a lens, 50x20x4 cm | 20x8x1,5 inch

Another painting in the Girls in Paint series is ready.
It is a small painting, but it is so detailed, that it took me a long time to finish it.
The model is sitting on her pink cloud, watching life through a lens. Everything looks so promising and beautiful to her...
On the hunt for positivity in the tormented world we live in, with spring in the air, this little painting makes my life a little more beautiful.

It was a good intention to shut myself off, of the rest of the world... but completely impossible because of the horrible tragedy which has hit my hometown.
Every parent's nightmare: 22 children and 6 adults (15 children -from a class of 22 - and 2 adults were from my hometown Lommel) - died Tuesday in a touring-car accident in Switzerland. 24 injured and traumatized for the rest of their lives.
Terrible!! The grief is like a blanket over the city. Today at 11 o'clock a minute's silence out of respect for the victims and their families and the flags are at half mast throughout the day. My thoughts are with the relatives.
Every day I understand less about life... if we do not shut ourselves off every now and then, we could easily get crazy. Looking for the positive side of life... and their are dozens of positive sides.... let's not forget that.
But today it is time to gireve.

Immerse in paint

Back to work, in stead of worrying about the world... this feels soooo much better.
I'd best shut myself off, of the rest of the world, and stay in my own beautiful environment.
'Life is what you make it', I always say, so I'd better stick to my own words and conviction.
And hey... spring is in the air!! Yeeehaaaa!

Esther Barend has decided to protect the Earth!!!

Would it be a good idea to join the 'save the planet - publicity stunt hype' which is ruling our media?

Every self respecting brand nowadays announces to protect the oceans (Davidoff Cool Water), save the Filipino Crocodile (Lacoste) or reduce carbon dioxide emissions (L'Oreal). This is just a small selection of what I read in the media during the last week.
Those brands are so fulfilled by their own benefactor-act that they use it as a marketing tool, hoping more people will choose for their brand because of their good heart. I even dare to claim that some of them picked a good cause on purpose, with the aim to serve as a publicity stunt!
I'd say this is just a lot of bragging, automanipulation, look what a great brand/company/person I am... everyone should buy MY products!!

I wonder if more people would buy my paintings if I'd announce that I've been reducing carbon dioxide emissions for ages, only eat meat once a week, have reduced water-usage to a minimum, am not a big consumer, take the bike instead of the car whenever I can, donate a large amount of money to the Red Cross every year and although I already apply sustainable energy when- and wherever I can, I have decided to become even more sustainable????
Nahhhhhh, I don't think so!

Sources:
http://www.basenotes.net/content/1056-Davidoff-Cool-Water-to-Partner-National-Geographic-Society-Pristine-Seas-Programme
http://www.mabuwaya.org/index.cfm?p=FF6A11E6-DD6F-66C2-42E5874FDDB529EC
http://www.wwd.com/beauty-industry-news/retailing/loral-italia-introduces-a-zero-emissions-project-5760410

I'm tired feeling miserable

I've been ill for 4 days now and I'm really fed up with it already. I NEVER have a cold and it has been decades since I last had the flu... It seems like it's coming out now all at once. I am way too impatient to just lie, sit, lie, sleep, read, watch tv, check FB, and do nothing else than sneezing and coughing and feeling miserable all the time, but I decided to surrender to it. Well.... There is not much else to choose from. Also... since I'm never ill and there are MUCH worse things in life, I don't have anything to complain about! Anyway I tell myself that it has a purpose, and although I really believe it does, I hope I feel better very soon. This is soooo boring and tiring. ....  And there's a painting waiting for me to be finished.

My art in CATAPULT Art Magazine

Check this link:

http://issuu.com/catapultartm/docs/catapult_0312.v7?mode=window&backgroundColor=%23222222

And take your time, because there is a lotttt to discover.

Enjoy it!

Life is full of Hairpin Bends....

During the past years it's taking me longer than ever before to create a painting.
I am never without ideas (happy!!) and the composition (the big picture) is there quite quickly, but next... it is all about the details.
With lots of patience I've been working on my latest painting: Hairpin Bends, 120x40 cm | 47x16 inch.

The title of this post already explains the title of the painting.
Life = Change.
Since our planet and its residents are experiencing a lot of changes which keep on accellerating, we have to adjust all the time.
In order to find a new balance, this means that sometimes we have to make AND take a lot of hairpin bends.
Taking hairpin bends sometimes also includes taking risks. But hey.. that is life. Living without taking risks is dull.
Then again... sometimes there is nothing to choose. This is what it is, take it or leave it.

Wires of life

'Get Under the Wire'

After the explosion of colors in my last work - The Year of the Dragon - I wanted to make a work in black and white. Well, almost only black and white, since I added only one color (in several tones of course!) to it. When I look at my painting now it's finished, I just cannot believe that I've worked on it for weeks (with a pause of 5 days because I had the pleasure of having my fellow artist Bayo - mexican but living and working in Austin, Texas - and his wife staying at my house). It has a lot of details, but at the same time it looks so simple to me. I've been 'in this painting' for so long that I can not look at it objectively anymore.

It is called 'Get Under the Wire', 100x160 cm | 39x63 inch.

Get under the wire, is an english expression, and to me it's that + the exact translation of the words and a lot more. 

Talking of Bayo, his work is really awesome!!! He was in Belgium to attend the opening of his solo exhibition 'Let me in' at ARTISHOX Art Gallery. If you live in the neighborhood, just go there and take a look at his fantastic work. The show runs until March 4. If not, and you are curious: visit www.artishopix.com. You can order his work online! And don't forget to take a look at the work of the other artists, as well as mine on artishopix!!!

Cleaning up

Mucking out my studio and take stock is not my idea of having fun...
Many pots are almost empty, but since I don't want to waste anything I'll scrape out the paint until the last drop.
Not the most adventurous thing to do....
The good thing of cleaning up is that I find back things I lost a long time ago.
By now you must have understood that I am not the most tidy person in the world....
The definition 'chaotic' fits better.
Anyway... I have to continue my 'quest'. Writing this blogpost was just an excuse to take a pause from doing work I don't like.

In the middle of a new painting

Finally the sun is shining... although tomorrow it will be raining again. Like it has not been raining for almost the entire month of December... grrrrrrr.
What really worries me though is to hear the sound of birds which usually announce spring... and to see buds on trees and bushes.... which always gives me this good feeling! But not in the first week of January!!!
But worrying does not help....So I better enjoy the sunlight shining into my studio big time!

I've started a new painting on the second day of this year and I just can't let go of it.
It grows under my hands and everytime again I watch it like it's a miracle. Maybe that is what drives me...?
There still is a lot of work to do on this painting and I don't know how long it will take to finish it. I've learned to be patient (well only considering my paintings).
It is called 'The Year of the Dragon' which is about to start (on January 23), my Chinese sign, so my year. Curious what it will bring! I'm going back to my painting now.