Since antiquity we have gathered sparkling stones and assembled them into sacred objects. Gemstones were thought to have their own inner light and embodied a metaphysical channel to a mystical divine realm. They were therefore used to ornament sacred crowns, … Continued

When Emma and Gerald Thayer were asked to help illustrate a zoological book call “Concealing Coloration in The Animal Kingdom” they accepted the challenge. Their particular quarry in 1900 was the Cottontail Rabbit. Their medium was watercolor and, they worked … Continued

Perspectives of Disappearance The perspectives of disappearance rely on many triggers. There is the proportional reduction of size over distance called linear perspective. Among others there are color recession, overlapping shapes, gradient shifts, diminishing ratio of value contrasts, diminishing edge … Continued

Marvel Comics demonstrated speed and motion can be indicated with attenuated converging  or radiating lines as. Speed can also be suggested through exaggerated perspective along with blurring.  But, with blurred edges the picture’s legibility is diminished and therefore, recognition of … Continued

In the sixth century, as the Roman Empire collapsed China was cultivating its arts with Imperial support.  Xie He had just compiled a comprehensive collection of  Chinese artists which included a criteria for making and judging paintings. His instructions advised … Continued

Whenever an artist moves paint onto a surface in pursuit of an idea, they are abstracting. No one paints trees; we paint symbols, schema and illusions which conjure trees in a beholder.  Artists set expectations so that illusions can be … Continued