MDE Art Blog » Out In the World of Art

The Artist Challenge – A Private Art Club

MDE Art Blog — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 10:01:14 +0000

During the summer of 2008, an interesting concept in online art developed between me and fellow artist Vikki North. An “art challenge” was proposed based on a theme or topic, and we both produced interpretive artwork in our respective styles and mediums. The result was overwhelmingly successful, I enjoyed the personal growth as an artist, and the response to the artwork was encouraging.

The experience instilled a desire to make art challenges more inclusive and accessible to artists and art patrons. And with that in mind, I’d like to present the culmination of our recent joint effort: “The Artist Challenge!”

The concept is still the same; a theme or topic is proposed, create your own unique work of art and interpretation of the theme, submit your work to the site, and we’ll share the many inspiring perspectives for all the world to see. We even link back to your site so visitors or art patrons can learn more about you and your artwork!

Additionally, we’ll be moderating a knowledgeable and fun filled forum “Dante’s Pub” that will eventually be made private for contributing artists only.

So are you ready to take the art challenge?!

The first challenge has a final due date of February 14th, and the theme is: UNREQUITED LOVE! Perfect for February.

Stop by The Artist Challenge for more information, view previous challenge galleries, register a forum account, and we’ll see you in the Pub!

~Michael
aka Captain Mike

Bio Artist Sydney Strahan | Gemstone Paintings Gallery

MDE Art Blog — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 22:38:27 +0000

21st century advances in technology have opened new windows to the world around us that have enabled artists to dive deeper into the heart of matter than ever before. Whether it’s through the use of microscopes to see cells and molecules, or telescopes to see distant planets and galaxies, or in this case, through the use of advanced drilling techniques to reach precious stones, gems, minerals, and core-sample cross sections of Earth, artists are there to explore. And bio artist Sydney Strahan has emerged with fascinating works of art that reflect the nuances and intimate spaces of the layered world that sustains us. Her art is at the same time capable because of this moment of technological advance, yet transcends the millenia of time from whence its inspiration and the art itself was born.

Sydney has created amazingly vibrant paintings from core-sample cross sections of microscopically thin layers of Earth. By working with expert Geologists, a variety of interesting rocks and stones offered a visual point of departure for her art work.

From her artist biography:

Sydney Strahan is a graduate of Texas Christian University with a double major in Painting and Printmaking, as well as a life-long explorer of the arts in creativity, movement, and spirituality.

Coinciding with a current movement in art known as Bio-Art; art inspired by biological mechanisms, Sydney’s work specifically relates to the exploration of life sciences that examine a human connection to living systems.

Additionally, view her beautiful Gemstone Paintings Gallery for more examples of lush art that is reminiscent of worlds within worlds, once hidden deep within the Earth and now available for all too see.

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New Art Category

MDE Art Blog — Sat, 03 Mar 2007 02:06:19 +0000

The “Out In the World of Art” section features blog entries that point out areas of interest in the world of Art.

Concept Art Forum

MDE Art Blog — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 16:11:26 +0000

I have always been fascinated with Concept Art. The level of artistic expertise one must have to achieve quality work and actually get paid to draw is astounding. There are many people who dream of achieving this goal, but few succeed. One resource to help get you there is a website called ConceptArt.org. It’s chock full of inspiration, ideas, and the community you’ll need to get you started in your career of being a concept artist. They even have regular concept art workshops with industry professionals.

I attended one of the concept art workshops, and I must say I was thoroughly impressed, and glad I went. I was able to see all my concept art heroes paint, draw, and sculpt right before my eyes. It was magical the way their art springs to life in mere seconds, and a great learning experience. I would also highly recommend perusing the professional art galleries to get an idea of the high caliber work that your concept art peers are creating. And don’t be afraid to post some concept art of your own, as constructive criticism is readily available for everyone.

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Bob Ross Landscape Paintings

MDE Art Blog — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 16:59:08 +0000

Bob Ross was my first impetus for buying oil paints and painting a series of landscape paintings along with his television show. His personality and approach to oil painting made it easier for me to understand and paint something that actually made me feel proud of myself. I enjoyed his style, and miss those half hour periods of time I would spent painting with him.

While many have criticized his technique and his company’s current business practices, I can’t deny that he was my first inspiration for being an artist, and I’m thankful. His paintings and personality on TV will live on, hopefully inspiring more creative minds throughout the world.

Surreal Art Collective

MDE Art Blog — Tue, 06 Feb 2007 06:32:00 +0000

The beinArt Surreal Art Collective is worth a look for anybody interested in surrealist art, abstract surrealism, or ideas in image form that go beyond conventional ways of thinking. The herd instinct and mentality that permeates society is cast off or interpreted in a unique way that surrealism relishes in exploring. This exemplary showcase of surrealist artists is stunning, and one would be hard pressed to find a more exotic collection of unique images brought together by so many artists in one place.

I am thoroughly impressed by the scope and imagination of each and every artist on the site. And I wish them all good luck in their journeys into expressing the depths of the mind that only few dare to explore.

Kinetic Scuplture Artist

MDE Art Blog — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 06:24:08 +0000

One of the most original and innovative artists I have ever seen is a kinetic sculpture artist from Holland named Theo Jansen. His thoughts about using genetic algorithms to create a new nature of roaming artificial life on the beach make for an interesting topic of conversation. Wired Magazine even has an article about Theo’s mechanical sculptures, and the pictures and videos of the beach animals are a unique site to behold.

I am truly inspired by the perspective of Theo Jansen, and respect his ideas about artificially created life. And the beauty of his kinetic sculptures is an impressive feat of human imagination, made real by combining an expertise in engineering and art.

Biography / Artist Statement – Michael D. Edens

Google Logo Artist

MDE Art Blog — Sun, 04 Feb 2007 09:44:20 +0000

Dennis Hwang has been called “the most famous unknown artist in the world” by CNN. He designs the logos on Google.com and millions of people see his art work every day. These galleries of Google logo designs showcase his talent and playful style.

I would like to congratulate Dennis on his success as a design artist, and I look forward to many more interpretations of the Google logo in the future!

Comic Book Artist

MDE Art Blog — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 06:19:11 +0000

There was a recent article submitted to Digg.com about a relatively unknown artist’s interpretation of The Simpsons and Futurama characters drawn in an anime style. The works of art were met with thunderous adoration from fans and artists alike, and it seems Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons and Futurama, enjoyed viewing the art as well.

The artist, Nina Sachie Matsumoto, became an online celebrity within a few days and has now been hired by Matt Groening’s comic book company, Bongo Comics.

This is truly an inspiring story of an artist whose impressive talent was finally recognized by those who inspired her in the first place. And I would like to wish the artist good luck, wherever this serendipitous turn of events leads!