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Caravaggio
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio was an Italian Baroque
painter. Without getting into his biography, I consider him an influence in
3 ways. First, his paintings convey a drama, which is based both in the
subject matter and extreme lighting. Second, his naturalistic portrayal of
religious subjects and use of everyday models. His painting "St. John the
Baptist" (also known as "St. John in the Wilderness") is my favorite
painting, period.
This is a very comprehensive site: http://www.kfki.hu/~arthp/bio/c/caravagg/biograph.html It
was a pleasure to see many of his works in Rome and Florence. Jerome
Witkin
I only had Professor Witkin for two semesters at Syracuse
University, but he was a terrific
influence. Of any art instructor I've had, he gave the best critiques. He
said more in 5 minutes than other instructors said in 20 minutes. His
paintings are huge, and they tell a story. He helped create a bridge for me
between comic books and fine art painting. If you ever have a chance to see
one of his dramatic pieces in person, don't pass it up. I haven't found a
definitive website on Witkin, but this one isn't bad (though it isn't too
fresh either): http://home.earthlink.net/~mondaycow/gallery.html Henry
Scott Tuke
I first saw Tuke's "August Blue" at London's Tate gallery during
summer 1997. Five years later, I saw it again in the Brooklyn Art Museum. I
did a little research and discovered that he had a fantastic body of work
that has gone largely under the radar. An impressionist, his homoerotic
subject matter and British nationality have doomed him to the footnotes of
Art History survey books. This site has the most paintings: http://www.geocities.com/tuke_site/ Paul
Cézanne
Color, line, spontaneity. Cézanne is my favorite painter of still-lifes,
and he's got a few great figures as well. William
Joseph Turner
His colors and brush stroke are fantastic. He predated the French
impressionist movement but had no following in England -- historically he's
essentially an island, and he's awesome. His painting "Slave Ship"
is my favorite painting at Boston's Museum of Fine Arts. Last I checked it
wasn't on display, and they couldn't tell me when it would be back, but if
you can see it, take the chance. He also has a massive wing at London's Tate
Gallery. Check out the excellent on-line
gallery. Anthony
Goicolea
This photographer is
pushing the notion of self-portrait -- regardless of medium. I get lost in
his photos, and wondering just what is behind them.
http://www.anthonygoicolea.com
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