Helga Hornung in her studio.........

Here is a wonderful picture of German artist Helga Hornung working in her atelier. You can see her technique of moving and manipulating the paint with her hand. Jesse Reno does the same thing in the background of his works. They both then use a black outline to add further layering to their paintings. Two gifted artists, same unusual technique. Helga's works have a universal appeal and her books (" The Little Lalu" series) are popular with normal, as well as challenged children. I love seeing works in progress and learn so much from these in studio photos.

Unbelievable Outsider Artist with Music on His Mind

It's really unbelievable what an artist can construct from wood, wire, concrete, and string. Dirk Dahl makes these fascinating figures from his imagination, and he also makes his rendition of famous jazz musicians that are pretty amazing. Two postings of the first, and a trio of the second will speak for themselves.

Sandy Mastroni, Outsider at Red Dot.........

My pal, Sandy Mastroni is an Outsider artist who reinvents herself on a weekly basis. Her puzzle piece ladies will be featured at Miami's Red Dot show coming up soon! I saw a few of them in person today, at her lovely CT home which resembles a page out of Cottage Living. Every surface is decorated in Sandy's quirky, Alice in Wonderland style and when I'm there, I feel like I'm in a dream, embedded in the 1800's, populated with 4 curious cats. Anyway, back to the art. The women are painted on puzzle pieces, both large and small, and are reminiscent of Vargas faces, but with more style (and clothes). You can see other examples of her art work under the "New Artists" button   here.

Another Self-taught Art Beaded Piano

That last image was breathtaking, I know! I have gotten so many positive responses to New Orleans artist, John Lawson's beaded piano, that I'm posting another one, this time a Baby Grand. He calls it "Booker" and if you look carefully you will see the portrait of this Jazz musician on the top of the case. John's next show is at Honfleur Gallery in Washington, DC from November 15th to January 2nd, and will include re-traced drawings encased in encaustic wax, photography, and sculpture using the salvaged Mardi Gras beads. What a talent!

Beaded pianos, self-taught art at it's best

A friend, John Lawson, created the most extraordinary art objects colleged with Mardi Gras beads. He wandered the streets after the celebration was over and collected hundreds of pounds of these garishly bright beads. Then came hours of soaking and cleaning. Then sorting colors. And then the magic began! 

These are life sized pianos covered, in a jazz theme, with the collected beads. This one is an old New Orleans Honky Tonk piano and is totally playable, right down to the "Jelly Roll Morton" twang. The pianos have been shown in museums and are part of great private art collections. They are really beyond belief! This is the hight of recycling, don't you think?

Outsider no more

With each step President-elect Barack Obama walks, up the stairs of both Congress and the White House, steps literally made by slaves, he will be lifting off the tarnish of both the American dream and America's reputation. His presence will announce loud and clear that there is freedom in this great place. Freedom and choice for his children, my children, and our children's children. This is a joyous day for people of all colors, faiths and parties. Congratulations to America, to the Obamas and to the Bidens. Prepare for a steep climb and go in peace.

Not Outsider Art, but fun fun fun

Obviously not Outsider art, but do you remember being given these comical little guys, called JoBos? If you squeezed them their ears, eyes and tongue would pop out, much to the delight of any little person in the room. I found the molds which they were made from on Martha's Vineyard this summer. We all need a laugh in these tense times, so this was mine.