Chuck
Close
Close is most likely my favorite contemporary artist in the mainstream art world. Ever since I reviewed a great MoMA show a few years ago, I've been struck by the sheer technical genius of Close's work. He creates overwhelmingly huge and dynamic realist pop portraits composed of vibrating blobs of color. Visit some of his works on the Internet here at Artcyclopedia.
O.
Winston Link
I've explored the works of this photographer since seeing an exhibit at the museum in the recently renovated Grand Central Station. If you delve into Link's oeuvre, you'll discover a poignant world of dying steam locomotives captured in a vivid chiarascuro of black and white. Read more about his legacy in this article from Smithsonian magazine.
Hong
Foo
Hong Foo is a wonderful painter of abstract landscapes that blend East and West attitudes. A Baha'i from Malaysia, Hong currently lives and teaches in New Jersey. I've been lucky enough to get to know Hong and to see him present his artwork several times. Immerse yourself in his tranquil and insightful spiritual world at www.FooGallery.com.
Andreas
Gursky
A new favorite after visiting a great (and quite comprehensive) MoMA show, Gursky's larger-than-life photographs work on several aesthetic levels. The works are at once a sobering examination of isolation amid chaos in contemporary life, and an incredible technical accomplishment of scale. See the MoMA exhibit for yourself here.
Myhelan
The Myhelan Cultural Arts Center was my next-door neighbor when I lived in Long Valley, New Jersey. A unique and fun gallery that regularly sponsors events and exhibits, Myhelan showcases both local and international artists as part of its mission to share the arts of different cultures with the community. The above work is by Joseph Farber. Visit Myhelan's web page for more information and a schedule of exhibits.
John
Singer Sargent
This great turn-of-the-century American Impressionist is by far my favorite watercolorist. His work is fresh, inventive, colorful and powerfully real. I saw two fabulous solo exhibits recently, at the National Gallery and the Met. For me, the highlights of the shows were his sketches and plein air (quick paintings done outside in one sitting) pieces. Visit my Sargent pages to learn more about this talented master.
Simon Levenson
Simon's work was hanging in a Cosi a few weeks ago. It was really good
Cezanney apple still lifes and views of the city. So I checked out his
web site. He must live in the area because there are several paintings
of the Flatiron Building, Madison Square Park, etc. Take
a look at his site - there are very inexpensive prints for sale!
Elizabeth Patterson
I found out about this artist in an art magazine. She works exclusively in colored pencil. Visit her site: www.eapfineart.com.
Nathan
Walker
This young artist is a great illustrator who focuses
on the environment and socially-conscious paintings. Click on the picture,
a self-portrait, to visit his web site.
Rafael Tufino
I saw a great exhibition of Tufino's work last year at the Museo el Barrio, up in Spanish Harlem. I liked some of his still lifes the best, and he also had nice prints and some sculpture, including a self-portrait similar to this painting.