PastelScapes

Not long ago, I visited an exhibition of Józef Chełmoński's paintings, a great Polish realist from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, at the National Museum in Warsaw, Poland. The exhibition mainly features landscapes of Polish rural areas and genre scenes depicting the life of Polish peasants. And... horses. Incredible, indescribable horses, like forces of nature. Chełmoński had a photographic memory. Some movements of horses, which last only fractions of a second, were painted by him even though instantaneous photography, which confirmed the accuracy of his quick observations, was invented many years later. The paintings are magnificent. They take your breath away. I am glad I had the chance to see Chełmoński's works in person, as I had previously known only a few of his most famous paintings from reproductions. I recommend you search for this artist's works online. There's so much to admire.

My Dear Deviants, Beginning with the New Year, I am starting a new journal for you. I would like to take you into my creative world, behind the scenes of my artistic work. This will not be a diary. Rather, it will be a series of short articles loosely focused around certain themes. I will write about my inspirations, my artistic process, tools and techniques, my ongoing art education, art exhibitions I’ve been to, and even a bit about the history of my hobby. Occasionally, I will also mention and recommend a Deviant whose work I particularly like and admire. I encourage you to watch my gallery, and I will, in return, discover and appreciate your creative achievements.