All posts by Oil Painter Annie

Glimpses from the Other Side

I’ve had the pleasure of getting to work from my good friend Wayco Beckman’s photography for many years. Over the years, many pieces have sold and gone to new homes. But this year, we were able to gather enough together to create a unique art show that combined Wayco’s photos with the paintings they inspired. The result was a very unique art experience: viewing the beautiful photography side by side with the paintings, as well as a backstory with each exotic photo.

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My son with Jackson Pollack

My Toddler Could Paint That!

Overheard more than once at one contemporary art show or another: “My toddler could paint that!!”

A few years ago I had the absolute pleasure of visiting the Milwaukee Art Museum while they had their  Rebels show, which included (among many others) Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, Camille Pissaro, and my idol Vincent Van Gogh to name a few.  I was in absolute awe in viewing in person many of these paintings that i’ve idolized as an artist and art lover over the years. 

When sharing my awe over the show, I heard comments in different forms, about how simple some of the art seems, and how “anyone could do that” sort of idea.  It really struck me at first, and I almost got trapped into that sort of thinking.  

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Powers of Recall by Annie Swarm Guldberg

Painting Explanation: Powers of Recall

Our histories, memories and experiences are all woven together to the fabric that colors and guides our decisions, days and futures.   They all touch other memories, connect, blend and effect each other.  One thing leads to another, leads to another.  They all come together and make us who we are, waking, sleeping and decision making.  Speaking, praying and thinking to ourselves in those quiet times.  The joys and the tragedies are all there, whether conscious and clear, or mostly forgotten and hazy.  Each one is our own personal heritage and powerfully guides us as we continue on.

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The Mountain Pass by Annie Swarm Guldberg

Painting Explanation: The Mountain Pass

This painting is called The Mountain Pass and is inspired by the always stellar photography of my friend Wayco Beckman.   I have been inspired by Wayco’s photography over and over again through the years, so much so that we are planning a joint show of his photos and my paintings this summer.  

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Rock Painting by Annie Swarm Guldberg

Rock Out with Rock Painting

I recently tried rock painting with one of my older art students, followed by trying it with my 2 younger sons. Take it from me, if you haven’t tried rock painting yet, be prepared to become addicted! It is so fun for all ages, and once you sit down and start painting, more and more ideas will flood your brain!

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Starry Night By Vincent Van Gogh

Movie Review: Loving Vincent

Loving Vincent on Blu-Ray
Loving Vincent on Blu-Ray

Vincent Van Gogh is the artist that most inspired me to become an artist.  It was a great experience to watch Loving Vincent, and I found it extremely thought provoking and inspiring. The film is an experience to say the least, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. For anyone who is an artist, dabbles in art at all, loves art or knows and artist, or loves the work of Vincent Van Gogh, this is a must see. I’m going to break it down into a few key points as to why you should carve out 95 mins of you life to learn and experience VVG’s art and life as never before, and it couldn’t be a more interesting ((and true!)) story.

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