Zdzislaw Beksinski: Surrealistic Gothic Painter

I just got a copy of of the Fantastic Art of Beksinski, though I have appreciated his surreal art for a long time. Zdzislaw Beksinski was a Polish painter, photographer and sculptor whose style can be described as Gothic, surreal, and fantastic realism. His paintings are haunted by meticulous renderings of boney structures and human bodies, moody colors, juxtaposition of dark and light, surreal landscapes, and religious symbolism. Even though Beksinski aschews interpretation of his artwork, one cannot help but conjure up themes of post-apocalypticism, decay and mortality, suffering humanity, and the stuff of nightmares. The artist painted to the sounds of classical music. He was murdered in 2005 by a "fiend" of his son for not loaning him $100!

Steampunk: Victorian Futurism

I appreciated the style before I knew it had a name. I enjoyed this retro-futuristic aesthetic in films like the Golden Compass, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Hellboy 1 & 2, and Van Helsing. The name for this style is Steampunk. Steampunk is a derivitive of cyberpunk culture, a style emerging from punk and the information age of cyberspace. Steampunk is Victorian futurism, in other words, imagining the future through Victorian (steampowered) era and film noir eyes. The style emerged in the 80s and 90s and can be seen in literature, fashion, decor, art, gadgets, and music. A similar genre/style is dieselpunk, which focuses on the period between World War I and II, exemplified in movies like Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, and Dark City. At least now I have a name for this style I have enjoyed in art and film.

Rat Rod by Leo

Self Portait: Linoleum Block Print

Monster Revolt! Dirty Donny

"Dirty" Donny Giles's art reminds me of Ed "Big Daddy" Roth with his monsters and hot rods. I just bought his recently released book "Monster Revolt" that contains his artwork. He is having a book signing a week from tomorroy here in Portland at People's Art of Portland, 700 SW 5th, suite 4005, from 5-9 pm. I'm going to try and make it.

Drew Struzan: Movie Poster Illustrator

The artistic style of Drew Struzan is easily recognizable. His illustrations for movies are detailed, colorful, well designed, and the likenesses of the stars are uncanny! Struzan attended Art Center College of Design in LA, where I visited and dreamed of attending when I lived in LA at the age of 19. He has done more than 150 posters and countles illustrations with an unforgettable style and precision. A book on his art and another on his posters is available at Amazon.