In the savvy film, “New York Stories,” the character played by Nick Nolte is an artistic genius, drunk and painting ferociously all night long to ear splitting rock music in his very romantic loft studio.
Artists’ studios are remarkably diverse. A setting for contemplative reflection or for wild collaborative social galas, hidden in a barn or located in a “state of the art” warehouse..cluttered or pristine.. all, even in Nick Nolte’s fictitious studio, are places where creative work happens!
Check out these famous artists’ (and one not so famous!) studios.
Matisse (1869-1954)
Photo: Matisse's Last Studio
Blue Nude II
Matisse, 1952
Matisse, after first studying law discovered his passion for art, and as a young man he was confined to his bed for nearly a year with an illness. He began drawing from his bed as a pastime. At age 85, and once again confined to his bed, he produced one of his last great paintings, “Blue Nude II.”
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Francis Bacon (1909-1992)
Photo: Francis Bacon's Studio
Portrait of Pope Innocent X
Francis Bacon, 1953
You may love or hate his work but Francis Bacon, Irish artist, is famously known for his paintings of bold graphic and emotional raw energy. Margaret Thatcher described him as “that man who paints those dreadful pictures.” The Tate Museum in London sold out two Francis Bacon retrospective shows.
View this unbelievable video of Bacon’s Studio.
Click here if you are unable to view the video.
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Andy Warhol (1928-1987)
Photo: Andy Warhol's Studio
Marilyn
Andy Warhol, 1964
Andy Warhol’s studio was not only his working space but the hip hangout for musicians, artists, film stars and socialites. His studio was called The Factory.
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Kirby Kendrick
Outdoor Studio, San Diego, CA
KA-POW! Olive
Kirby Kendrick, 2011
Kirby Kendrick, San Diego/Santa Fe, NM, artist paints on any surface that stands still long enough.
Watch Kirby’s video of KA-POW!, her traveling exhibition.
Click here if you are unable to view the video.
Ka-Poweee! If “orderliness is next to godliness”, heaven help Los Artistes! It is truly amazing what you artists can create out of such chaos. Thanks once more, Kirby, for an insight-full and thought-provoking blog.
This is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Full of wonder. It is important stuff and I hope that it finds the right museum to house this amazing 21st century energy.
compelling, uplifting, fun and fantastic. wowee ka=powee! wonderful video(s)–extra truly coolie when seen in the 3D (as at show in Balboa Park)
you’ve got the info, so PLS get Mark & me onto your list of those invited to openings, ok? yo-kay!
(and thx)
The inside of an artist’s studio is fascinating. I always want to sneak inside and touch everything, to feel the energy and understand their process. The clutter is part of this process. To see a piece of the artist rise from the ashes to be judged . Bacon was a mystery to me, painting everyday and not bowing to any criticism of his work, His art was repelling, but you have to look back. It is received only as much as the viewer is willing to dissect the darkness.
Inside Kirby’s studio is to enjoy her process. She enters into her process the same way. Research, education, questioning, enthusiasm and work, work, work.. Energy, color, contemplating good and evil. The results hits every emotion in the viewer. Kirby hits every note and that is her intent. I want to touch everything in her studio also!