Category Archives: Postcards

Pomegranates – Day 17 of 30 in 30

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Chinese postcard. 4 x 6 watercolor, pen on 140 lb. cold press paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

Chinese postcard. 4 x 6 watercolor, pen on 140 lb. cold press paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

I can not take credit for how pleasing this is. There is no credit given to the artist in The Grammar of Ornament by Owen Jones. In fact in his first book, he has almost nothing good to say about Chinese ornamentation at all. Regarding their design abilities he said, “they do not appear to have gone beyond that point which is reached by every people in an early stage of civilization; their art such as it is, is fixed… they are totally unimaginative, and all their works are accordingly wanting in the highest grace of art,”

Huh?

The book was first published in London in 1856 and was huge success. Owen was a product of his time, and his opinion was shared by many. This attitude can be attributed to a lack of knowledge and exposure, as travel to the Far East was still quite hazardous and limited.

 

Jones later published a volume entirely dedicated to Chinese ornament (1867), The Grammar of Chinese Ornament. I guess there was grace and imagination to be found after all.

the textile blogI am thrilled to tell you, that much of the book is available for viewing online. I have followed John Hopper’s The Textile Blog  for at least a couple of years. But I only just discovered the articles on this subject. You really need to visit this blog if it is new to you. Each article is loaded with information. A look at the Article Index, well let me just say It is a dangerous thing. If you are a creative, you will find yourself pulled in by a force stronger than the lure of Tom Selleck in beach shorts, handing you a box of chocolates!

Owen Jones and Chinese Ornament
Owen Jones Reappraisal of Chinese Decoration
Owen Jones and Egyptian Revival

 

 

Day 16 of 30 in 30

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Etruscan Postcard. 4 x 6 watercolor and pen on 140 lb. cold press paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

Etruscan Postcard. 4 x 6 watercolor and pen on 140 lb. cold press paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

When I think of Greek designs, I think heavy. Dark. Linear. Geometric. At the time the Greeks occupied much of southern Italy, the Etruscans were a highly civilized people of northern Italy. In many ways, the Etruscans were influenced by the Greeks. But many Etruscan designs are complete opposites to their Greek counterparts.

Etruscan designs are delicate. They are feminine and light. They are curvaceous. There is an order to them, but order is not the reason.

I don’t remember learning about these designs in school. But I can see why dots and heart-shaped leaves might be less exciting to talk about than Greek Key borders and the perfection of pure form.

I can appreciate Etruscan designs for their graphic simplicity.

Copper details on Etruscan Postcard.

Copper details on Etruscan Postcard.

It is not showing well in the scan, but the larger dots are copper, and they really catch the light.

Today marks the halfway point in Leslie Saeta’s 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge. It really makes the month go by fast. As much as I love the painting part, I also enjoy making new friends with other artists. It is Christmas everyday, finding fabulous art in my inbox. I know… I am an art geek. Hey, If I was a Girl Scout I would get a badge for that!

Day 15 of 30 in 30

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Lotus. 4 x 6 postcard, watercolor and pen on 140 lb. cold press paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

Lotus. 4 x 6 postcard, watercolor and pen on 140 lb. cold press paper. © 2014 Sheila Delgado

My painting for today is another postcard for Kat Sloma’s Liberate Your Art Postcard Exchange. Kat has volunteers help her to sort and prep the cards for mailing. I am going to send extra cards, as a  “Thank You” for their help in making the exchange possible.

I was looking through The Grammar of Ornament by Owen Jones today. One of my treasures. My brother treated me to it at a discount book store, years ago. Six dollars for an encyclopedias worth of design information. My inspiration today is from the section on Egyptian motifs.

The lotus flower was a symbol of purity and rebirth. Lotus is often seen with Papyrus in artworks, together they symbolize the unity between upper and lower Egypt. It takes several days for the lotus to rise from murky pond waters. Amazing flower don’t you think?