Author: Richard Bledsoe

History: Did Van Gogh Really Commit Suicide?

Richard Bledsoe Articles, Commentary, History

It did always strike me as a strange way to try to shoot yourself-in the chest, not directly at any vital organs.

Two authors suggest it was a case of manslaughter at best.

It would fit Vincent’s gentle, resigned nature at the time to protect some youngsters who had their whole lives ahead of them.

If true, it definately changes the dynamics of one of the most notorious martyrs to modern art.  Unfortunately the truth can never be known.

Exhibits: Changing Lanes

Richard Bledsoe Exhibits

First Friday February 1 Exhibit

“CHANGING LANES”

Don’t miss the amazing mind-bending paintings of Richard Bledsoe and Michele Bledsoe, the amusing story telling paintings of Fred Tieken, and music by guitarist Kim Steele.
Complimentary parking
Business hours:First Fridays 6:30 pm – 10 pm
Third Fridays 5:00 – 8pm
Also available by appointment
Obliq at Arizona Center • 455 N. Third Street • Phoenix, AZ 85004 (Van Buren between 3rd and 5th Street)
Contact: Larry Ortega 602-369-3698 ortega@obliqart.com
www.obliqart.com

Genres: Symbolism

Richard Bledsoe Commentary, Genres, History, Influences, Remodernism, Richard Bledsoe

An overview of Symbolist Art

Before I found a contemporary guiding philosophy in Remodernism, I recognized in my work shared concerns with the Symbolist painters of the late 1800s-early 1900s.

The spiritual aspects of light, darkness and color. Acceptance of gods, monsters and the grotesque as worthy explorations for art. A mystical sense of purpose. Deep order. Intense emotions. All these elements continue in my work.

Remodernism as a force of integration of all previous eras of modern art supports my continued explorations.

Artwork: Michele Bledsoe

Richard Bledsoe Artwork, Commentary, Michele Bledsoe

owl 001

Michele Bledsoe “And Then I Do” acrylic on canvas 12″ x 9″

Michele has painted several portraits of us. This one is inspired by our theme poem, a favorite of Michele’s from childhood: “The Owl and the Pussycat” by Edward Lear.

Our wedding cake topper was a little ceramic figure of the animals in their beautiful pea green boat.

Influences: Albert Pinkham Ryder

Richard Bledsoe Commentary, History, Influences

Self taught American visionary

Albert Pinkham Ryder unfortunately did not use sound painting techniques. At the time of their creation his works were described as glowing like jewels, filled with inner light. Most of them now only hint towards their original presence.

Using kerosene and bacon fat as mediums is not advisable. He would glaze over wet paint and then paint back over the glaze. Many of his works have turned black, cracked beyond repair, even slowly slid off their canvas backings.

Hailed as a precursor of modern art, Ryder was one of the few Americans exhibited in the infamous 1913 Armory Show, which introduced new European ideas of art of an incredulous American public.

I was fortunate enough to be exposed to several key Ryder paintings in Washington DC museums while I was growing up. His luminosity haunts my paintings to this day.