I used to have a really big list of artists that inspire me, but that is stuck on my old computer and trying to dig through the files to locate it would seriously take hours. So even though I have a very large repitoire of inspirational artists, here are my top 5 favorites. (note: almost all are very famous artists, but I am also very inspired by lesser known artists and artist's working today. student work is also a huge inpsiration to me as well).
1. Wayne Thiebaud
I first discovered Wayne at the De Young museum in San Fransisco during a vacation summer 2010. I saw the piece "Three Machines" and was absolutely struck by the vibrant, eye-catching colors, along with the simplicity of his work and unique painterly quality. I wrote down his name, and when I came home I did a quick internet search of his artwork and absolutely fell in love. Most of his still-lifes are of simple nature and simple subjects (mostly food and pastries!), which makes them all the more beautiful to me. He has an extraordinary use of color in everything he paints, which is something I really admire and would like to use in my own work. Wayne Thiebaud is one of the lesser known contributors to the pop art generation, but to me he is the greatest.
2. Janet Hill
Janet Hill has been my most recent discovery yet has already climbed to the number two spot on my favorite artist list. I actually discovered her artwork on a website called craftgawker.com (highly recommended for crafting advice) and once I checked the portfolion on her website, I realized that her work embodied my own creativity. Unfortunately I don't believe I can show any pieces of her artwork here, but I highly recommend you to check out her website and blog and take a look through the hundreds of amazing pieces she has to offer.
http://www.janethillstudio.com/
3. Roy Lichtenstein
A leading man in the pop art revolution, Lichtenstein's iconic cartoon-style paintings are some of my favorites. His work is often funny, satirical, striking, and easily recognizable, making Lichtenstein a leader in the artistic world.
4. Warhol
Do I really have to say anything more? Obviously pop art is a huge inspiration to me.
5. Renoir
Yes, I know, nearly everyone has a soft spot in their heart for Renoir, and I am no exception. I am a huge fan of impressionism and obviously Renoir one of the top leaders (if not THE top) of impressionism. But when you look at his artwork, it's easy to see why. Renoir's work has physically moved me to tears. The beauty he captures with his colors and portraits is so stunning that it is hard to tear your eyes off. Last summer I went to a Renoir exhibit at the Philadelphia Museum of Artwork and was absolutely blown away by the talent that this one man possessed. So even though its borderline cliche to list people such as Renoir and Warhol as my favorite artists, I must admit that they truly make a spot on my list.
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