Colore > Disegno?
You Should Own Art, Eighth Edition
Hi again! Before we get into it, a couple of notes:
First, I’m moving from publishing Y.S.O.A. twice-monthly to monthly. I’ve had to accept that time is not an infinite resource and even this slapdash affair consumes quite a bit of it. However, the Y.S.O.A. Instagram account will be a bit more active - a lot of interesting stuff happens in a month. If you don’t already, you can follow it at @youshouldownart .
Second, a few people have reached out to ask about how to go about finding and buying art. From my experience, one of the best things you can do is to learn more about the artists behind the work you like. Follow them on Instagram, subscribe to their newsletters, even write them a nice (brief) email. Find out what galleries they’re in and follow them too. This way you’ll learn when their work is available and where to find it. You’ll also learn more about the work itself, which only deepens your relationship with it.
And last, The Affordable Art Fair is, as you might expect, all about art that is affordable to real people. They have a permanent website up where you can purchase art. Their annual fair is also online this year and begins April 9th to May 4th.
To the art!
Several hundred years ago the European art world was riven by a debate over the virtues of two competing approaches to making art. I’ll spare you the details of the conflict because honestly it has more to do with 16th-century brand management than anything, y’know, useful. The thing we care about here is the idea that color (Colore) is the more sensual, emotive facet of art, while drawing (Disegno) represents calculation and steely-eyed intention. As witnessed by the previous Y.S.O.A. edition on drawing, I don’t think this is entirely true.
All that said, there is something ineffable about color. Sure, feel free to waggle your color theory and perceptual science at me. But still, color has emotional weight. We read so much from it. It also conveys cultural significance that’s more like a regional dialect than a visual element. Just witness the passage of the color blue from European to American art. From a signifier of the divine, to an advertisement of wealth, to a symbol of singularity.
I wanted to focus on color because it is mysterious and because it is essential to the power of any individual work of art. And because artists have never stopped inventing new ways to startle and entrance us with color.
“Glowing Rock”
Ashley Eliza Williams
“Underbelly”
Ashley Eliza Williams
Yes, in an unprecedented deviation from normal procedure, I’m featuring two (two!) works from one artist. The reason is I’m excited as heck. I really love Ashley’s work. It’s serious and conceptual as all git-out, but with no small amount of wit. Contributing to this is her choice and use of color. Often very subtle, except when it’s not. But always, always thoughtful.
She is having a studio sale of smaller works. They range from $150 to $500 USD depending on the size and the medium. To get ahold of them, you’ll need to message her directly on Instagram and ask after the specific work you’re interested. But, don’t be afraid, she’s a really lovely person.
You can find these and other works here, and here.
Ashley’s Instagram
Ashley’s website
“Bud”
Hiroshi Sato
oil on canvas panel
$500 USD
This is one of those simple-not-so-simple works that make me look again. I like work that displays the work that goes into it. This is a very deft sketch that ends up being a complete work. I love how the constrained palette holds the whole thing together.
You can buy this work here.
Hiroshi’s Instagram
Hiroshi’s website
“Sanctuary”
Alexandra Karamallis
Watercolor on paper
$500 USD
This is one of Alexandra’s smaller works, but it has the presence of her larger ones. I like how a maximal effect is the result of pretty minimal gestures and marks. It really does seem alive.
You can buy this work via Tappan Collective here
Alexandra’s Instagram
Alexandra’s website
“Fitz Roy”
Hallie Rose Taylor
Giclee print
$90 USD
I really appreciate the thought that’s gone into this. The colors are unexpected, but perfect and the variation between light and dark gives a palatable sense of depth in this work. Plus, I love mountains.
You can buy this work from Hallie here.
Hallie’s Instagram
Hallie’s website
“When I Was A Doll”
Rosso Emerald Crimson
Oil on linen
$1,400 USD
Hecking yes! I love work that looks thinly painted and scraped down. There’s a Marlene Dumas vibe, but less drippy. And I love the color choices made here. This a bit more spendy than what I normally include, but geez, can you blame me?
You can buy this work here.
Rosso’s Instagram
Rosso’s website
“Cheddar and Olive Jello”
Sari Shryack
Acrylic on wood panel
$350 USD
I don’t know if cheddar and olive Jello is really a thing (I really hope not), but if we’re going to talk about color, here is color turned to eleven. Even if the subject matter is not your thing, I encourage you to check out Sari’s work - it’s a basketful for exuberance.
You can buy this work here.
Sari’s Instagram
Sari’s website
“Abstract IV”
Barbara Januszkiewicz
Acrylic, Resin
$300 USD
As noted in previous editions, I tend to like abstract work that suggests physicality. I’m struck by how these hues thicken and overlap to create a sense of depth.
You can buy this work here.
Barbara’s Instagram
Barbara’s website
“Alena”
Victor Tkachenko
Giclee on fine art paper
$180 USD
I was going to save this one for an eventual edition devoted to portraits, but I think it works better here. As dramatic as this is, the thing I appreciate most about it are the grays. There are warm grays and cool grays that serve to compliment and offset the brief moments of high-key color.
You can buy a print of this work here.
Victor’s Instagram
You can see more of Victor’s work at Saatchi Art.
“5:36”
Angel Ramos
Gouache on paper
$100 USD
I love an abstracty still life. There’s a lot to like here. If y’all don’t grab this one, I just might.
You can buy this work here.
Angel’s Instagram
Angel’s website
If you’ve made it this far, thanks as always for not only subscribing, but reading/scrolling through this whole thing. I hope you’ve seen some work and met some artists that you like.