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Henri-Edmond Cross was a French painter and printmaker and was one of the most acclaimed masters of Neo-Impressionism. He is also known for being a great influence on many artists, especially Henri Matisse, as well as to the development of Fauvism. 

He was born in the commune of Douai in northern France and the only child of Alcide Delacroix and Fanny Woollett. Henri-Edmond Cross studied under Carolus-Duran, Francois Bonvin, and Alphonse Colas. When he moved back to Paris in 1881, he enrolled at the Ecole des Beaus-Arts to work with Emile Dupont-Zipcy. 

Early years as an artist

It was in 1881 that Cross began painting and exhibited his work for the first time at the Salon des Artistes Francais. During his early years as an artist, he met with several artists who have influenced him immensely with his works. Some of the key personalities were Paul Signac and Claude Monet. Henri-Edmond Cross was one of the founders of the Societe des Artistes Indepemdats, which is known for having members of avant-garde artists. Through this group, Cross met other artists such as the pioneer of Neo-Impressionism Georges Seurat. 

Later period

A decade later, Cross created paintings using the Neo-Impressionist technique that he is best known today. One of his famous works, Madame Hector France, portrays his lover Irma Clare which he married in 1893. Together with Paul Signac, the two hosted other artists such as Henri Matisse and Andre Derain. The two artists also developed a technique that used broader brushstrokes to create a looser version of Pointillism. This technique, later on, became known as the second generation Neo-Impressionism. 

During his older years, Cross began experimenting with styles with watercolors painted in front of nature. With his newly discovered style, he boasted to his colleagues that he somehow felt freedom and enjoyment. In 1905, he had his first solo exhibition at Galerie Druet in Paris in which 30 paintings and 30 watercolors were exhibited. Impressively, Cross was gaining popularity and became productive even before his demise due to cancer. 

His legacy

Even though Cross lived and became popular in the late 19th century, he had a great influence on younger painters in the following century. His abstract and expressive use of pure color had a significant impact on the group of artists who later on became known as Fauves. The exhibits, like the one held at the Musee des Impressionnismes, Giverny in 2018, were also significant in the development of 20th-century modernism. Some of the popular works that can be seen framed and displayed in many places these days have titles like, Women Tying the Vine, Madame Hector France, Evening Air, Landscape, The Flight of the Nymphs, Pines on the Coastline, and Pines Along the Shore. 

The beauty of Cross’s paintings in your rooms

It is common to see paintings displayed in anyone’s home. These artworks are perfect if you want to have a personalized room atmosphere. There are tons of paintings to choose from and many of them will add pops of colors. What makes them more interesting is that they can set the mood and create a theme that will make any living space look amazing. Even modern homes deserve a touch of classic. This can be achieved with the display of classic art like the works of Henri-Edmond Cross. A large-scale framed art can instantly be the focal point of any room. Be unique and make your wall look lovely.

Ohara Koson is one of the popular printmakers for kacho-e in the 20th century. Kacho-e is the Japanese term for prints of birds and flowers. A well-known painter and woodblock print designer, he was able to create around 500 prints. 

A brief biography of the artist

Ohara Koson was born in 1877 in Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture in the North of Japan. He was originally called Ohara Matao and studied Japanese painting under Suzuki Koson. In 1904, he made Russo-Japanese war prints. However, during these times the popularity of the art of ukiyo-e is slowly dwindling. In contrast with the prints with scenes of the Sino-Japanese War, these were sold out within the day. 10 years, later, fans of the art became less and were eventually replaced by photography.

The art of Ohara Koson

Many viewers and fans of Ohara Koson would oftentimes compare the prints of birds and animals with those of watercolor art. The kacho-e of Ohara Koson was performed with expertise and a high degree of craftsmanship. This is observed through the details seen in the bird’s plumage. 

Over the years, the artist used different signatures and seals such that the exact dating of his prints is difficult to determine. Many experts believe that the prints were made after 1923, the year after the great earthquake in Japan. 

Shin Hanga artists

In addition to being a popular artist, Ohara Koson was also known for being a teacher at the Tokyo School of Fine Arts. One of his American colleagues, Ernest Fenellosa, convinced him to make woodblock prints in traditional style. As such, his first flower and bird prints in the tanzaku format were published by Matsuki Heikichi. 

In 1926, Ohara Koson continued the design of kacho-e prints and most of these were published by Watanabe Shozaburo. Watanabe was the one who initiated the Shin Hanga movement. Almost all of the prints of Ohara Koson were exported to the USA. This was the time that Japan had lost its sense of traditional values. 

Bring the art into your home

Giving your home a touch of nature is one of the best ways to make it look vibrant and refreshing. Framed posters of sceneries are one of the most common ways of achieving the goal. We all know that having a view of nature in our homes offers lots of benefits in terms of the ambiance and health. 

Sometimes, having a personalized wall art of nature could boost the overall appearance of the interior. Philippine sceneries are usually displayed to give the interior an ample amount of shades of green. On the other hand, some owners would like to be unique with other nature-inspired art. The art of Ohara Koson is old in terms of the age of the art. However, they evoke a modern touch that is perfect with any interior design style. In fact, your home does not need to have that Asian look so that you can display the art of Koson. 

The hues and shades seen in the images are rather subtle and will not overwhelm the style that your home has. Moreover, they can be displayed in any room, from the bedroom to the kitchen. If you are looking for a cool way to spruce up your room, then the art of Ohara Koson will give the look that will make your decorating project a success. 

The Philippines is rich in natural resources and tourist destinations. Batanes is one of the favorite travel destinations in the world. Some of the famous landmarks of Batanes are its lighthouses. There are several lighthouses known to exist in the province. All of them are important functionally as well as to the tourism industry of the country. Read on to learn more about these colossal landmarks.

Facts about lighthouses

Lighthouses have been in existence since ancient times. A little trivia that is good to know. IN fact, the first known lighthouse was the Pharos of Alexandria, Egypt. This was constructed by Ptolemy I and his son Ptolemy II in 300 and 280 BC. This was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Eventually, this was destroyed by natural disasters and wars. 

A lighthouse is a tower with a bright light on the top. Its main purpose is to help sailors in locating dangerous areas and likewise serves as a navigational aid that helps to keep ships and boats safe. A lighthouse station is usually composed of the lighthouse, the keeper’s house, and other structures. 

Batanes – a paradise worth visiting

The country is known for a number of tourist destinations and Batanes is on the top of the list. Batanes was shaped by nature millions of years ago. It is well-known for its rugged and scenic views. Green, rolling pastures, orange sunsets, crisp, clean art are some of the things that you will experience in the province. 

If you want to experience fresh, clean air and a peaceful vibe, then Batanes is the place to visit. These are also the reasons why many local and foreign travelers go to the province. It is known for its rock formations, impressive lighthouses, and wild horses that freely roam in the vast pasture. 

Batanes lighthouses

There are a lot of good things to say about lighthouses. By just staring at them, you can see that they are full of charm and enigma. What makes them more appealing is that they always have the best view. Especially those that stand in the hills of Batanes. These structures are often visited by tourists and photographs of them have been used for various reasons. 

Now, Batanes has three existing lighthouses and are quite similar in many ways. These structures are part of a project that was headed by Rep. Abad in the early 2000s. They were erected to guide seafarers across dangerous waters of the Pacific Ocean and the West Philippines Sea. Interestingly, these lighthouses also act as tourist attractions. The three are all capped with a red-painted concrete lantern room with narrow storm panes. The main tower is made of rubble masonry. 

Basco Lighthouse

This lighthouse was first lit in 2003 and the first to be completed. Basco Lighthouse is located in Naidi Hills where the old telegraph facility was during the American era. The lighthouse is white in color and crowned with a red lantern room. It is a 6-story structure allowing a majestic view of the West Philippine Sea, Mt. Iraya, and the Basco Town Proper.

Tayid Lighthouse

Tayid lighthouse was erected on a hill on Batan Island. Just like its counterpart in Basco, it is also capped with a red lantern room and roof. The base bears rubble masonry, similar to the other lighthouses of Batanes. Tayid faces the Pacific Ocean and can be seen from Marlboro Country and Diura Fishing Village. 

Sabtang Lighthouse

It stands on a cliff just beside the port. This lighthouse is the first man-made structure that you will see while you are on approach Sabtang island. It is a round tower with a rubble masonry finish all the way to the gallery deck. This gives the lighthouse an organic appeal. It also has a red lantern room, just like the other lighthouses mentioned earlier. 

Impressionism was a movement that started in the late 1800s. It was mainly focused on painters of Paris and rebelled against classical subject matter and embraced modernity. The artworks usually feature how light could define a moment in time, with color providing definition instead of the usual black lines. As such, painters of the movement practiced painting outside. This style has long been embraced as one of the most popular and influential art styles in Western history. 

The origin of Impressionism

The movement was formed in the 1860s when a group of painters including Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir pursued painting outside together. These artists discovered that they shared an interest in painting landscape and contemporary life rather than historical or mythological scenes. They often used countryside scenes as their subject in their artworks. 

One of the key personalities of Impressionism was Edouard Manet. He is known for his early influence on and close friendships with the members of the movement. The movement adopted many of the techniques of Manet especially his embrace of modernity as subject matter and the spontaneity of his brushstrokes, together with the use of color and lighting. 

The movement was formally announced in 1874 in a show that was hosted by the Paris photography studio of Felix Nadar. The name Impressionist was based on one of the paintings of Claude Monet, Impression, Sunrise. 

Claude Monet

Claude Monet was the leader of the Impressionist movement. His works were known for their brief brush strokes and fragmented color application. These made their way into the works of others. Monet was very much interested in the passage of time in his portrayal of light. These are seen in his series of paintings capturing Rouen Cathedral at different times of the day and year. His knowledge and skills in Impressionism were further enhanced with his series of paintings of the waterlily pond. 

Pierre-August Renoir

Renoir was regarded as one of the leaders of the Impressionist movement. He likewise shared the interests of Claude Monet but mostly preferred to capture artificial light in places like dance halls and directed his studies of the effects of light on figures, especially the female form. Renoir also preferred “everyday life” as his subject matter. 

Final Thoughts

Impressionism is one of the most important movements in the history of modern painting. Artists of the movement tried to put on canvas the impression of how a landscape, thing, or person appeared to them at a certain moment in time. This meant that artists used lighter and looser brushwork than traditional painters. These styles pushed the emergence of modern art as well as the philosophy of the avant-garde.

Claude Monet is a famous French painter and was also known for the birth of the art movement Impressionism. This is due to his works that have captured light and natural forms. He was born in 1840 in France and studied in Academie Suisse. He suffered from depression, poverty, and illness. Monet died in 1926. 

Early life

Claude Monet was one of the most famous painters in the history of art. He was also known to be the key person in the development of the Impressionist movement. He spent most of his childhood in Normandy where his family moved when he was only five years old. He then developed his passion for art where he started with caricature. He was then encouraged by his father to do painting, which he enrolled in Academie Suisse. After several years of experimenting with different art forms, he met with the Swiss painter, Charles Gleyre and worked with Alfred Sisley, Auguste Renoir, and Frederic Basille. 

Life as an artist

It was known that Claude Monet loved to work outdoors and often with the company of Sisley, Renoir, and Basille. He was also accepted at the Salon of 1865, which was an annual juried art show in Paris. Two of his world were chosen for this event. However, even with the spotlight on him, he still experienced financial struggles. 

Just like many artists, Claude Monet sometimes was not satisfied with his works and has destroyed a number of his paintings. One of his notable works, “Impression, Sunrise” (1873), featured Le Havre’s harbor in the morning fog. The goal of his works was to capture the essence of the natural world with the use of strong colors and bold, short brushstrokes. He also adopted some elements of industry into his landscapes making his works look more contemporary. With this signature in his works, he started to exhibit with the other Impressionists until the 1880s. 

Claude Monet’s personal life

Even his personal life was filled with struggles. During the second pregnancy of his wife, Camille, she succumbed to a deteriorating illness. Claude Monet even painted a portrait of her on her death bed. After the death of Camille, Claude Monet painted a set of paintings, the Ice Drift series. Claude then became romantically involved with Alice Hoschede and got married in 1892 after the death of her husband.

It was in the late 1880s and 1890s that Monet gained financial success as his paintings became well-known. While in Giverny, he loved to paint in the gardens that he helped create. A series of paintings about water lilies in the pond were some of his notable works. The Japanese-style bridge over the pond became the subject of several works as well. 

Claude Monet traveled to find more inspiration. Once, he rented a room across the Rouen Cathedral in northern France and painted a series of paintings of the building. These works clearly showed his interest in the different effects of light. 

He helped in changing the world of art by introducing new things in the field and doing away with the traditional. He was also the key person in influencing later artists such as Jackson Pollack, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning. 

Later years

Unfortunately, Claude Monet suffered depression in his later years. He felt that his life was a failure and that he intends to destroy his paintings before he disappears. Still, he continued to paint until his last days. He died on December 5, 1926, in Giverny. 

“Starry starry nights. Paint your palette blue and gray…” You have heard the song, and have hummed it. This song by Don McLean has immortalized one of the greatest artists in the history of Western art, Vincent van Gogh. Many of us have loved his works, yet not all are familiar with his story. Read on to learn more about life and some of the works of Vincent van Gogh. 

Who is Vincent?

Vincent van Gogh was born on the 30th of March 1853 in Groot-Zundert, Netherlands. His family was quite known as his father, Theodorus van Gogh was a country minister and Anna Cornelia Carbentus, his mother, was an artist who loved to draw and paint in watercolors different scenes of nature. 

As a child, Vincent was serious and thoughtful. He had homeschooling and was taught by his mother and a governess. Later on, he was sent to the village school and eventually attended a boarding school at Zevenbergen where he felt alone and abandoned. His parents sent him to the middle school in Tilburg where his sadness got worse. 

His interest in art started at a young age when he was encouraged to draw by his mother. Unfortunately, his sadness overshadowed the lessons, and later on, Vincent wrote that his youth was “austere and cold, and sterile”. 

In 1873, Vincent went to the Groupil Gallery in London where he fell in love with the culture of the English. There he spent time visiting galleries and became a fan of the works of Charles Dickens and George Eliot. 

He fell in love with Eugenie Loyer, the daughter of his landlady. However, his marriage proposal was rejected and as a result, Vincent suffered a breakdown. To compensate for this, he devoted his life to God and taught in a Methodist boys’ school. 

His love for art

In 1880, van Gogh decided to move to Brussels and become an artist. During this time, his brother, Theo, offered to support him financially. He taught himself by reading and studying books. 

It was in art that he maintained his emotional stability. It was in 1885 that he started to work on his first masterpiece, “Potato Eaters”. It was when he moved to Paris when Vincent first saw Impressionist art in which he was moved by the color and light. He then started studying with Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Camille Pissarro, and others. 

Vincent’s love life

Believe it or not, his love life is considered to be disastrous. He even fell in love with his cousin, Kate. But Kate was repulsed and fled to her home in Amsterdam. He then moved to The Hague and met Clasina Maria Hoornik, who later on became his companion, mistress, and model. 

Unfortunately, he left Hoornik and The Hague as this was also the wish of his family. Vincent then lived a nomadic life in The Netherlands and focused on drawing and painting the landscape and its people. 

Life as an artist

Vincent was also influenced by Japanese art and began studying eastern philosophy to further expand his knowledge and skills in art and life. He then went to France and moved into what we now know as “yellow house” where he spent most of his money on paint instead of food.

He completed more than 2100 works including 860 oil paintings and more than 1300 watercolors, drawings, and sketches. His painting “The Starry Night” was done in the asylum where he was staying in Sait-Remy, France in 1889. Inspired by this view, he wrote to his brother Theo and said, “This morning I saw the countryside from my window a long time before sunrise, with nothing but the morning star, which looked very big.”

Over 10 years, he created more than 43 self-portraits which are now displayed in museums around the world, such as in Washington, DC, Paris, New York, and Amsterdam. 

He died on July 29, 1890, at the age of 37.

Get the chance to win Php 25,000 and have your photo be featured as the next trendy poster of Artdesign. Show your skills in photography and showcase the beauty of the Philippines. Love nature and let your work be adored by many.

The beauty of the Philippines

Regardless of what you have heard over the news about the Philippines, it is still one of the favorite destinations of tourists from around the globe. Why not? There are many places to visit, food to taste, events and happenings to experience, and others. With more than 7,000 islands to see and experience, the country is gifted with the beauty and richness of nature. 

The beaches located in Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao are among the places that are featured in many travel magazines and vlogs. For sure, the Philippines is gifted with stretches of pristine white sand beaches surrounded by clear blue waters. Of course, island hopping is not only the reason why the country is featured in many publications. Here are the reasons why many tourists keep coming back and why many Filipinos love to visit different places in the country.

Tropical weather to experience

Looking for a perfect getaway from winter? Only two seasons are experienced in the country: wet and dry. If you are longing for the heat of the sun on your skin, then we have the weather that you will surely love. The dry season starts from November to May, while the wet season is usually from June to October. It is ideal to go to the beach to have that sun-kissed look during the months of March to May. This is also the time when most beach resorts are packed with tourists. 

Filipino hospitality

In addition to the view, Filipinos are also known for their hospitality. In fact, we are ranked as the friendliest country in Asia. While still in the airport, you will be greeted with a smile by Filipinos. Probably, we are just proud of our country and culture, that is why we treat tourists with warmth and joy. 

Pinoys always treat their guests special. Do not be surprised if a feast is prepared when you visit their place. You get the chance to choose from various Filipino dishes on the table. The sentence “Make yourself at home” will truly be felt whenever you visit your Pinoy friend. 

Affordable tourist destinations

It is a fact that money is the greatest factor when you travel. Fear not as traveling in the Philippines and enjoying the wonders of nature is affordable. For instance, in just Php 1,000, you will be experiencing non-stop fun and excitement within a chosen place. Food is affordable as well, as long as you know where to go and order Filipino dishes. 

Islands and beaches

Beaches in the Philippines have constantly been featured by international publications like CNN, HuffPost, and Conde Nast Traveler. The country is truly gifted with the magic of nature. It is no surprise why many people choose the country for vacation and other activities. Get the opportunity to enjoy the sand and crystal clear water in a number of spots. Some of the places to visit are Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao. 

Natural wonders in the Philippines

The country is also blessed with wonders of nature. Visit the Puerto Princesa Underground River and be in awe of its beauty. This trip will also take you to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park. This is the longest underground river in the world and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. 

Another important landmark is the Chocolate Hills in Bohol. Here you will see thousands of hills that look like giant chocolate Kisses. However, they may turn green during the wet season. Go north and visit the Cordilleras. See the Rice Terraces of the Ifugao. This is an impressive man-made rice field that can be traced back to the pre-colonial Philippines. 

Preparation for Christmas is a long process. Especially in the Philippines, there are so many things to consider to complete the celebration. In addition to these, the Media Noche or the feast to welcome New Year’s eve is another important celebration that Filipinos prepare tediously. Moreover, there are also traditions that have been practiced over the years. 

Food on New Year’s Eve

Media Noche is again one of the most awaited events during the holidays. Aside from the Noche Buena or Christmas Eve meal, the meal during New Year’s Eve is also one of the meals that Filipinos prepare with many thoughts. Special food is prepared but not as lavish as the Noche Buena. Though there are families who spend much on the food they add to the table. Lechon is one of the most popular food. However, it may be too costly for many households. 

Pansit or noodles may never be absent on the table. It is served to signify long life. Sticky food like biko is also prepared so that good fortune will stick throughout the year. It is also common to come up with 12 round fruits to represent each month of the year. Round fruits such as grapes, oranges, cantaloupe, pomelo, watermelon, and others. 

What’s with the noise?

As Americans enjoy fireworks on the 4th of July, Filipinos also love fireworks on New Year’s eve. Fireworks come in different sizes and shapes and have fun names as well. In fact, some of them have been banned by the government as they can cause injury or death. Examples are Judas belt, Lolo thunder, Kwitis, 5 Star, Whistle Bomb, and others. 

In addition to fireworks or firecrackers, pots and pans are banged. Cars, motorcycles, and tricycles are revved. Horns are also tooted to cause as much noise as possible. Kids also drag empty cans around to add to the noise. These traditions are practiced since it is believed that the noise made can drive evil spirits away. 

Other traditions of Filipinos on New year’s Eve

Filipinos believe in many things. Especially when New Year’s Eve arrives. There are also many practices in which Filipinos believe will allow good luck to enter the house and stay for the rest of the year. Before the clock strikes 12 midnight, all doors, including cabinets, drawers, windows, and cupboards. It is also a custom to wear clothes in polka dots as the dots represent coins or wealth. Kids also jump at midnight because they believe this will make them taller. 

It is also advised to put cash in your wallet. It is believed that the condition of the wallet when the New Year arrives will be for the rest of the year. Spending on New Year’s day is also not recommended. This sets money management for the year. 

Grilling whole fish is also one of the oldest practices for New Year in the Philippines, It is believed that whole fish bribing good luck. The scales represent coins while its way of swimming in the ocean is a life moving forward.  

 

Known for having 7100 islands in Southeast Asia, the Philippines is one of the favorite destinations of tourists, both local and foreign. The country has several attractions that will connect you to nature. It is a paradise for all beach lovers, mountain climbers, and adventure seekers. Read on to know more about the different places in the Philippines where you can get in touch with nature and feel rejuvenated again.

Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park

Located in Palawan, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is known for its remarkable biodiversity, abundant marine life, and magnificent dive sites. It covers hectares of productive marine life and contains three atolls and a large area of the deep sea. Tubbataha Reefs has been recognized as one of the world’s leading diving destinations. It is home to 600 species of fish, 360 species of corals, 11 species of sharks, 13 species of dolphins and whales, birds, Hawksbill, and green sea turtles. In 1993, UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site. Being an isolated area, it will take around a 10 to 12 hours journey to reach it. A sacrifice worth taking to enjoy the wonder of nature.

El Nido Palawan

Another leading municipality in the province of Palawan, El Nido is one of the favorite travel destinations in the country. It is a managed resource-protected area and popular for its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, limestone cliffs, and rich biodiversity. Many travel buffs have placed El Nido to the 20 Most Beautiful Beaches in the World due to its extraordinary natural splendor and ecosystem. 

Malay Eco Tour in Aklan

A perfect place for bonding and get-together with family and friends. The travel destination is known for the Pangihan cave with its eight magnificent chambers. Locals highly recommend visiting Nabaoy, a river with native huts where you can order native dishes and delicacies at affordable prices. Of course, more than feasting, you can refresh yourself by swimming and rafting in its calm and clear water.

Siargao

Siargao was originally a haven for surfers. These days, it is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. The island is within the jurisdiction of the province of Surigao del Norte and is composed of different municipalities. In 2018 and 2019, Siargao was awarded for being the best island in the world. Tourists will never be bored on the island as there are tons of activities that can be done. These include basking on white-sand beaches, surfing, cave explorations, swinging on palm tree rope, island hopping, and many others. In addition to these, the island is rich in green colors as it is covered with coconut palm trees. A perfect tropical view for those of you who are looking for a vacation paradise. 

Mayon volcano

The Mayon volcano is popularly known for its “perfect cone” and is still one of the most active volcanoes in the country. Located in the province of Albay, it has a height of 2,463 meters and is considered to be the centerpiece of the province. The volcano is one of the favorite sites for climbing, though it is important to note that it is dangerous to do this activity even if it is at its dormant stage. In addition to climbing, you can do other activities such as hiking, camping, bird watching, and photography. It is recommended to visit the volcano between March and May and not during the rainy season.