Why Design Matters and art update!

Once again, I know I have not been posting as often as I want to, but soon that will change as I will finally have more time on my hands in the next few months. I am still painting in conjunction with pursuing my interest in web design. One of the fundamental reasons for this pursuit is to incorporate my artistic skill in a unique way and explore new ways of integrating art and technology. I’ve always been fascinated by human interaction and perceptions of beauty. One of the best things about being an artist is watching how people react to my art.

Key to this pursuit is answering the question, what is a good design? Principles, such as The Golden Ratio implemented by the Ancient Greeks, are rooted in the human psyche. We, for instance, are built to seek patterns and expect certain types of interactions. For example, when we enter a mall, we expect the mall to have a certain layout and color, we might expect to have escalators at the center of the facility for easy access, and we expect the bathroom to be near the food court. This example also applies to colors. Certain colors make us feel certain ways for certain reasons. Why is this important? Simply put, good design is there to aid and improve human interaction. Good design creates an experience that is useful and impactful. It is no wonder that marketers place a great deal of emphasis in understanding human psychology. As an artist, I have learn quite a bit from these principles.

Would like to hear your thoughts about design! What do you think of when you think of a good design?

I am also happy to announce that my art will be permanently housed in the future Blacks in Classics Museum in VA. My Scarborough painting is already at the location. This ongoing project will feature select key Black figures that have influenced Classical thought in the United States. The Grand Opening will be on Juneteenth this year.

Portrait of William Scarborough, Oil 16″ x 12″ Panel, by artist V.W., 2021

The second painting I am working on is of Anna Julia Cooper:

Portrait of Anna Julia Cooper, Oil on 16″ x 12″ Panel

Other key figures that will be painted are Frederick Douglass and W. E. B. Du Bois.

I am also excited to be one of the featured artist for the Beaches Fine Art Series’ 50th Anniversary Celebration in Jacksonville, FL. My art will be featured alongside The GRAMMY® Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer in March 2023. I will provide more details on that event as well as two other solo shows this year.

View my upcoming art shows here. I will be updating this information this coming week!

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Lemons Delight: Oil on 11″ x 14″ Canvas

I’ve been busy these past few months with home-life and other projects, but I am excited to announce some new upcoming shows and an exciting commissioned partnership, but I will post more about these over time! This painting, along with 10 others will be featured in Jacksonville’s “A Vision for Art” show next month.

Those who know my work know that I love painting still life, especially lemons! They make me think of cheerful bright summers. For this painting, I wanted to capture the delicate light and textures of the lemon. What do lemons make you think of?

See More: http://www.vanessawithun.com

Apples Study: Oil on 11″ x 14″ Panel

Apples Study: Oil on 11″ x 14″ Panel by Artist V.W., 2021

I hope everyone is enjoying their holidays! As the year is coming to a close, I wanted to reflect on the blessings experienced this year despite all of the negative things happening throughout the world. I am grateful for my health, family, and home. I also am thankful for all of the opportunities granted to me this year and the coming year. I think it is important to remind ourselves daily that many of the things we have are blessings and luxuries instead of focusing on what we don’t have and need. Having something as simple as clean water and food is a blessing.

This will be my last painting for the year and will be taking a break until next week or so. I painted this from life in alla prima (wet-on-wet). I will be posting a full demo of my still life in the near future. I wish everyone a safe and blessed Happy New Year!

www.vanessawithun.com

Keeping Watch Through the Storm: Oil on 12″ x 16″ Panel

Keeping Watch Through the Storm: Oil on 12″ x 16″ Panel by artist V.W., 2021

This is a painting I began a couple of years ago. I did exhibit this at a few locations and decided to put it away in my personal collection. I liked how the textures came out as well as the movement of the water–there is so much going on! I was thinking of adding a boat or a ship in the distance and may still decide to this in the future. I have a couple of shows next year, so may decide to put this in one of them.

I wanted to challenge myself to paint more abstractly, but still remain representational. I also wanted to contrast beauty and chaos. In times like these, especially, I think it is always important to remember that things are constantly moving and shifting around us and not to get lost in the negative aspects of life or get caught up in the wave of politics and ideologies. There is beauty in accepting the impermanence of nature and our state of being, and there is freedom in letting go of our negative past, feelings, and thoughts. Although impermanence seems like a scary word, there is permanence and objectivity in ideas like beauty, which means that there is always a permanent light that can be found even in the midst of a storm.

I am currently in the process of painting another storm on canvas. This one will be slightly different. Will post the finished piece once completed.

See more: www.vanessawithun.com

Autumn Leaves: Oil on 12″ x 9″ Panel

Autumn Leaves: Oil on 9′ x 12″ Panel by Artist V.W. (Jeremiah)

I wanted to post this painting I worked a few weeks ago for a show in Jacksonville, FL. This was my first time painting dead leaves from life. Fall is my favorite season and inspires me to create. I have been painting lately, but have taken on off from posting to work on a new series. I am also in school for Web Design and Graphic Design. So, about the new series I am working on–these paintings are a bit different that what I normally paint in that they are not focused on Realism, although they can still be considered representational. I have begun using the term “Tonal Expressionist” to symbolize my work. My new works are a bit more expressive, bold, and plays with colors and tones. The truth is, I paint in a variety of styles, but I train in Realism. I will be posting a sneak peak of some of my newer artwork soon, and some older works that showcase a variety of styles. Thanks for those who follow my work and have commented. I hope everyone is safe and well! Stay tuned!

http://www.vanessawithun.com

Evening Road on 8″ x 10″ Panel https://vanessawithun.com/store/

This is a piece I began a while back and decided to touch it up today! I wanted to add more value changes. I will definitely be doing another one like this soon in a larger size. I love evening drives, especially as the sun is setting. 🙂

This piece will be added to my online store: https://vanessawithun.com/store/

Free Shipping in the U.S. 🙂

As it Turns: Oil on 18″ x 24″ Linen

I started this painting a few years ago and decided to re-work some of the sky. I was inspired by William Turner’s dramatic skies. I wanted to apply the same concept with wetlands. I love the idea of creating something new and from the imagination.

www.vanessawithun.com

Fruits and Teapot: Acrylic on 16″ x 16″ Canvas

I have not painted with a acrylic for some time. I really like how expressive I can be because of the quick drying time. I also love the vivid colors. It is certainly different from oil which leaves a more delicate finish. I was wanting to do something bold and fun.

http://www.vanessawithun.com

Distant Light: Oil on 18″ x 24″ Canvas Insta-@vanessa_withun_art

Thanks to those who have been following my work! It really pushes me to continue in what I do.

If you are familiar with my work, you know that I have a fascination with wetlands and a respect for these precious and overlooked areas. I wanted to capture a serene ambiance. With all the events of this past year, I want to represent peace and hope in my art.

I have also started a new Instagram page @vanessa_withun_art

Please follow if you are on Instagram! I will be sure to follow back. 🙂

Dulce Flores: Oil on 18″ x 18″ Canvas

http://wwww.vanessawithun.com