​Human creativity is a mere reflection in the pool of what the universe does all the time. From the days of the beginning, when the laws of physics were put into action, to the modern day with stars and galaxies stretching out as far as the eye can see, creation itself shows us what is possible from just a few raw ingredients. The entire visible universe is made of protons, neutrons, electrons, and photons. The relationship between these things is well-defined and in knowing the rules, scientists have been able to look deep into the night sky and figure out what is going on.
 
From these basic raw ingredients and the laws that govern their behaviour, the universe is able to create all manner of complex and enormous constructions. Stars and planets have formed in every possible way that we can think of and more, plumes of dust span huge distances that mean we see them over a period of millions of years in one view because of the finite speed of light, with the furthest side being so far away that the light we receive is much older than the light we see from the near side.
 
Galaxies are completely extraordinary in their diversity. Spirals with varying arms and colours, globular forms, ellipses, and clusters all take on differing forms based on a few set rules. The different colours and effects of material, light, and gravity produce a spectacular array of shapes, colours, densities, and behaviours. Each one can be studied in so much depth that you can uncover an almost infinite amount of information about its contents and how it moves through space.
 
From the very big to the very small, living creatures have been able to use these same basic ingredients to allow the universe to perceive itself through its own material. The laws of the universe have allowed its contents to assemble in such a way that a conscious understanding of what it is can be achieved. It’s completely remarkable how this has been achieved from what is believed to be nothing. Where did these laws come from that allows such things to happen? Who knows, but what we do know has been put down in video lecture form for us all to learn from and enjoy.
 
When we learn about one artist, we can decipher their work through an understanding of their life story. We can learn about their motivations, circumstances, history, and achievements in order to appreciate what they produced, why they decided on it, and what makes it so unique. Space is like this, the universe is like an artist with a huge story behind it. By learning the story and by deciphering the encoded wisdom, it’s possible to look way into the distance and figure out what is going on. A complete course that is suitable for people who know very little about the subject and for people who want to refresh their memory, An Introduction To Astronomy is on YouTube from Professor Jason Kendal.
 
A more advanced selection of material is also available, for those of you who want to get a more in-depth understanding of the most up-to-date thinking on the subject.  Enjoy this full-length and free introduction to graduate level astronomy from Jason Kendal. 
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​​From just four dollars to an approximate quarter of a million, an antique painting has been determined as by one of the master painters of the early 20th Century. N.C. Wyeth is responsible for some of the most dramatic and imaginative evocations that accompanied literature and stood on their own merit. With over 3000 paintings to his name, the prolific artist was an unending fountain of inspiration. Over 100 books were illustrated by him, and the works remain as poignant today as they were at the time. The most famous of his published works is probably Scribner’s Treasure Island, the proceeds from which funded his budding career.
 
Originally bought in 2017 for the fact it had a nice frame, the genuine Wyeth was taken home by an art enthusiast without an inkling of its provenance. However, in a moment of clarity, the new owner decided to do some research before assigning the unknown work to the wastepaper bin. Thankfully the sleuthing paid off and within a few weeks the painting had gained attention on social media from several art experts. Lauren Lewis, from Maine, was so intrigued by the painting that she dropped everything and went in person to the New Hampshire residence where it was being kept.
 
An expert with a career’s worth of experience with Wyeth paintings, Lauren Lewis was able to clarify that the work really is 99% a Wyeth. Clearly, unless we see the work created by the artist, there is always a little doubt. However, with replica works, one or two of the key elements of individuality can be copied however the whole range of talent and micro elements that build the artist’s personality are rarely imitated in one item. The painting in question is believed to be the missing illustration for Ramona from 1939. Due to be sold at auction in just a few days, the painting is valued around $250,000 and is already gaining lots of attention from collectors.
 
One for the tabletop: ​Great Illustrations by N. C. Wyeth (Dover Fine Art, History of Art)
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​When we re asked to think about the origins of modern art, our minds are often drawn to names such as Picasso and Matisse. Talented male artists are rightfully taught and talked about as instrumental figures in the evolution of today’s flourishing art scene. With big characters such as Vincent Van Gogh and Salvador Dali strutting their works in the major consciousness, the women of the time are often over-looked. A historical chauvinism and male-centred storytelling style has caused the imbalance in our understanding of the history behind our favourite movements and collections.
 
“Matisse, Derain, and Friends” is a new exhibition that aims to disrupt this half-blind public image. The Fauvist art style was made popular in the early 20th Century and involved the use of vivid colour and emotionally charged, expressive images. Often obscure, and with a casual twist of the abstract, fauvist images are easy to remember and usually become amplified talking points. On display at the Kunstmuseum in Basel, Switzerland, the exhibition opened on September 2nd and will remain open until January next year.
 
Women painters and female subjects often made their mark on this movement at the time, and many were highly influential on the style. The public memory is being challenged with the show as the display concentrates on these elements rather than the more famous male works. What is also sometimes misunderstood is that the artists often employed sex workers to be the model in their paintings. These people had stories of their own and brought a darker and more dangerous side to the culture.
 
Emilie Charmy is perhaps the most well-known example of a female fauvist. Her tumultuous upbringing saw the orphaned child taken in and given lessons in art. She was a headstrong individual and shunned many of the socially expected learning on offer for young women of the day. Choosing to take up an occupation normally associated with men, her contributions to the style gave a unique and priceless aspect to the larger body of work.
 
Also on display are works by the mythologically inspired Marie Laurencin. She moved in the same circles as greats such as Georges Braques and Guillaume Apollinaire. Having studied her craft at the world-renowned Academie Humbert, Laurencin quickly gained the nickname, “The doe among the wild beasts”. Like her stylistic counterpart, Emilie Charmy, her works were often compared to her male compatriots of the scene. Charmy was once described as “The woman who paints like a man”.
 
Making it clear that these female artists held as much talent and were just as instrumental in the evolution of the style is the aim of this latest exhibition. The celebration of female fauvists is clearly necessary as their works were highly influential in the progression of trends that led to today’s eclectic and varied market. The public consciousness is rich with images of the style and when we look at works made by these lesser-known heroes we can quickly see how much of their influence we already recognise. Rebalancing the books and putting women artists of the past in their rightful place next to the men on equal footing is a noble and necessary activity, and with the quality and adventurousness of the works on offer, it’s also a rewarding one.