Sunday, April 23, 2017

The Art of Sculpture: Top Ten Sculptural Art Pieces in the City of San Antonio- A Guided Tour

The Art of Sculpture: Top Ten Sculptural Art Pieces in the City of San Antonio- A Guided Tour

San Antonio is full of beautiful public artwork. Amongst that beautiful artwork are many brilliant sculptures. Sculptural art, though usually large in nature, can be hard to find as you venture out into this large city. I've put together my top 10 favorite Sculptural art pieces with a guide so you can trek through the city to view these masterpieces.



For an exact mapping of the locations in order, please visit the following link: 

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1. Butterfly


Year Erected: 2012
Medium(s): Steel
Artist: Jack Robbins
Address/ Location: Prue Rd. and Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails
Description: This gorgeous butterfly sculpture can be found on the Greenway Trails at Leon Creek. You can either trek through the trails or drive by the sculpture off of Prue Rd. It's use of galvanized steel creates a stagnant motion that plays off of light and shadow.

 2. Golden Age

Year Erected: 2013
Medium(s): Wheels, Steel
Artist: Anne Wallace
Address/ Location: Phil Hardberger Park ( 8400 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78231 )
Description: I fell upon this amazing piece while hiking through Phil Hardberger Park one day. I wasn't sure if I'd fallen upon a project that the conservatory on site at the park was using. I soon found out that this brilliant sculpture that plays with wind and movement was a wonderful art piece created by Anne Wallace. See this piece by parking at the NW Military Hwy park entrance and hiking through that entrance. It's hard to miss it's brilliant sparkle in the sun.

 3. Cowboy Boots

Year Erected: 1980
Medium(s): Concrete, Fiberglass
Artist: Bob Wade
Address/ Location: North Star Mall 410 Access Road entrance ( 126-246 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78216 )
Description: This sculpture holds a very special place in my heart as I've known it since the day I was born. Bob Wade created this sculpture in the 70's but erected it in San Antonio to it's resting place at North Star Mall in 1980. This 35 foot tall sculpture is a staple to San Antonio Landmarks and can be seen by driving off of the Loop 410 East Access Road.

4. Grotto

Year Erected: 2009
Medium(s): Concrete
Artist: Carlos Cortes
Address/ Location: Camden and Newell Street ( 29.4409015,-98.482303 )
Description: This impressive sculpture can fool you into thinking that it's part of the natural landscape but it's not. It's an extremely complex sculpture by artist, Carlos Cortes. It's dream like structure can be seen by walking along the San Antonio River or by driving between the Camden and Newell Street bridges.

 5. Fiesta Tower

Year Erected: 2003
Medium(s): Glass
Artist: Dale Chihuly
Address/ Location: Central Library ( 600 Soledad St, San Antonio, TX 78205 )
Description: It's hard to imagine a time before the Fiesta Tower sculpture at the Central Library in downtown San Antonio. This amazing and colorful large multicolored glass sculpture's pieces were hand blown by renowned artist, Dale Chihuly. It's the centerpiece of the enchilada red library and is meant to represent the unique multicultural qualities that San Antonio has to offer.

 6. Liquid Crystal

Year Erected: 2016
Medium(s): LED Lighting Modules
Artist: Jason Bruges
Address/ Location: North Entry Atrium Lobby of the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center ( 333 Losoya St, San Antonio, TX 78205 )
Description: This fascinating piece was only unveiled last year at the convention center and it's beauty is hard to miss as you walk through the north atrium lobby. It creates a waterfall effect with the shimmering LED lights and plays with varying degrees so that it's different to every person who views it's substantial effect.

 7. Torch of Friendship (Antorcha De Amistad)

Year Erected: 2001
Medium(s): Steel
Artist: Sebastian
Address/ Location: 900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205
Description: This massive 65 foot steel sculpture is hard to miss as you roam the streets of downtown San Antonio and can also be seen driving through. The two ton masterpiece represents a combination of culture, languages and roads that merge into one.

 8. F.I.S.H.

Year Erected: 2009
Medium(s): Fiberglass, LED Lighting
Artist: Donald Lipski
Address/ Location: Museum Reach @ I-35 and Camden ( 29.4393082,-98.4818497 )
Description: Though this piece can be seen in daylight, it's best seen as the sun goes down. It's LED lighting allows the beautiful bright coloring of the "F.I.S.H." sculpture to shine through. It is suspended from the underpass at I-35 closest to Camden St.

9. Ballroom Luminoso


Year Erected: 2013
Medium(s): Steel, LED Lighting
Artist: Joe O'Connell & Blessing Hancock
Address/ Location: Theo/ Malone Ave. @ I-35 underpass ( 29.4616187,-98.5078407 )
Description: This absolutely stunning piece can be seen in the most ordinary place transforming this ordinary place into a brilliant shadow theater. Underneath the I-35 underpass between Theo and Malone Avenues, these brilliant light emitting sculptures are created from recycled bike and metal parts. The color-changing LED lights allow this piece to be ever-changing, making for an interesting trip every time.

 10. The Beacon

Year Erected: 2008
Medium(s): Steel-Corten, Lighting Device Components
Artist: Angel Rodriguez-Diaz
Address/ Location: Fulton and Blanco Rd. Roundabout ( 29.3875719,-98.5117133 )
Description: I loved this piece at first sight when I was a teenager. The lighting that is underneath the steel-corden gives the sculpture a picado effect that represents this city so well. The Mexican culture and the city's Fiesta festivities are reflected in this gorgeous sculpture that can be seen driving through Beacon Hill at the roundabout at Blanco and Fulton roads.
For More information on the Greenway Trails, please visit: http://www.sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec/Parks-Facilities/Trails/Greenway-Trails

 For More information on Phil Hardberger Park, please visit: https://www.philhardbergerpark.org/

For More information on North Star Mall, please visit: https://www.northstarmall.com/en.html

 For More information on Museum Reach/ Riverwalk, please visit: http://visitsanantonio.com/english/Explore-San-Antonio/Only-in-San-Antonio/River-Walk/Touring-the-River-Walk

 For More information on the San Antonio Central Library, please visit: http://mysapl.org/Visit/Locations/Central-Library

 For More information on Henry B Gonzalez Convention Center, please visit: http://www.sahbgcc.com/

 For More information on Beacon Hills, please visit:  http://www.beaconhillsanantonio.org/

 For More information on the San Antonio Arts, please visit: sanantonio.culturemap.com

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Sunday, April 9, 2017

The Art of the App: 5 Apps that will help you create your art

The Art of the App: 5 Apps that will help you create your art


1. Procreate




 Procreate is an amazing drawing and painting app that allows users to create anywhere with their iPads or iPhones with their ProCreate Pocket app (Purchase here for $2.99). Purchase a stylus of your desired price range or capabilities. Create illustrations, sketches, or paintings with this easy to use app. The app offers a variety of brushes, layer capability and color technology for your desired painting style. Record your process of your creation and share. The boundaries are up to you!

2. Adobe Illustrator Draw




As a creative cloud member, one can appreciate the ease of using this wonderful app. Illustrator for your iPhone and iPad is something that I never knew existed until recently. The best part about the ability to create vector art at the drop of the hat is that I can also upload it with ease to my Behance account. This app was recently released on Android so you can also enjoy it there!

3. Colored Pencils





Colored Pencils is a great app for any level of drawing artists. The app provides a large selection of colors and pencil types. You can also create layers and import photos into the app. Upload the finished drawings to Facebook with easy uploading options. The canvas zoomed at full capacity from 12% to 1600% making the interface easy to create on. The possibilities are endless!

4. Assembly







As a graphic designer, this app is one that I can fully appreciate with the ease of it's interface. Create designs on the go with the various symbol and color packs available for purchase in the app itself. Assembly makes it easy to create Stickers, Logos and Graphics by provides the building blocks of design at the ease of your fingertips. You can also ads text and share your finished stickers in iMessage. This app is extremely comparable to Adobe Illustrator and as a graphic designer, one can appreciate the ease of the control and capabilities of the app.

5. Bear





Ever have a moment where you wish you had a pen and paper for that genius idea? Bear gives writers the ability to create ideas and samples and lists at the easy of your fingertips. Express yourself with this brilliant app!
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Sunday, March 26, 2017

The Art of Students and Faculty: Current and Upcoming Student and Faculty College and University Events

The Art of Students and Faculty: Current and Upcoming Student and Faculty College and University Events

It's that time of the semester that excites me the most! It's the time when all faculty and students come together to show everyone the work that they've worked so hard on throughout the semester. This time of year is super exciting due to the amount of events going on throughout the campuses in this artful city so I've compiled a list of those that I'm most excited about with information on each event so you can be sure to go and check them out.

The Art Institute of San Antonio


The Art Institute of San Antonio has yet to announce any upcoming student exhibitions. However, you can view Featured Student Work on at the following link: https://www.artinstitutes.edu/san-antonio/gallery/student-work . The work includes Fashion Design, Media Arts & Animation, Digital Filmmaking & Video Production, Game Art & Design, Digital Photography, and more. For more information on upcoming student exhibitions, please visit: https://creative.artinstitutes.edu/portfolio-show/san-antonio or like their page for updates on events: https://www.facebook.com/AiSanAntonio/.

Northwest Vista College


Northwest Vista College offers some of the best in student and faculty exhibitions and performances in San Antonio. It was hard to choose but here are the ones I'm most looking forward to:
  • What: NVC Faculty Exhibition
  • Where: Palmetto Center for the Arts: Lobby Art Gallery; Northwest Vista College, 4101 Wiseman Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78251
  • When: March 27 - April 24, 2017
  • Cost: Free
  • For more information: https://www.alamo.edu/nvc/academics/pca/
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  • What: Vista Jazz Ensemble & Student Combos- North by Northwest Vista (NxNVC)- Music Program
  • Where: Palmetto Center for the Arts: Lobby Art Gallery; Northwest Vista College, 4101 Wiseman Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78251
  • When: April 13, 2017
  • Time: 7:30 p.m.
  • Cost: General- $8.00, Military/ Seniors- $5.00, Students- $3.00
  • For more information: https://www.alamo.edu/nvc/academics/pca/
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  • What: ExtravaDanza- Dance Program; Dance recital for NVC dance program
  • Where: Palmetto Center for the Arts: Lobby Art Gallery; Northwest Vista College, 4101 Wiseman Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78251
  • When: May 5 and 6, 2017
  • Time: May 5th, 7:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. May 6th, 7:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. 
  • Cost: $3.00
  • For more information: https://www.alamo.edu/nvc/academics/pca/

Palo Alto college


  • What: Sustainability Series Exhibit, series to feature artwork on the following; lint, found objects, button artwork
  • Where: William R. Sinkin Eco Centro, 802 North Main Avenue, San Antonio, TX 78212
  • When: March 4th through June 1st
  • Cost: Free
  • For more information: http://www.alamo.edu/pac/arts-exhibits/

St. Phillips College


St. Phillips College is putting on a rock opera of "Alice in Wonderland". The wonderful production is written by the Artistic Director of local theatre, Magik Theater. This is definitely a must see!

  • What: Alice in Wonderland, The Rock Opera
  • Where: Watson Fine Arts Theater; St. Phillips College, 698 S Mittman St, San Antonio, TX 78203
  • When: March 31 - 8 p.m., April 1, 7, 8 - 8 p.m., April 2 and 9 - 2:30 p.m., April 6 (High School show) - 10 a.m.
  • Cost: General Admission- $10.00; Student, employees, seniors, and SATCO Admission- $5.00
  • For more information: https://www.alamo.edu/spc/fine-arts/


San Antonio College


San Antonio College's Visual Arts and Technology Center always puts on amazing student exhibitions each semester. I'm sure that this exhibition will not disappoint. 

  • What: Visual Arts Student Exhibition
  • Where: Visual Arts and Technology Center; San Antonio College, 299 W Dewey Pl, San Antonio, TX 78212
  • When: Opening Reception, April 27th; 5-7 pm- runs through September 2017
  • Cost: Free
  • For more information: http://www.alamo.edu/main.aspx?id=27408 or https://www.facebook.com/sacvisualarts

    Trinity University


    • What: Jazz Ensemble Concert, Spring Concert for The Trinity Jazz Ensemble
    • Where: Ruth Taylor Recital Hall,Dicke/Smith Building, One Trinity Place, San Antonio, TX 78212
    • When: April 9, 2017 from 3-5 pm
    • Cost: Free
    • For more information: https://new.trinity.edu/events#/?i=7


    University of Texas at San Antonio


    • What: 33rd Annual Juried Student Exhibition
    • Where: UTSA Art Gallery, Arts Building; UTSA Main Campus, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249
    • When: March 22 through April 12, 2017
    • Hours: Tuesday - Friday, 10am - 4pm; Saturday, 1pm - 4pm
    • Cost: Free
    • For more information: http://art.utsa.edu/33rd-student-exhibition



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    Sunday, March 5, 2017

    The Art of SAMA: My all time top ten favorite San Antonio Museum of Art pieces, a small guided tour

    The Art of SAMA: My all time top ten favorite San Antonio Museum of Art pieces, a small guided tour

    Exterior of the San Antonio Museum of Art SAMA in San Antonio, TXEntrance sign for the San Antonio Museum of Art in San Antonio, TX


    Ah, the memory of being in middle school and high school and visiting one of my favorite places in San Antonio, the San Antonio Museum of Art. This staple to San Antonio has always been my go-to art spot. So much so that I've accumulated a list of my favorite art pieces in this wonderful museum.
    Interior shot from the Second Floor of the San Antonio Museum of Art in San Antonio, TX


    There are so many art pieces to choose from in this wonderful museum that I had to limit my choices down to ten. Otherwise, this would be the longest blog I've ever written. So, I'll get right to it. I even added an easy little map below with the locations of where to find the art pieces so that the next time your at the San Antonio Museum of Art, you can find these great art pieces. 

    These pieces are in the order of which you will find them by entering through the gift shop (shop) from the Great Hall.


    Map of the San Antonio Museum of Art taken from the San Antonio Museum of Art map
    San Antonio Museum of Art map provided by the San Antonio Museum of Art
    1.

    Brown, John George. (1888). Street Gallantry [Painting]. San Antonio, TX: San Antonio Museum of Art.

     Title of piece: Street Gallantry
    Artist: John George Brown
    Location: 1st floor, American Art
    Medium(s): Oil on Canvas
    Why I love this piece and think you should see it: The one thing that has always attracted me to this painting has been the realism behind it, which is funny because according to the museum text, the artist was scrutinized for his lack of realism. He used real children to pose but made them "neater". This pieces' amazing colors and story will wow you in person.

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    2.
    Sargent, John Singer. (1888). Margaret Louisa Vanderbilt, Mrs. Eliot Fitch Shepard [Painting].
    San Antonio, TX: San Antonio Museum of Art.
    Title of piece: Margaret Louisa Vanderbilt, Mrs. Eliot Fitch Shepard
    Artist: John Singer Sargent
    Location: 1sr floor, American Art
    Medium(s): Oil on canvas
    Why I love this piece and think you should see it: This piece has always fascinated me because it's the one piece that you can't miss when you walk through the American Art gallery. It's red oil paint pops out at you demanding your attention. The realism and pictorial storytelling will make your mind wonder.

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    3.
    Onderdonk, Julian. (1913). A pool on the Guadalupe [Painting]. San Antonio, TX: San Antonio Museum of Art.
    Title of piece: A pool on the Guadalupe
    Artist: Julian Onderdonk
    Location: 1st floor, American Art, special exhibit: Julian Onderdonk and the Texan     
                    Landscape (January 20-April 23, 2017)
    Medium(s): Oil on canvas
    Why I love this piece and think you should see it: This is a newer piece that I encountered upon my most recent visit to the San Antonio Museum of Art. This fascinating artist's pieces are currently on exhibit from now through April 23rd and it's not one to miss. I really found myself drawn to this piece because it reminds me so much of my visits to local Texas parks. The beauty and realistic look of the water in the painting is so life-like, it will feel as if you are there. It truly takes you away.

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    4.
    De la Fuenta, Sor Juna Beatriz. (1805). Tree of Life, Arbol de la vida [Painting].
    San Antonio, TX: San Antonio Museum of Art.
    Title of piece: Tree of Life, Arbol de la vida
    Artist: Sor Juna Beatriz de la Fuenta
    Location: 1st floor, Folk Art
    Medium(s): Oil on canvas
    Why I love this piece and think you should see it: This piece is fascinating to me due to it's intense message. According to the museum text, it's message is about moral order. It's about the choices in life here on earth and how good and evil can encounter us and how death cannot be escaped. This highly religious folk art is meant to sway those to the Christian life.

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    5.
    Unknown. (20th century). Pair of horses [Sculpture]. San Antonio, TX: San Antonio Museum of Art.
    Title of piece: Pair of horses
    Artist: unknown
    Location: 1st floor, back stairwell closest to Pre-Columbian art
    Medium(s): unlisted
    Why I love this piece and think you should see it: This sculptural art has always stood out to me even though it's not actually in a gallery. You can find these amazing sculptures in the stairwell past the Pre-Columbian art on the first floor. The intricate patterns on the horses seem to tell a story, perhaps of a winning battle. The horses have a look of ambition on their faces but are filled with lively color. Not much reads on the museum text except that the horses are from the 20th century and they are from China. 

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    6.

    Bravo, Claudio. (1979). Venus (venus) [Painting]. San Antonio, TX: San Antonio Museum of Art.
    Title of piece: Venus (venus)
    Artist: Claudio Bravo
    Location: 2nd floor, Latin American Modern, Contemporary
    Medium(s): Oil on canvas
    Why I love this piece and think you should see it: Claudio Bravo is known for his hyperrealistic paintings and intricate depiction of fabric. The one thing that always drew me to this art piece was the non-sexualization of the subject. To me, her natural pose shows that the human form is a beautiful and natural fact of life. This photo doesn't do this painting justice. The intricacy of the fabric texture is something that has to be seen in person.

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    7.

    Palacios, Irma. (1943). Cipactli (Cipactli) [Painting]. San Antonio, TX: San Antonio Museum of Art.
    Title of piece: Cipatli (Citpatli)
    Artist: Irma Palacios
    Location: 2nd floor, Latin American Modern/ Contemporary
    Medium(s): medium here
    Why I love this piece and think you should see it: This piece is absolutely striking. I imagine so many dream like scenarios in my head when I see this piece and every time I see it, it's always different. Overall, the best way to describe it is natural. The natural colors bring out that element and show that the artist is depicting a sort of dark nature in the world. You should look at this piece and come up with your own ideas. It certainly offers many.

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    8.
    Centurion, Emilio (1934). Doll (Muneco) [Painting]. San Antonio, TX: San Antonio Museum of Art.
    Artist: Emilio Centurion
    Title of piece: Doll (Muneco)
    Location: 2nd floor, Modern Arts of Latin America
    Medium(s): Oil on canvas
    Why I love this piece and think you should see it: This piece is one that I had never noticed before. It's beauty and symbolism to me speaks volumes. To me, it represents that we are all dolls or "munecos" to the world at some point of our lives. This amazing artist, Emilio Centurion truly captures the glumness of this fact of life in this fantastic piece.

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    9.



    Arbus, Diane. (1967). Identical Twins, Rosell, NJ [Painting]. San Antonio, TX: San Antonio Museum of Art.










































     Title of piece: Identitcal Twins, Rosell, NJ
    Artist: Diane Arbus
    Location: 2nd floor, Contemporary Art
    Medium(s): Gelatin silver print
    Why I love this piece and think you should see it: This has always been one of my favorite pieces of photography because of it's symbolism. I have many friends who are twins and I have always loved that you can see the differences in these two girls' attitudes. This photograph knocks out the stereotypes that twins are pretty much the same and shows that they are completely different. It's a very realistic approach to human nature and how we are all different inside, even if we look the same on the outside.

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    10.


    Cain, Sarah. (2015). love seat [Mixed Media]. San Antonio, TX: San Antonio Museum of Art.
    Title of piece: love seat
    Artist: Sarah Cain
    Location: 2nd floor, Golden Gallery
    Medium(s): Acrylic, beads, gouche, and gold leaf on canvas and sofa
    Why I love this piece and think you should see it: This is absolutely one of my favorite pieces at the San Antonio Museum of Art. When I see it, I think of love and how much it hurts when it ends. This amazing multi-media piece is so vibrant in color and such a vision to look at that it's pretty impossible to miss.

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    The San Antonio Museum of Art is such a fascinating museum that this is only the half of one side of it. There are many exhibits currently under renovation, including the skywalk, much to my disappointment. 




    However, they still have many exhibits open which you shouldn't miss, including many exhibitions that come and go. The best part about this awesome museum is that it's free if you are a student at Alamo Colleges with your student I.D. So, you have no excuses to not visit this amazing local museum. Enjoy it!


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    For more information on the San Antonio Museum of Art and it's current exhibitions, please visit:

    For more information current SAMA exhibit; Julian Onderdonk and the Texan Landscape, please visit:


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