The Droste effect

The "Droste effect" got its name from the Dutch Droste company's cocoa packaging. There is a nurse on the package holding a plate. On the plate there is exact same package causing a forever repeating image. (def. loop: see loop.)

A group of Mathematicians at the University of Leiden believe they have solved the puzzle of the Print Gallery by the famous artist M.C Esher. Even explaining the strange blank spot in the middle of the picture. They are able to show how this was all done to give the Droste effect. The web page has some incredible animations showing the effect in the picture.

To experience the dorset effect click here.

Anthony Wakaba Mutheki - "Africa's Van Gogh"

It used to be that you had to die a poor and relatively unknown artist before your art would be noticed. As attractive as this business plan sounds, Anthony Wakaba Mutheki has decided to do it differnt and it does not involve death.

He used to sell his works for as little as a $1 apiece. Mutheki, a Kenyan-born artist, has become one of Africa's hottest young talents. His work has increased from $1.00 to as high as $12,000. And collectors are starting to line up. (All without ebay!)

"You can see the hallmarks of a great artist in his work," said South African art critic Alex Sudheim. "It's like Van Gogh -- Van Gogh didn't go to art school, he just had this powerful urge to create through painting and that is what Anthony does, he just does it his own way."

He developed his skill on the streets not in some art academy. After spending five years on the streets or sleeping in a shelter in South Afarica he was discovered by a gallery owner. The gallery owner was taken back by his originality and this incredible story started.

"There is a very strong energy in his pieces," said Craig Mark, who spotted Mutheki eight years ago. "His work is totally unique and the fact that he's not trained allows him to do what he wants. If he wants to stick a piece of fabric onto a canvas then paint over it then he will."

You have to check this out.

New Feature

I added categories section on the right column.

Home is what you are reading now. This will include all the latest news etc.
Gallery will contain all of my drawings
Announcements - This is open to all members. If you have something you would like to announce (Gallery opening etc.)just email me (lizardsomething@yahoo.com) and I will add it to the Announcement section.

Manga Art - You can do it

Fellow artist have you ever wanted to get into Magna art but did not know where to start. Recently, I have been exploring into the world of magna (the picture on this article is not mine it is from here) . I found some incredible internet tutorials by Julie Dillon, Patrick Shettlesworth and Atley also cover the basics. I also started playing with the software e frontier Manga Studio Debut 3.0 windows (or MAC). The software allows you to create your own high quality manga and comic art. Here is flash example of the software. If you have $43.99 to drop it worth it for the beginner to the pro. If $43.99 is to much and you are looking for something more free. You can always try GIMP. It does not have any of the Magna specific features but it still will be useful for the lower budget artists out there.