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Without a doubt, visual art is one of the most important aspects of Caribbean culture. And as more and more artists from the region attract international acclaim and attention, the unique style of Caribbean painters is becoming accessible to wider and more diverse audiences.

Music and literature typically represent Caribbean art forms, with big names such as musician Bob Marley and poet Derek Walcott leading the pack. But painting is growing as a recognized form of expression. Colorful depictions of island life are especially popular in Cuba, Haiti, and Jamaica.

Art History

The Caribbean has always inspired through its unique sights and sounds. The bright colors of the region’s landscapes and vibrant personalities of its people are particularly strong artistic motivators. However, Caribbean art history does contain a few surprises. Two famous artists, Camille Pissarro and John Audubon, were born in the Caribbean. Although their styles are not typical of the area, they have been influential in the development of regional art.

Pissarro was born on St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, then at the age of 12 he moved to France. After he completed school, Pissarro returned to St. Thomas. When he moved to Paris a second time, Pissarro became very influential among Impressionist painters. Similarly, John Audubon was born in Haiti and moved to France at a young age. His study of birds took off during his later move to America.

However, Europe may only lay claim to some of the influences behind Caribbean artwork. African and Latin American styles are also strongly represented. African colors and people are often the subjects of paintings, with shades of Latin American influence in the stylization of the images.

Artistic Discovery

Fine Caribbean art can be found on many islands, but Cuban arts have been flourishing since the beginning of the 20th century, and political strife on Haiti and Cuba in particular have provided artists the opportunity to express complex emotions and political beliefs through their paintings.

Cuba’s Wilfredo Lam was one of the first Caribbean artists to gain worldwide recognition. He was an associate of both Picasso and Georges Braque, which added to his success. The popularity of Lam
quickly turned the art world’s attention toward the entire region.

Fine works of art can be found on islands throughout the Caribbean, including Barbados, Jamaica, Martinique, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. The Internet has also helped catch the eye of art aficionados by allowing people to view artists’ works online without having to catch a plane or physically travel to a gallery or museum that features Caribbean artists.

However, fine works of art from many countries throughout the Caribbean also make popular souvenirs for those who do visit. Travelers enjoy bringing them home, and, luckily, fine arts are not included in the customs allowance for travelers returning to the United States from the Caribbean.

For anyone who craves visual art that is unique and refreshing, the beautiful works of Caribbean painters are a breath of fresh air. Artists who use the Caribbean’s one-of-a-kind scenery and lifestyle as the basis for their art provide a new and creative way to view paradise.

“I heard what you said, Red.

Yet, I have to disagree.

There’s nothing wrong with my voice,

You’re just filled with jealousy.”

“You just don’t understand, Tan.

Let me alleviate your fears.

It’s not about how well you sing,

But can you inspire listening ears?”

“What do you think, Pink?

Am I right or am I wrong?”

“I’m not really sure, my friend,

I have not heard the song.”

“Well, what about you, Blue?

Are your thoughts the same as mine?”

“To tell the honest truth, dear Red

I must hear it one more time.”

“Anything you want to say, Gray?”

“Yes, I don’t like what you’re discussing.

A hymn should soothe the troubled soul,

Not arouse this senseless fussing.”

“Wait just a minute fellow,” said Yellow.

“You’re going a bit too far.

After all, we’re engaged in tête-à-tête

Which is not so irregular.”

“Don’t think I’m being mean,” said Green.

“But a hymn is a sacred thing.

Though Tan does try his very best,

He really cannot sing.”

“I don’t think you’re right,” said White.

“To me Tan sings quite well.

Just take the time to listen

You’ll hear God’s word prevail.”

“Colors, colors, calm down,” cried Brown.

“Lest we inadvertently enrage

Each other to colorful battle…”

“Which would ruin us,” interrupted Beige.

“Now that is pretty bold,” said Gold

But true I must confess.”

“Anyone for gum?” inquired Plum

Looking pale and colorless.

“Sshhhh, the author is back,” whispered Black.

“Let’s table our concern.

We’ll pick up where we left off

When sunset once more return.”

The legend of Etain was the inspiration for numerous Celtic butterfly tattoos. This legend is a story that symbolizes love, treachery and transformation.

Celtic butterfly tattoos are attractive, colorful and very distinctive. Although these tattoo designs are generally more favored by women, there are some men who also get fascinated by the versatility of this design. It is for this reason that the Celtic butterfly tattoo is usually incorporated in a lot of tattoo themes and designs among both men and women. In fact, it is a relatively common concept in tattoo art. It looks good whether it is worn alone or used as an add-on.

There are many ways in which the Celtic butterfly tattoo can be enhanced and styled. In fact, Celts are popular for a lot of knot work designs. This is because knots are symbolisms of the continuity of the life cycle. The Celtic butterfly tattoo can be done by forming the knots to form the image of a butterfly.

Celtic butterflies also symbolize resurrection or life after death. For some, they symbolize metamorphosis and beautiful transformation or change. However, in Ireland, butterflies also symbolize dead souls waiting to enter the purgatory.

In the world of tattoo art, Celtic butterfly tattoos symbolize the positive aspects of life such as grace and peace contrary to other people’s beliefs which associate butterfly with death and rebirth. These symbolisms only add up to the beauty and mystery of the butterfly design. People can never guess exactly what it means to the person wearing it.

One good thing about the Celtic butterfly tattoo is its beauty and diversity. You can experiment well with its colors and shape. Its versatility makes it suitable in any part of the body. The lower back and a small area behind the shoulder, along one side of the upper back are popular spots for this tattoo design.

Many women are drawn by the beauty and symbolic nature of the Celtic butterfly tattoo. It is suitable for every person’s unique personality and beliefs. Moreover, it also signifies the beauty and freedom of life. Open-winged Celtic butterfly tattoos are more common and popular than the close-winged designs.

Looking for Celtic Butterfly Tattoos? Check Out These Tattoo Galleries.

Here are some simple but awe-inspiring tips to drawing birds with outstanding effects.

10 tips will get you started instantly and when applied will give your drawing a natural life…

Tip 1 – Sit quietly and checkout birds flying, moving and jumping around you.

Get a sketch book handy and start preparing your sketch.

Tip 2 – Checkout their colorful beaks and what food they eat.

This will help you to select your picture background as to which plants to include.

Tip 3 – See their colorful feathers and furs.

Plan as to how you will capture them in your sketch quickly.

Tip 4 – You will notice that some birds have a smooth feather while others have rough furry bodies.

Capture these natural looks in your picture.

Tip 5 – Observe how these birds try to attract their future mates during spring time.

This will get you with beautiful creative pictures that will rock.

Tip 6 – Birds tends to continuously move around hunting for food or protecting themselves from predators.

Therefore, make sure that you keep a camera handy and capture their photos so that you can use them during your final drawing.

Tip 7 – Drawing birds are a challenging stuff, and thus it is much more exciting and fun which will give you a twist in your artistic hobby.

Tip 8 – Choose a subject before you begins drawing. It can be either birds mating with each other or birds having food or just moving around with joy.

Tip 9 – Move to different places that nature provides such as river, sea, mountains, parks, etc. This will give you different views and subjects to capture on.

Tip 10 – Make sure you learn how to draw water because birds, mostly tend to be found either inside or near water.

If you learn this stuff you will be able to easily capture the natural habitat around.