Over the years I’ve compiled a collection of images of art that I find inspiring. I’m particularly interested in artwork that preceded this thing that people call “visionary art.” There was a moment around the late 1800′s when art took a turn from outwards representations to inwards exploration. This was the birth of Modern Art (which, incidentally, seems to have “ended” as a movement in the 50′s. So much for modernity!). Modern Art encompassed all number of motifs and approaches – Symbolism, Cubism, Futurism, Pointilism, Surrealism… So many ISMs! Presented here is small collection of some of this art. I’ve included some commentary with some of the pieces to share what it is about them that I love.

Over time, I'll add some more to this and include an update every so often... One day I'll get around to scanning some images from the dozens of books on my shelves.

One thing of note: while I certainly find the art of Alex Grey, Ernst Fuchs, and many others to be inspiring, I haven't included them here for various reasons. For one: it's quite prevalent amongst various circles and has been seen before by many. In fact, we all inspire each other and it's rather obvious. The one thing which all of the artists here have in common is that they're dead. Also: they were looking at things in new and different ways. The methods of artistic inquiry that drove these artists - their consideration of color and form, of light and spirit - is what drives my art and that of many others. We are indebted to them for laying the groundwork of the art that which was to come.