The influence of Henri Matisse on present artists can be seen in his use of bold colors and simplicity of subject. He also exerted tremendous influence in his use of paper collage, an art form he invented. Matisse called his collage method "drawing with scissors cut-out paper allows me to draw in color..."
His life spanned from 1869 to 1954 and it was not until his later years that he began to use collage as an art medium, because the infirmities he experienced in old age wouldn't allow him the luxury of painting.
Henri Matisse was born on New Year's Eve in 1869 and was an obedient son, bending to his father's plan to study law. He found being a lawyer a boring existence. One summer, when he was 20, he suffered acute appendicitis. During his illness and recovery his mother gave him a set of paints to pass the time.
"The moment I had this box of colors in my hands, I had the feeling that my life was there... nothing before had interested me, after that, I had nothing on my mind but painting," he said.
These details, along with tales about his friendships with such renowned artists as Auguste Renoir, Sergei Shchukin, Paul Cezanne, and his mentor, Pablo Picasso, make this book a beautiful art read.
"Living With Big Cats" Rendell. IZS Books. $11.95 softcover.
This is a true life story of the famous Tetzlaff family -- a family dedicated to the caring and training of tigers, lions and leopards. You may have seen movie credits where the Tetzlaff animals were used, or perhaps have visited the home of these animals -- Jungle Larry's in Naples.
The family includes Jungle Larry, Nancy ("Safari Jane") and their sons, David and Tim, who followed in their father's footsteps in training these exotic creatures.
Anyone interested in the wonderful world of living with these sometimes fierce animals will find this book fascinating.
Through the writings of great authors like Phillip Keller, a man born in East Africa, trained as an agronomist, turned master photographer and author, I first became interested more keenly in nature and its beautiful creatures.
Keller describes "a leisure stroll through a grassy meadow sprinkled with crocuses, snowdrops, and wild currants... examining sparkling streams, alive with fish... and wildlife abundant." He writes much about his trusted sheep dog, and perhaps this is why I have chosen this next very fine book.
"The Versatile Border Collie" Janet E. Larson. Alpine Publications. $39.95
This exquisite coffee-table book "The Versatile Border Collie" is hot off the press and will be in your neighborhood bookstores this weekend. The oversized color photograph on the book jacket is enough to make everyone a "border collie lover."
The collie on the cover is "Ticker," owned by Helen Phillips. The author acquired her first border collie in 1968, and has been involved in all aspects of the breed since then. Her Caora Con Border Collies have participated in herding trials, obedience, and a variety of other activities. Those who know border collies will recognize Larson's Lamprey River Farm in New Hampshire, where she teaches herding lessons and hosts trials and clinics.
Did you see the movie "Babe"? If you did, then you know why the movie has increased interest in the border collie.
Along with the book comes a huge fold-out, frameable visual representation of the line of descent of the border collie. These are the same sheep dogs that Keller so fondly writes about. They are highly intelligent animals, trained during World War I to take messages to the trenches.
Border collies are terrific hunting dogs, as they have excellent noses, and are frequently used by pheasant and bird hunters.
Literally hundreds of pictures, many in full color, show the beloved, trusty border collies herding farm animals. There's even a whimsical photo of a family pet "herding" a flock of ducks.
This is a fabulous book -- you will want to run right out and get a copy for your home library.
