8 Shades of Drunk by Shag

Magic of Mid-Century Art

The first time I stepped into a room filled with mid-century modern art, I was instantly transported to another era. The vibrant colors, sleek lines, and whimsical patterns seemed to be calling out to me, inviting me to step back in time and immerse myself in a world of elegance and sophistication. As a lover of art, I couldn’t resist the allure of this beautiful style, and I’ve been captivated by it ever since. Today, I want to introduce you to some of my favorite mid-century modern artists, like Shag, and share some of their incredible work with you.

Shag, also known as Josh Agle, (“8 Shades of Drunk” shown at top of this post) is an artist whose work I find absolutely mesmerizing. The way he combines bold colors, kitschy themes, and a sense of fun is just fantastic.

The Envious Girlfriend by Shag

One of my favorite pieces by him is “The Envious Girlfriend”. You can see the playfulness in the characters’ expressions and the way they interact with one another – it’s just so darn charming! I can’t help but smile every time I look at it.

Another mid-century modern artist I adore is Charley Harper. His work is a bit more minimalistic, but it’s still full of life and character.

Harper’s art features geometric shapes and clean lines, which makes it feel very modern and fresh. I particularly love his piece called “Cardinal Close-Up”.

The vibrant red of the bird against the stark white background really pops, and the simplicity of the design is just stunning.

Charley Harper, who lived from August 4, 1922, to June 10, 2007, had a different perspective on nature. His serigraphs included broad swaths of vibrant colour that provided the viewer with an entirely new viewpoint on the animal realm. Harper, a naturalist and artist, used highly stylized geometric reduction to highlight the distinctive characteristics of his wildlife themes. Harper claimed to be the only wildlife artist who had never been compared to Audubon, despite the fact that his works were equally educational. The only difference was that Harper added humour to his lessons. Harper thought that using humour made it simpler to promote changes in our attitudes and environmental awareness.

Now, if you’re looking for an artist who adds a touch of whimsy to mid-century modern art, you’ve got to check out Mary Blair. She’s best known for her work with Disney, but her personal art is just as enchanting. One of her most famous pieces is “Cinderella’s Castle”. The use of pastel colors and the dreamy, almost ethereal quality of the scene makes me feel like I’m stepping into a fairy tale.

As a fan of mid-century modern art, I also appreciate the work of David Weidman. His screen prints often feature nature and animals, and the colors he uses are so bright and lively. One piece that stands out to me is “The Family Cat”. There’s something so relatable about that cat’s expression, like it’s saying, “Yeah, I know I’m fabulous.” Plus, the color palette and patterns are simply delightful.

Last but not least, let’s talk about Alexander Girard. He was a designer and artist who created some of the most iconic mid-century modern pieces, like the Sunburst Clock. I love the way he used geometric shapes and bold colors in his work, and the Sunburst Clock is a perfect example of that. It’s not just a functional piece – it’s also a work of art.

I have to admit, I’m a bit obsessed with mid-century modern art. It brings me such joy to discover new artists and pieces that transport me to a different time and place. Every time I come across a piece of mid-century modern art, I feel like I’m uncovering a hidden treasure, and I can’t help but share my excitement with others.

There’s something about the style that just resonates with me – maybe it’s the bright colors, the sleek lines, or the playful, whimsical nature of the art. Whatever it is, I can’t get enough of it. I hope that by sharing these artists and their work with you, I’ve helped you appreciate the beauty of mid-century modern art as much as I do.

Do you have any favorite mid-century modern artists that I didn’t mention? I’m always on the lookout for new art to admire and artists to follow, so please feel free to share your favorites in the comments section below. I’d love to hear your thoughts and explore more of this captivating era in art together.

So, next time you come across a mid-century modern piece, take a moment to really soak it in. Admire the colors, the lines, and the overall aesthetic. And who knows, maybe you’ll find yourself as enamored with this style as I am. Here’s to discovering and celebrating the beauty of mid-century modern art – and to the incredible artists who brought it to life.

Happy art exploring, my friends!

I can recommend a few websites where you can find the mentioned artworks or similar pieces by the artists:

For Shag (Josh Agle), you can visit his official website: https://www.shag.com/
For Charley Harper’s art, you can check out the official Charley Harper Art Studio: https://charleyharperartstudio.com/
To explore David Weidman’s work, you can visit this tribute website: https://www.davidweidmanart.com/
For Mary Blair’s art, you can refer to the website dedicated to her work: http://magicofmaryblair.com/

These websites may showcase the mentioned artworks or other works by these artists. Please note that these are not direct links to the specific images, but they will give you a good starting point to explore their art.

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