By Sal Maccarone A few months ago I wrote an article for my column that had to do with William Randolf Hearst and his famous castle in San Simeon, California. While I only mentioned Julia Morgan in that article, I vowed to revisit the subject of this amazing woman and her unique contribution to California architecture. Julia Morgan (1872 – ...

In general, an illustrator is a type of narrative artist whose job it is to enhance a subject, which is written or spoken, by providing supportive visual representation. Illustrations are used for a wide variety of reasons which include books, newspaper and magazine stories, advertising, directions and for a multitude of scientific uses. In addition to all of those differences, ...

During the 1850’s our ancestors were beginning to experience many good effects brought on by the industrial revolution. For example, the development of high-speed printing presses quickly lead to an astonishing “enlightenment-of-the-masses.” Books, periodicals and newspapers, which all were beginning to include illustrations, were becoming prevalent. This phenomenon can easily be attributed to the many advances in printing technology that ...

During the year 1837, a certain young man set out to try his hand at retailing in a burgeoning New York City.  He had been the manager of a general store for nearly ten years and figured that it was time to venture out.  Together with a childhood friend, his initial plan was to open a small stationary store which ...

By Sal Maccarone At the turn of the 20th century, Fresno had a population of close to 12,500 residents.  This burgeoning citizenry realized early on that it was time to set aside an area for a city park that could afford some “breathing room.” Marianne Roeding stepped up to the plate and donated well over 120 acres between Olive and ...

By Sal Maccarone The word “art” is sometimes used as a general synonym for the much broader meaning of “fine art.”  Fine art includes what is known as the “five greater arts,” including painting, sculpture, architecture, music, and poetry. Fine art is created primarily for aesthetic or conceptual reasons, and is judged solely for its meaningfulness or beauty. Sometimes meaningful ...

By Sal Maccarone Born in the 1920s in reaction to the somberness of World War One, the Art Deco style was opulent and prolific. Based upon the use of geometric shapes and simple mathematics, this style reflected the modern and festive post-war spirit of the time. The name Art Deco was coined after the Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs Industriels ...

By Sal Maccarone It has been many, many years since I have visited the Haight-Ashbury district of San Francisco. Known as “The Haight” to many, including myself, I found it to be remarkably frozen in time. I have actually visited twice during the month of July this year. First during my trip to preview the Peter Paul Rubens exhibit which ...

By Sal Maccarone The shape and design of any object should relate directly to its purpose. This wisdom applies to all aspects of Industrial Art.  The phrase, “Form follows function,” was first spoken by architect Louis Sullivan, the father of the modern skyscraper, during the late 1800’s. His point was simple, and still applies: the form of an object should ...

By Sal Maccarone — Preceded by the Georgian era, the Victorian era refers to the reign of Queen Victoria. At 63 years-plus years (1837-1901), her reign in the United Kingdom was the longest of any monarch until recently as her great-great-granddaughter Queen Elizabeth II now holds the new record. In terms of progress and architecture, though, Queen Victoria ushered in ...