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If there’s a topic you can count on to get a group of people talking around a dinner table, it’s the age old favorite, “What good movies have you seen?” Since we’re not spending a leisurely evening dining together, but rather grabbing a few minutes on the Internet here and there , I thought I’d narrow the field and ask, “What good films about artists have you seen?” Indeed, there are a lot of them out there but I’d love to hear what you’ve enjoyed watching. Feel free to add your favorites in the comments section below. If you’re like me and are trying come up with new ways to dodge the spring rain and thunder storms, here are a few favorites I’d offer up for discussion if we were sitting around a table together:

Still from the movie Wasteland

Wasteland: A 2011 documentary about Brazilian contemporary artist Vik Muniz who collaborates with the ‘pickers’ of recyclable materials who live and work in the garbage from Jardim Gramacho, the world’s largest landfill on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro.

Still from the movie Pollock

Pollock: A 2000 biographical which tells the life story of influential American abstract painter Jackson Pollock. Ed Harris is Pollock and Jennifer Connelly as his artist wife, Lee Krasner.

Work by Andy Goldsworthy

Rivers & Tides: A 2001 documentary about the British artist Andy Goldsworthy who creates intricate and ephemeral sculptures from natural materials such as rocks, leaves, flowers, and icicles.

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Basquiat: a 1996 biopic/drama film directed by fellow painter Julian Schnabel which is based on the life of American postmodernist/neo expressionist artist Jean-Michel Basquiat who used his graffiti roots as a foundation to create collage-style paintings on canvas.

Sagrada Familia by Antonio Gaudi

Antonio Gaudi: A 1984 Japanese and Spanish documentary film by Hiroshi Teshigahara about the works of Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi. In this film with minimal narration, the director visits buildings and houses in Barcelona, and the Sagrada Família.

Eames: The Architect and The Painter

Eames: The Architect and The Painter: A 2011 documentary telling the story of the American husband-and-wife team of Charles and Ray Eames, widely considered America’s most important designers. Their creations include furniture, photography, interiors, and much more.

What films about artists do you recommend?

Related articles

• Jackson Pollock: Unpublished Photos(life.time.com)

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• A week in Barcelona, part 2 (La Sagrada Familia)(pursesandpugs.wordpress.com)

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• Andy Goldsworthy(takeadragortwo.com)

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Maria Gabriela Brito is an interior designer and authority on why, where, and how to display contemporary art in any environment. Frequent contributer to Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP lifestyle newsletter, Maria knows the art world inside and out and is able to create the perfect environment to showcase a well curated art collection. An art collector herself, Maria’s mission is to help her clients live beautifully and get dialed in to the art scene worldwide. She is also an avid believer in encouraging kids to grow up around great works of art. Contributing writer Nancy Cost interviews this month’s Guest Curator, Maria Gabriela Brito.

When did you become familiar with the world of fine art?
Since I had memories! My parents were art collectors and my grandfather was an M.D. who, in his spare time, painted gorgeous oil-on-canvas landscapes.

Do you see any differences between the way Americans and South Americans incorporate art into their lives or interiors?
Not really. Perhaps some Americans are more exposed and can push the envelope a bit more.

What is your advice on how to start an art collection?
Do preliminary research and buy the absolute best that you can within your price range. Go to art fairs and galleries and buy what you love, BUT, always do preliminary research about the artist.

Lifestyling by Maria Gabriela Brito

Does good art have to cost lots and lots of money?
Not really. I’m always after the thrill of discovering emerging artists whose pieces are way more affordable than mid-career or established artists.

What was your most recent art purchase?
An Assume Vivid Astro Focus Print and a Sculpture that they made out of one of the original Dade County voting booths from the debacle of the 2000 Presidential elections.

What is the biggest misconception you find people making regarding art in their homes?
That they can’t have contemporary art because it’s either too edgy, too expensive, or too hard to understand.

Where are your favorite places to go get inspired by art?
Anywhere! From chic hotels to galleries to collectors’ homes.

What’s your number one tip for making an interior sizzle?
COLOR!

What was the first piece of art you bought?
A Rothko print at The MoMA 13 years ago.

Lifestyling by Maria Gabriela Brito

Have you ever purchased artwork on line?
Yes, from different sites around the world.

What’s hanging on your walls at home?
Vik Muniz, Mickalene Thomas, Assume Vivid Astro Focus, Flavia Da Rin, Faile, Mark Bradford.

What would our readers be surprised to know about you?
I love pop music from the 80s!

Famous German abstract painter and one of the leading figures of the art world, Gerhard Richter, turned 80 years old earlier this year. If you’ve been to a museum lately, you’ve probably seen one of his signature colorful smeared canvases as many museums seem to have a Richter on display. If he’s not yet a common name in your household, now’s the time to get to know Gerhard Richter. Even an armchair viewing of his current solo exhibition via the Internet will help you do just that.

Elizabeth I, 1966 by Gerhard Richter image: Tate.org

Organized by the Tate Modern in London, the exhibition (next on display in Paris this summer) spans almost five decades and is a major retrospective that groups together significant points in the timeline of his impressive career.

Abstract Painting, 1990 by Gerhard Richter image: Tate.org

The Tate describes Richter as, “…known for the diversity of his approaches to painting. His practice can seem to be structured by various oppositions, with paintings after photographs countering abstract pictures; traditional still-lifes alongside highly charged subjects; monochrome grey works and multicoloured grids. Some paintings are planned out and ordered; others are the result of unpredictable accumulations of marks and erasures. Even a single painting can seem contradictory, with some areas seeming gestural, and other parts almost mechanic.”

Abstract Painting (726) , 1990 by Gerhard Richter image: Tate.org

“The title of this exhibition, Gerhard Richter: Panorama, evokes the intention to look around at the range of Richter’s practice, discovering contradictions and connections, continuities and breaks. Each room is devoted to a particular moment of his career. While the focus is on painting, the exhibition also features glass constructions, mirrors, drawings and photographs.”

11 Panes, 2004 by Gerhard Richter

11 Panes, 2004 by Gerhard Richter

“Lovers of the epic beauty of Rothko, Twombly and Hodgkin will have much to enjoy, as will those who appreciate striking portraiture or the crystal-clear precision of photorealism.”

Abstract Painting (Skin) (887-3), 2004 by Gerhard Richter

Abstract Painting (Skin) (887-3), 2004 by Gerhard Richter

In addition to solo exhibitions in Paris, Beirut, Ecuador and Berlin this year, Richter ‘s work will be featured in group exhibitions in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, the UK, Hong Kong, New Orleans, Minneapolis, New York, Chicago, and Maine.

Curtain, 2012 by Gerhard Richter Image: Gerhard-Richter.com

Get out there and get to know a living legend of the fine art world, Gerhard Richter!

Related articles

• Is it worth all the hype? – Gerhard Richter’s Panorama (myartexperience.wordpress.com)
• Gerhard Richter Mobbed by Paparazzi as Retrospective Opens in Berlin (artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com)
• New Gerhard Richter Documentary Shows Abstract Art in Action (wired.com)

Spring Mirrored by Shawn Nelson Dahlstrom on Zatista

Hang in there. Just twenty more days until the vernal equinox. If you’ve forgotten what spring is like, let us remind you:

Spring Thaw by Nina Fuller on Zatista

It’s green, it’s dewey,

Thoughts of a Spring Pond by Jacquie Gouveia on Zatista

it’s light, bright, and sunny.

I Like Birds by Prints by Peskimo on Zatista

Birds are chirping and people are smiling – some may even be skipping or laughing.

Exploding Heads by Azur Mele on Zatista

If you live in California or Hawaii you’re probably wondering what all the fuss is about, since it may not be dreary where you are.

Matador Beach, Malibu California by John Kilduff on Zatista

Even though this winter hasn’t been harsh or dramatic for the rest of us, I think we’re still looking forward to spring. Its freshness and promise are irresistible.

Spring Rain by Susan Ulrich on Zatista

If you find yourself dreaming of spring year-round, consider bringing a bit of the season home with you. Zatista’s invigorating selection of original works is like a breath of fresh air!

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• Oil vs. Acrylic (zatista.com)
• Artist Glimpse – Doug Hockman (zatista.com)
• It’s Unthinkable (zatista.com)
• Let The Good Times Roll (zatista.com)

2012 The Munch Museum/The Munch-Ellingsen Group/Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY

Get your bidder numbers and paddles ready because it’s happening again – an extremely popular original work of art will be up for sale at Sotheby’s in New York on May 2nd. Apparently, this 1895 version of Edvard Munch’s celebrated painting “The Scream”, which has been merchandised up the wazoo on mouse pads, hats, t-shirts, tote bags, inflatable dolls, and plush toys, is expected to sell for more than $80 million.

Scream Plush Doll by Unemployed Philosophers Guild on Amazon.com

According to Arts Beat at the New York Times, “Munch made four versions of the composition, which has become the embodiment of angst and existential dread. Three are in Norwegian museums and this one, pastel on board, from 1895, is the only “Scream” still in private hands. It is being sold by Petter Olsen, a Norwegian businessman and shipping heir whose father, Thomas, was a friend, neighbor and patron of the artist.”

Homer, The Scream Covers & Citations http://search.it.online.fr/

Arts Beat continues, “Besides being one of the most recognizable images in art history, “The Scream’’ is also one of the most often stolen. Versions of it have been taken twice, first in 1994, when two thieves entered the National Gallery of Norway and fled with an 1893 “Scream” (it was recovered unharmed later that year), and then in 2004, when masked gunmen stole the 1910 version as well as Munch’s “Madonna” from the Munch Museum, also in Oslo (both works were recovered two years later).”

Ghostface from the Scream movie series created by Wes Craven. Based on The Scream painting by Edvard Munch, the mask was originally created by Fun World employee as a Halloween costume prior to being discovered by Wes Craven for the Scream film.

Simon Shaw, who heads Sotheby’s Impressionist and modern art department in New York, said in an interview with Arts Beat, “The Scream is unique. Everybody knows it, but paradoxically few people have ever really seen it in person. When you stand in front of the painting it’s really quite scary. It has the power to shock.’’

"The Scream" inflatable doll

Indeed, that kind of price tag often shocks me. How about you? More importantly, tell us the truth – have you ever purchased a t-shirt, poster, or coffee mug, etc., depicting Munch’s “The Scream”?

Related articles

• Munch’s The Scream to go on sale (bbc.co.uk)
• The Most Expensive Paintings Ever Sold (theartwolf.com)
• Top 10 Most Expensive Auction Items (time.com)
• It’s Unthinkable (zatista.com)