Category Archives: Art
Your Most Creative Year Yet – 2026
Why Art, Movies, and Mingling with the Marvelously Different Will Change Your Life (And Maybe Your Wardrobe)
Welcoming 2026: A Creative Call to Adventure
Greetings, fellow travelers in the grand gallery of life! As the curtains rise on 2026 it’s time to consider an idea that’s neither about kale nor exercise. Let’s make 2026 the year we all say “Yes!” to more art, more creativity, and maybe even a few movies or musical numbers in our homes.
Why Art Matters: Everyday Enrichment, Zero Calories
Let’s be honest: life can sometimes feel like a never-ending loop of emails, to-do lists, and the dismay that comes with discovering an old moldy dinner that ends up in the Insinkerator. Enter art! Whether it’s a splash of beautiful colors on a canvas, an amazing digital creation from the mind of an inventive computer geek, a simple doodle in a notebook, or that interpretive dance you do when nobody’s watching, art infuses our days with wonder, pleasure, and a dash of quirkiness. Creative experiences don’t just make our Instagram feeds appealing, they give life meaning, promote problem-solving, and make us feel more alive. Plus, unlike caffeine, art won’t keep you up at night (unless you’re a musician playing at a venue or you can’t turn your creative juices off – both of which have happened to me).
The Magic of Movies: Taking a Break from the Ordinary
Now, let’s talk about movies, the ultimate time machines, empathy engines, and providers of popcorn-related joy. Some of my favorites lately are movies that star the actor, Rutger Hauer – Blade Runner from 1982, The Hitcher, Ladyhawke, Surviving the Game. Watching a great film is like taking a mini vacation without the hassle of airport security. Movies invite us to inhabit other worlds, see through someone else’s eyes, and occasionally question why everyone in action scenes never seems to need the bathroom. More than entertainment, cinema is an art form that can spark inspiration, offer comfort, and encourage us to rethink our routines. The right film at the right moment can nudge us toward new dreams, or at the very least, inspire us to try slow-motion walks in dramatic lighting.
Lifestyles: Growing by Embracing the Wonderfully Weird
If you really want to supercharge your personal growth, try stepping beyond your comfort zone and engaging with people living lives wildly different from your own. Befriend a local avant-gard café or someone from your yoga class. Chat with the improv comedian at your local comedy club or finally accept your neighbor’s invitation to their “Experimental Cuisine Night” (just… keep an open mind about the beet lasagna). Surrounding ourselves with diverse perspectives and lifestyles not only expands our worldview but also helps us challenge our assumptions. It’s like updating the software of your soul – suddenly you’re running new programs and seeing life’s possibilities in high definition or perhaps an update.
Practical Tips: Adding More Art to Your 2026
- Visit a local museum or gallery: Bonus points if you bring a sketchbook or try describing everything in rhyming couplets afterward (poetry is harder than it looks)
- Host a movie night (theme hats encouraged): Pick films from different countries or genres and discuss them afterwards with friends (or your very patient dog).
- Try a new art form: Pottery, collage, interpretive shadow puppetry (is that a thing?), the world is your creative oyster.
- Say “yes” to invitations outside your comfort zone: Attend a poetry or writer’s group, join a dance class, or volunteer for a community mural project.
- Make time for daily creativity: Even five minutes of doodling, journaling, playing your guitar or keyboard, or humming tunes while you take a work break can do wonders for your mood and mind. Listen to background music while you paint or write.
Incorporate Creativity—Make Life Your Masterpiece
As 2026 unfolds, let’s make a pact to welcome more art, more movies, and more beautifully diverse experiences into our lives. Not just because it looks good on social media, but because creativity makes every day richer, more surprising, and more meaningful. We all have the capacity to be creators, explorers, and admirers of the eccentric and profound. So, dust off your imagination, take time off and watch a movie you’ve been meaning to see, grab a ticket to the next concert in town, and don’t be afraid to try beet lasagna. Here’s to a year of vivid colors, a bold outlook on life, and unforgettable stories – on the screen, on the canvas. Make your life extraordinary!
Solitaire
Click Here for Art by Solitaire
Exploring the Fascinating Architecture of Stepwells
Step Well Pattern by Solitaire
In my Internet meanderings I came upon something I thought was extremely unusual and quite amazing. It was an ancient architectural marvel that served a very useful purpose and was visually outstanding – a Stepwell.
These structures are located in various parts of India and are water reservoirs created by digging deep into the ground and making use of natural layers in the earth to trap rainwater and groundwater. They are typically many levels deep (at least 25 meters or 82 feet) and can be reached by a series of stone steps.
The construction and use of stepwells went on for centuries under different dynasties. Stepwells provided people with a perennial water source in areas prone to arid climates and drought, such as Delhi and Rajasthan. The stepwells not only provided water for the people in the area, they had magnificent architecture featuring intricate carvings, and provided other social functions. There were often shaded pavilions where people could rest or gather to meet with friends and family.
They fell out of use under British rule in the 19th century. But today many have been excavated and used to divert and store excess rainwater, as well as to improve the groundwater table. They have become tourist attractions and social sites that provide employment and income for the locals. Today stepwells stand as testimony to the traditional knowledge of water systems, engineering, construction methods and craftsmanship of ancient times.
Solitaire
Why Does Art Matter?
In society there has always been a significant place for art. It is a reflection of the culture and community from which it comes. From cave drawings to contemporary digital art, it inspires change and challenges the norm, all the while bridging the gaps between different time periods and cultures. Words cannot express the same type of deep-felt emotions and vibrancy that a piece of artwork is capable of producing. What makes it special is that it captures those feelings in a distinct and different way for each person who views it. Art is a universal language that enhances our environment and encourages creativity and critical thinking to provide cultural traditions for future generations.
What would our world look like without all the enhancements from artwork in public places everywhere we look? They provide a window into our communities, each with such different social customs and character. We have museums, art galleries, cultural events, murals, sculptures, sidewalk markets, architecture, and urban landscapes. Everywhere we look there is some form of art to capture our attention and inspire us.
As our technology advances, the world of art continues to change. We now have virtual reality, digital art, and artificial intelligence, all embracing new forms of artistic connection. There are countless possibilities for creative expression.
Solitaire utilizes digital technology to enhance his work, express himself and create beautiful artwork by stretching the limits of his imagination. Whether it’s abstract, science fiction, fantasy or scenic art, it can be used for video games, websites, book covers, attire or displayed on the wall in a home or office. It is a dynamic and captivating medium that holds the power to inspire us all. Solitaire has two digital art books available. Art makes life more beautiful!
To see Solitaire’s artwork click here
To purchase his books click here
Artwork in the Digital Age
Digital art refers to any artistic work or practice that uses digital technology as part of the creative or presentation process. It can also refer to computational art that uses and engages with digital media. Since the 1960s, various names have been used to describe digital art, including computer art, electronic art, multimedia art and new media art.
Subcategories for the art include digital painting, where artists use software to emulate techniques using in physical painting, digital illustration, which involves creating rendered images for other media, and 3D modeling, where artists craft three-dimensional objects and scenes.
Sources for digital art include pieces stored on physical media, galleries on display on websites, and collections for download for free or purchase.
History – to understand the history of digital art, read here.
According to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy:
“In order to be a true digital artist, you must learn the same types of skills to perform digital artwork that you would for traditional artwork”. Digital art requires serious creative skill, though it might not involve physical materials.
Solitaire utilizes digital technology to enhance his work, express himself and create beautiful artwork by stretching the limits of his imagination. Whether it’s abstract, science fiction, fantasy or scenic art, it can be used for video games, websites, book covers, attire or displayed on the wall in a home or office. It is a dynamic and captivating medium that holds the power to inspire us all. You can view Solitaire’s artwork here –
https://www.redbubble.com/people/ChaosX33/explore?asc=u&page=1&sortOrder=recent3/shop
For a copy of his Art Book go to –
Art by Solitaire – Unleashing Imagination
In the ever-changing world of art and technology, online tools have completely revolutionized the art world. It demands a blend of artistic flair, technical prowess, and an unwavering enthusiasm for digital media. Solitaire stands as a prime example of a digital artist harnessing these tools to elevate his craft, express himself, and create exquisite artworks that push the boundaries of imagination. Whether delving into abstract, science fiction, fantasy, or scenic art, these creations find homes in video games, websites, book covers, attire, and are often displayed on the walls of homes and offices. It is a dynamic and captivating medium that holds the power to inspire us all.
Artwork Brings Imagination to Life
If you had to sit in a room with nothing but blank walls or stare into a dark tunnel would you be inspired? Since the dawn of time, the environment around us has wired the human brain to be inspired by what is all around us. It gives us the catalyst to appreciate and expand our imaginations and creativity. Art is an expression of our imaginations that is realized in a tangible form. It challenges our minds to think beyond what is familiar and obviously real – to “think outside the box”, so to speak, and as a result anything is possible. Since each of us has a unique and different outlook on our environment, we are surrounded by creative people who have pushed the boundaries of art and design. It creates a more colorful and innovative world in which to live.
Imagination increases our cognitive, creative and social skills. We explore our feelings and thoughts more in depth and we learn how to creatively solve problems. Children start from a very young age to learn this concept. Art is a genuine gift to the world which helps us to understand it and gives it meaning.
So, whatever type of artistic ability you have, continue to inspire people with your artwork. It plays a very vital role in our lives.
Please join me at HALF PRICE BOOKS in Mesa, Arizona on Saturday, May 11, 2024 between 11 and 4 p.m. If you love artwork, you might find something interesting for your home or office walls!
Solitaire
Solitaire Parke - Sci-Fi/Fantasy Books 
