meditation on a sea painting -

Summer Inventory

A Dog from every Village.

Summer Inventory: As a good businessman should, I conduct inventory twice a year. During this process, I find items I had written off as lost or even things I never realized I owned. I almost achieve a sense of order when I do this with my paintings. This process also reveals hidden works. (My cleaning staff has twice added fingerprints to works that weren’t dry yet, so I often hide unfinished pieces to avoid this).

Today’s collection after my summer inventory can be likened to the saying “A dog from every village.” However, this mostly relates to my habit of writing articles on specific topics and selecting matching images. Some pieces that didn’t fit elsewhere are now presented as “leftovers.” This doesn’t mean they are of lesser quality.

A typical example is the first piece. I painted a similar one for my Metaverse series. Initially, it was unsatisfactory, but after a few months of rest, I reworked it, and now it fits my vision.

panther - summer inventory
Above the Abyss

New additions to subject areas

I have also written about a theoretical project, “Abstract Art for Children.” There are several new additions to this project, such as this piece titled “Kinderparty.”

childrens party

There’s much more to explore in the world of Zen art. I’ve created a new page showcasing my Zen-inspired paintings. Check out my new page Zen Paintings and immerse yourself in tranquility.

zen-fun
Zen Fun
wabi sabi balance
Gestural Zen 
wabi sabi rhythm
Morning Mood (III)

As everybody knows, calligraphy is another passion. It’s a great way to practice brushwork, but I also aim to push my artistic boundaries with some pieces.

calligraphy red black - summer inventory
calligraphy found during the summer inventory

Music and Dance

I’ve also created new pieces exploring topics like music and dance. Inspired by Wagner’s epic, I’ve focused on Erda’s ominous warning: “Depart, Wotan! Depart! Flee the curse of the ring!” („Rheingold“, 4. Scene). There are too many power-hungry “Wotans” at the moment and therefore the topic has contemporary relevance.

Erdas Prophecy
Erda’s ominous warning
dancing couple
One of my abstract dance scenes.

To avoid getting stuck in a creative rut, I sometimes experiment with different styles. In this case, my goal isn’t perfection but growth—pushing my boundaries and gaining new experiences.

city lights
City lights

And the sea beckons forever

I have often touched on the subject of the sea, as many readers know. It is one of those topics that means a lot to me and has been with me for years.

sand and sea
Surreal Beach ( Series “Poems from Sky”)
sea meditation
Newest work: Meditating on a sea painting

extra:

In our current era, tension and violence are on the rise—not only in major politics. Given this context, it becomes crucial to prioritize unity over division in our interactions, particularly within an intercultural framework.

Austria and China have different opinions on some issues. We also have very different opinions on some issues. But that should not stop us from working together and creating positive results in areas where we agree.” These words from former Federal President Dr. Heinz Fischer, whom I admire, resonate deeply with me. He emphasized this during an opening speech at the summer party held at the Chinese ambassador’s residence.

It is both an honor and a pleasure for me to be part of the small, select group of guests invited to this event every year. Here, I often reconnect with old friends I might not see otherwise for a year.

HE Ambassador Qi Mei
H. E. Ambassador Qi Mei (亓玫) and the author

Her Excellency, Ambassador Qi Mei (亓玫), has served as the Chinese ambassador to Austria for two years. Her natural and friendly manner has made her very popular. Each year, like her predecessor, Ambassador Li Xiaosi (李晓驷), she surprises me by listing the embassy’s achievements over the past year and outlining plans for the coming year in every opening speech. This level of accountability is precisely what I expect from high-ranking officials—a concrete report of achievements rather than mere rhetoric. It befits not only a good businessman but also a responsible leader.


ShopsFriedrichZettl.com – Saatchiart . MediaBlog – Youtube – Instagram

Comments

78 responses to “Summer Inventory”

  1. Michael Sammut avatar

    Brilliant art!

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      How kind of you, Michael! I hope you enjoy a great summer! All the best! f

      1. Michael Sammut avatar

        Thank you very much. Same to you.

  2. Freddie avatar

    Very beautiful painting.

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you so much for your encouraging words, Freddie! All the best!

      1. Freddie avatar

        My pleasure Zettl

  3. 🌹🍀💛💙💪🏽 avatar

    Really beautiful. Happy summer days to you! 🌞

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thanks a lot! Happy summer to you too! Hope the temperature is right!

  4. Gerda avatar
    Gerda

    Thank you for showing your inspiring work!

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      I thank you, Gerda! Ich wuensche Dir einen entspannten Sommer mit perfektem Wetter! LG f

  5. Misky avatar

    I’m very fond of the dance painting above the bed. So fluid and sensual, movement without motion.

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you so much! I’m glad you like it. Have a great weekend 🙏☀️

      1. Misky avatar

        And you, too.

  6. swabby429 avatar

    Combing through one’s archives is valuable for sure. I like the works on this page immensely. In particular the “Kinderparty” is delightful. “Morning Mood” brings a smile to my face. “City Lights” is personally intriguing because I am currently studying the history of New York City. The two sea paintings really bring out the feeling of the oceans.

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you so much! I am very happs to hear you can relate to one or another. May your summer be a delightul one. :I

      1. swabby429 avatar

        Thank you.

      2. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

        You are more than welcome!

  7. Ashley avatar

    Dear Friedrich, I always look forward to your posts and today’s gives us a wonderful assortment of creativity from you. I will now have much joy over the weekend as I view and review these works of art.

    Your room presentations are really fine here, just like moving from room to room at a special exhibition and each room making me smile. I’m blown away by the calligraphy work, along with books and an angel and there is something very tense in Erda’s warning. The sea paintings, both, leave me speechless, perhaps that has something to do with being a Piscean.

    There is so much to see here, Friedrich, and I trip over and struggle with my words as I write (I’ve had to hand write this several times before posting here). Today’s post is an exhibition that cost me nothing to visit but one that opened and uplifted my own view of life.

    Thank you. 🙇‍♂️

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you very much, Ashley! The presentation in rooms obviously uses software. Erda’s warning has a strong present-day component. Your kind words give me a lot of strength for future work. All the best!

  8. Linienspiel avatar

    Ich mag deinen künstlerischen Ausdruck sehr, Friedrich! Deine Kompositionen erfreuen mein Auge, ja, sie greifen sogar noch tiefer, da sie in mir ein Gefühl der inneren Bewegtheit hervorrufen. Und in diesem Beitrag hast du deine Werke überaus geschmackvoll (mit den ausgewählten Mockups) in Szene gesetzt -wie ich finde. Liebe Grüße zu dir!

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Du bist sehr freundlich, Beate, und Dein Kompliment ist wie erfrischender Regen auf dürrem Gras :)! Ja, dem Aspekt der Bewegung zolle ich viel Aufmerksamkeit. Die Einrichtung geht natürlich auf eine Software zurück. Alles Liebe! f

  9. Rose avatar
    Rose

    lieber Friedrich,die jährliche Inventur kenn ich auch,finde sie unentbehrlich,.umso mehr freut mich,welche Schätze Du da hervorholst.Besonders liebe ich wie auch ein anderer blogger die beiden hocheleganten Tanzenden, und ja, I can hear your painting!!!

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Danke, liebe Rose! Die Inventur betriff vor allem meine “Handelsware” und langsam schaffe ich wieder Platz 🙂 Die Tanzenden wollte ich fast nicht zeigen. Dir einen erfreulichen Sommer mit reduzierter Hitze! LG f

  10. Stan Stewart avatar

    I especially love “Gestural Zen” because it looks like a set of eighth notes in the center.

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you very much, Stan! This one too is part of a set. Have a great weekend ❤️🙏☀️🍻

  11. The Sicilian Storyteller avatar

    Meditating on a sea painting is a wonderful way to clear the mind of all the sturm und drang of the world …. and there’s no maintenance involved as in an actual fish tank!
    Beautiful post as always, Fred. Be well and take care.

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you very much, Nancy! Yes, clearing our mind frequently has become more important than ever 😎 Be well too and enjoy your summer ⛱️🌞🌹🍻

  12. nonsmokingladybug avatar

    I love them all.

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you so much! 🙏☀️ This makes me feel happy 😊🌹🎶

  13. Hilary avatar

    Your brushwork and ability to create a mood are inspiring!

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you very much! I am very pleased and it motivates me to continue working.

  14. Martha Kennedy avatar

    I enjoyed this post very much. Kinderparty is just wonderful, so joyous and wacky. I love it. Most of all, you have a STAFF?

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you very much, Martha! Staff: I allow myself the small luxury of delegating tedious jobs. I have had the same cleaning lady for over 20 years and since she is no longer the youngest, she always brings one of her daughters with her. And since I still have my day job (antiques and collectibles) I simply have to delegate smaller jobs, otherwise I would not have time for painting.

      1. Martha Kennedy avatar

        I guess I have a staff then too though they create cleaning problems for me they also help me with my painting!

      2. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

        🙂 Your dogs? 🙂

      3. Martha Kennedy avatar

        Yes 😊

  15. Rosaliene Bacchus avatar

    What a delight, Friedrich! So many beautiful paintings. I especially like your “Gestural Zen” painting: It induced much needed calm during these chaotic times. Congrats on your excellent video clip of your Zen Paintings 🙂

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you so much, Rosaliene! I’m so happy to hear that. Yes, in these crazy times it seems important for my spiritual well-being to maintain my meditations and to practice calm, at least on paper.

  16. Edith avatar

    Friedrich, oha, dein *Aufräumen* hat sich gelohnt. Du bringst Struktur in deine Werke, und ein jedes findet einen neuen Platz. Es ist ja nicht nur das Hinstellen, das Aufhängen, das Nacharbeiten, es sind deine Gedanken, deine Worte dazu, die dem eine Sinnfolge geben. Ich habe längst noch nicht alles ganz tief angeschaut, du weißt, mir fehlt grad Zeit. Aber deine gezeigte Schönheit in den Gemälden lassen mich abtauchen, eintauchen und für mich Gutes finden.
    Alles in allem GELUNGEN.
    Bis zum nächsten Mal, die herzlichsten Grüße von mir zu dir.

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Vielen herzlichen Dank, lieben Edith! Die Inventur betraf bis jetzt meine Handelsware, da ich ja immer noch Zeug verkaufe. Inzwischen ist aber in meine Bilderwelt auch kräftig Unordnung gekommen und so mach ich beides in einem Schwung.
      Ich wüinsch Dir einen schoenen Sommer und hoffe, das familaer auch alles im gruenen Bereich ist.
      LG f

  17. luisa zambrotta avatar

    I’ve just visited your page on Zen Paintings and found it simply wonderful 💖

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you so much, Luisa, for your kindness! (I thought you are on vaccation?!): Best! f

      1. luisa zambrotta avatar

        You’re right, I’m on vacation but when the internet connection allows it I come to WordPress to take a look or publish something.
        🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

  18. unabashedlywarm355652d53a avatar
    unabashedlywarm355652d53a

    If you could follow ArtBusters3 on WordPress I would highly appreciate! It’s a teen led non profit and we’re trying to gain support!

  19. Cyber Brust avatar
    Cyber Brust

    ❤️❤️❤️

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you very much! ❤️❤️❤️

  20. rabirius avatar

    I’m not that good with inventories. Probably because there is always so much to do…
    …and, certainly I want to say that I really like the images you show us here. A big variety of topics – from the world of music to the sea… Excellent!

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      The thing about the inventory came about because of my life as a trader 🙂 Thank you for your kind words!

  21. Tony lawrence avatar

    Great painting

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you very much 🙏☀️

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you very much!

  22. Charity Car Event avatar

    What an excellent post! Reading it was really educational for me. You provided extremely well-organized material, and your explanations were both clear and brief. Your time and energy spent on this article’s research and writing are much appreciated. Anyone interested in this topic would surely benefit from this resource.

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you so much for your kind words! 🙏🎶🌹

  23. Belladonna avatar

    Your artwork is so beautiful!

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you very much for your kind words! I am very happy to have such nice readers like you. All the best!

  24. Cindy Georgakas avatar

    The diversity that you have in your work is a tribute, Friederich! , “my goal isn’t perfection but growth—pushing my boundaries and gaining new experiences”. And that you do! Love how you reworked your Metapiece until you were satisfied. It’s just gorgeous. Your “leftovers” could live on my walls any day!
    Finally, what a lovely event sharing time with people so dear and so friendly! 💗

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you, my dear friend Cindy, for your kind and encouraging words! You certainly understood the meaning of mentioning the “party”. Unfortunately, we live in a time in which we increasingly behave like many politicians when it comes to intercultural coexistence. A sad development…

      1. Cindy Georgakas avatar

        You’re so very welcome, Friederich. It’s my honor. It is quite a sad time is right and one I bow in prayer with hope and light. hugs to you🤗❤️🤗😘

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thanks very much 😊 🙏☀️

  25. Carolyn Kaiser Harmon avatar

    Friedrich, thank goodness for your gathering of “A dog from every village” that inspired a thoughtful review and reminder of your excellent commitment to your craft. ❤️ Enjoy the rest of your summer.

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      You are very kind, Carolyn! ❤️ Thank you very much for your encouraging words! I hope you have a wonderful summer! Have a good time! 🌞🙏

  26. Kaayee Puzzles avatar

    What a wonderful reflection on summer!

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you very much! Enjoy the rest of your ⛱️🌞🙏🍸

  27. Dawn Pisturino avatar

    These are so beautiful!

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words!

      1. Dawn Pisturino avatar

        My pleasure!

  28. Sandra Burns ART avatar

    Amazing work! Well done.

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you so much for your kind words! All the best! Friedrich

  29. Astradie avatar

    Beautiful !!!!

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Thank you very much for your encouraging words 🙏🎶🍸☀️

  30. kayladoodoo avatar
    kayladoodoo

    amazing, i do abstract art myself and i love your style also would anyone like to check out my blog at blossom201.wordpress.com.

  31. Chen Song Ping avatar

    You will need SPACE to display your increasingly large number of art pieces!

    1. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

      Ha, thank you! Or sell some part 😆🎈🌹☀️🍸

      1. Chen Song Ping avatar

        Rent pieces for display in hotel rooms and hotel lobby!

      2. Zettl Fine Arts avatar

        Thank you very much! Yes, I should do something and can’t make up my mind 🙂

      3. Chen Song Ping avatar

        Clients using the hotel rooms may want to purchase the pieces that are displayed..

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Friedrich Zettl

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading