Artists Wanted’s second “Year in Review” competition ends tomorrow, and two nAscent Artists need your help. This year, nAscent artists Jack Laroux and William Lindsay have submitted their works to “Year in Review.”

Created in 2007, Artists Wanted exposes art to the world, allowing artists to submit their works to be judged by a panel of experts for a $25,000 prize package, including an exclusive exhibit at the SCOPE Art Fair in New York.

SCOPE occurs in many locations, including Miami. Check out our video coverage of Art Basel Miami, including SCOPE!

Santa Muerte Twenty Twelve by Jack Laroux

Jack Laroux, originally a business student at Hofstra, then Ramapo, decided to attend Parsons: The New School for Design after discovering his talent and passion for art. His paintings are inspired by surrealism, cubism,  street art, ancient alien theories, universal themes, religious symbols and figures and Greek gods, myths and ancient civilizations. Jack’s work is bold, captivating and original – to learn more about Jack Laroux and get a preview of his work check out this Bare Square article!

Fluroescent Green Squiggle on True Blue by William Lindsay

William Lindsay is known for his distinct squiggle lines. When creating his squiggles on a piano, for example, he stayed true to his hallmark of one continuous line; the line never intersects with itself. Talk about attention to detail! He affixes his signature pattern on a number of surfaces, from chairs, lamps and cups, to pianos and cars, and as an element of his sculptures. Williams’ artwork is not only unique, but also mesmerizing. You can read more about William Lindsay here!

Both of these nAscent artists, Laroux and Lindsay, have proven themselves worthy of winning a spot at SCOPE in New York. So, as a fan of these amazing artists, what can you do?

It’s simple!

In order to vote for Jack Laroux, you simply click this link, fawn over his amazing work, tell your friends and throw a “click to vote” party!

If you want to see William Lindsay at SCOPE it’s just as easy! Click this link, become entranced by the squiggles, but don’t get too distracted because you still have to tell your friends and click vote!

Remember the contest ends tomorrow, so, in the name of art, take 2 minutes and vote right away!

- Stephanie Hansen

This year, The Bare Square brought you art news and comment on a globe-spanning range of topics. From Ai Wei Wei, to New York gallery openings, from the depths of the sea to deep space, you’ve come to The Bare Square and nibbled on our bite-sized art news. Thank you for making the Bare Square part of your art experience!

Because we’re rapidly approaching 200 articles, picking a Top Ten wasn’t easy–so we picked eleven. That didn’t make it much easier, but it did give you a bonus article!

Without further ado, here are the Top 11 ARTicles of 2011 from The Bare Square! See what you missed, revisit what you liked,  and PLEASE share with your friends and “Like”. Thanks again!

11. NASA Art

This July article discussed NASA art in a traveling exhibit in commemoration of 50 years of space exploration.

10. 3-D Art

This great entry penned by contributor Kulsoom Rizvi in September showed amazing sidewalk art.

9. Invisible Art

Jen Wallace, host of our web video show Art Seen, also contributes to The Bare Square. We published her story about actor James Franco’s art project in mid-July.

8. Art & Civil Rights

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, The Bare Square focused on Charles Wilbert White and David Hammons, African-American artists who paved the way for others.

Frederick Douglass Lives Again by Charles Wilbert White

7. Quietest Art Exhibition EVER

This summer, Jen covered the first known underwater art exhibit!

6. If Art Could Kill…

Before Halloween, Intern Tom McKee wrote a great top five list, but beware–NSFW and not for the queasy!

5. Mon Dieu! Laroux!

Kulsoom contributed to this profile of nAscent artist Jack Laroux. The article holds the honor of having the most “Likes” of any article this year–way to go Kulsoom! (And thanks to Jack for all his fans and supporters!)

Makers Mark and Cherries by Jack Laroux

4. Art Basel Miami

Jen wrote a fantastic series of articles about Art Basel Miami, including this wrap-up that got lots of shares, views, and “Likes.”

3. Japan & Katrina

The Bare Square felt a deep sense of shock, loss, and despair over the earthquake in Japan. The article at #3 discussed the role of art in the wake of tragedy.

2. To A Moustache

Being based in New York City, we at The Bare Square appreciated the work of street artist “Moustache,” having seen his handiwork ourselves many times. Sadly, the NYPD put an end to his vandalism, failing to see the humor in his clever “improvement” on public ads. People responded well to our remembrance…and we still miss him.

1. Proposal, Art Style

By far the most popular article in terms of ratio of “Likes” as compared to page views, and a just plain cool and romantic story, The Bare Square interviewed the creator of the best proposal story we’ve ever heard. Do yourself a favor–click the link, re-read the article, and watch the video (even if you’ve watched it before). With New Year’s Eve coming, let this story inspire even more romance!

"Marry Me" by Aaron Vandenbroucke

So that’s our Top 11 of 2011. We also have an honorable mention–Part II of the Egalitarian Art Revolution series. (Hmm–did the “Occupy” movement read it, too?)

Don’t forget to join our Facebook page!

- James Wallace

The Bare Square has had a blast bringing you bite-sized art news this year. As we make the last turn to the holidays and the new year, we’ll be summing up with the best of everything–articles, prints, gallery openings, and videos. It’s a great way to remember what a banner year 2011 has been, and how much we look forward to 2012 being even better.

To start, we offer this year’s Top 11 prints from The Bare Square Store!

Take some time and really look at each piece–they’re each quite awesome in their own, distinct way.

Drum roll please…

At number Eleven: God’s Light on the Desert

"God's Light on the Desert" by Michael Baron

Number Ten: Metallic Green Squiggle on Light Violet

Metallic Green Squiggle on Light Violet by William Lindsay

Number Nine: Shibuya Crossing in Snow

"Shibuya Crossing in Snow" by Galya Kovalyova

Number Eight: A to Z

"A to Z" by Douglas Newton

Number Seven: At Least We Don’t Have Cockroaches

"At Least We Don't Have Cockroaches" by Gigi Chen

Number Six: Mirror Princess

"Mirror Princess" by Glenn Friedel

Number Five (TIE): Laundry Day & Curiosity

"Laundry Day" by John Breiner

"Curiosity" by Regi Müller

Number Four: Ghost Pier

"Ghost Pier" by Fred Scott

Number Three: Wine and Flower

"Wine and Flower" by Jack Laroux

Number Two: The Illest

"The Illest" by Jason Woodside

And at Number One…Ta-Daa! Old Glory

Gavin Sewell's "Old Glory"

There you have it, The Bare Square Store’s Top 11 Fine Art Prints of 2011!

Not to downplay the importance of this list, but it’s completely subjective.

We like a little controversy. Who did we leave off the list that should have made it? Are any overrated? Is one way too low? What’s your fave?

Check out The Bare Square Store for the select group of nominees, and let us know! E-mail us at baresquare [at] nascentartny.com, or comment on our Facebook page.

Whatever your preference, we still have some of each of these prints available. If you’re still finishing holiday shopping, pick one starting at just $20, or e-mail us to buy a gift certificate. If you haven’t perused the curated offerings in The Bare Square Store, please do. Maybe you’ll find a fine artwork you like even better than the ones we picked!

Happy holidays from The Bare Square!

- James Wallace

nAscent artist Jack Laroux showed his god-given talent for art early, but he didn’t conceive of art as a career until much later.

“Art was something I just did for fun since I was very young. It was something I just naturally did that people would occasionally positively comment on,” Laroux said.

While his high school teachers prepared letters of recommendation for art schools, Laroux chose international business and management, a decision perhaps influenced by his parents.

“My family to this day has a limited understanding of the art world, collecting and the arts in general,” said Laroux.

Laroux entered Hofstra University in 1995 as a business student. After one year at Hofstra, he switched to Ramapo State College in New Jersey, but still pursued a business degree.

But after Laroux began painting full time in the basement of his Jersey home, his paintings eventually took over his life.

“I found myself drawing a huge doodle in my notebook during my business night class and realized, what the hell am I doing in these boring classes? I want to paint and be creative,” explained Laroux.

Laroux left Ramapo and earned acceptance at Parsons: The New School For Design to study illustration, despite having a portfolio “far from protocol” with its stapled paper pencil sketches and a small, leather-bound book with photos of his paintings.

Then and now, Laroux has demonstrated his ability through his artwork, and in major shows in Paris, and in New York City at such landmark venues as the Hammerstein Ballroom and Cipriani 55 Wall Street.

Laroux’s work incorporates cubism, surrealism and stained glass imagery with a hint of street art–a mash up of different artistic styles and influences from the past and present that he has molded into his own unique vision.

Laroux’s vibrant and enigmatic style show in two paintings available (in limited quantities) at The Bare Square Store as limited edition archival prints–Makers Mark and Cherries and Wine and Flower–starting at $20.

Makers Mark and Cherries by Jack Laroux

“I found it hysterical, so I had to make paintings pinching things. It was basically a study of how I can paint hands in my style and the figure,” said Laroux.

Besides the fingers pinching the cherries, you may see the reclining woman, her lips, the ladybug, the bear, and the bottle of whiskey, just to mention a few. The image is fun, but complex and full of surprises, too.

Laroux’s recent travels around the world, from surfing in Costa Rica, to snowboarding in Switzerland, to one of his visits to Krakow, Poland, where his father’s family lives, all inspired Laroux’s work Wine and Flower. And the cubist influence is apparent.

Wine and Flower by Jack Laroux

“Cubism was finally the art movement that opened my eyes,” Laroux said. “It’s a style I love to progress in my modern interpretation because it reflects everyday life perfectly. Everybody sees and interprets things differently. There are so many viewpoints, angles, and paths in life, just like in a cubist painting.

So, when I eventually began to develop my creative voice, it was only natural to combine all my art influences.”

With Wine and Flower, Laroux again combines all his influences in a complex explosion of color and figures.

Laroux also derives inspiration from ancient alien theories, universal themes, iconic religious symbols and figures, Greek god myths and ancient civilizations.“Inspiration for any artist is obviously all around them at all times…very cliche to say. BUT, the trick and arduous task is filtering all that inspiration to focus on one concept or subject to paint.”

Laroux’s new series, Saints, Gods, and Aliens, combines stories from religious saints to ancient astronaut theories to mythical tales of the Greek gods. Laroux’s goal hopes to launch an exhibition of a complete set of 8-10 paintings in the series by 2012.

With all these gods and saints as subjects, no silly apocalyptic 2012 predictions are likely to stand in the way of Laroux!

- James Wallace and Kulsoom Rizvi

Happy Friday!

This week was the best week ever on The Bare Square since our recent inception — and we owe it all to you!

Thank you!

We mentioned in the editor’s note in our Wednesday article that we hit a major milestone…over 100 visits in one day! Well that pace has stayed strong, making this our best week ever! Thanks again! We hope you keep on reading and sharing with your friends. We’ll keep delivering daily art news, great art, videos, commentary and more!

Your Friday is about to get better when you see these great, new, exclusive, limited editions at The Bare Square Store!

Wine and Flower by Jack Laroux

We are excited to introduce Wine and Flower by Jack Laroux. We first introduced Jack at The Bare Square Store with his edition Makers Mark and Cherries. You can also check out this article about Jack.

We are proud to have helped foster several Laroux collectors over the years and now you can join in the fun too! This prolific artist works with oil paint, acrylic paint and spray paint on canvas. Jack incorporates cubism, surrealism, stained glass imagery along with a little street art influence to create bold, vibrant, intense, beautiful works with a voice that is all Laroux. Jack’s work is amazing, and one of his pieces started our personal collection of original artwork.

Get your collection started or help your collection grow with Wine and Flower exclusively available at The Bare Square Store starting at only $20!

Vietnam Buddha by Galya Kovalyova

Vietnam Buddha is another beautiful photograph by Galya Kovalyova. Galya’s photos often capture a beautiful, unique spirit, mood, or place and Vietnam Buddha is no exception. This meditative and contemplative piece will soothe any environment it graces.

We have placed Galya’s photography in homes and offices around NYC. If you like her photography online, you’ll LOVE it once you hang it on your wall. Vietnam Buddha joins Shibuya Crossing in Snow at The Bare Square Store. These great photos start at only $20 aren’t available anywhere else! The editions are limited…get yours before they’re gone!

As a special thanks for The Bare Square’s best week ever we’re offering free shipping on ALL limited edition prints at The Bare Square Store this weekend only. If you order before Monday, just enter the code “BWEFS” at checkout to receive free shipping on your entire order.

- Jen Wallace

[Editor's Note: This weekend don't miss our special weekend edition of The Bare Square. We have a few videos we've been saving up because we've had more timely daily news and commentary to share. But the videos refuse to wait any longer!]