
A pinecone from the jack pine is a curious specimen. It can remain dormant on the tree’s branches for decades. There it waits for cataclysm to strike in the form of a forest fire. The resin-coated cones can withstand intense heat, which only melts the outer layer of the pinecone and releases the stubborn seeds from within. Later, they tumble to the ground and life begins anew.
For New Mexico painter Michael Scott, there is beauty in this relationship between fire and nature, one that he is exploring at great depth within an ongoing series of work titled Preternatural, a name that he borrows from 13"-century philosopher Thomas Aquinas—“Suspended between the mundane and the miraculous, it is that which appears outside or beside the natural,” Aquinas wrote.
This story is from the Natural Beauty edition of American Art Collector.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In


This story is from the Natural Beauty edition of American Art Collector.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In

Portraits from the Past
In Phillip Thomas’ new show at RJD Gallery, Currents: Threads of Black History, the artist explores faces from the past, and how those faces have moved through history.

Out of the Past
Tony De Luz’s paintings call back to the past, when neon signs would shine down on road-weary motorists traveling on Route 66. Other subjects include old train engines and classic cars from the mid-20th century.

Innovation & Tradition
The Palm Beach Show returns with another elegant event featuring a range of fine art.

Making an Impression
The American Impressionist Society hosts its annual showcase of impressionistic artwork this February.

Modern Classics
A new online exhibition hosted by 33 Contemporary, in collaboration with 33PA, explores the idea of both modernday and classical artworks.

THE ART LOVER'S GUIDE TO COLLECTING FINE ART IN CALIFORNIA
The state of California has a deeply rooted history within fine art.

A Cherished Tradition
The Tubac Festival of the Arts celebrates its 66th year serving the community and beyond with fine art and crafts.

MYTH AND Mystery
Grand and epic themes of antiquity are given new life and meaning in the powerful paintings of Angela Gram.

COLLAGING CONNECTION
A doctor (re)turns to art to reunite her body, mind and spirit.

THE ART LOVER'S GUIDE TO COLLECTING FINE ART IN FLORIDA
Albert Ernest “A.E.” Backus (1906-1990) was a prominent Florida landscape artist known not only for his creative legacy but for his altruistic spirit and fostering the arts in his community, regardless of class and race.