In the first installment of a blog series, John Yau provides background on painter Forrest Bess.  Yau focuses on Bess' background and the formation of the 'visionary' philosophy behind Bess' art.

Yau quotes a statement by Bess: "I term myself a visionary artist for lack of a better word. Something seen otherwise than by ordinary sight. I can close my eyes in a dark room and if there is no outside noise or attraction, plus, if there is no conscious effort on my part – then I can see color, lines, patterns, and forms that make up my canvases. I have always copied these arrangements without elaboration."