The New Novel
Homer captures a body perfectly still with a mind fully engaged. I would love to trade places with this subject today, if only I could wear cooler clothes. This picture reminds me of a biography of Laura Bush I read a few years back. The active Bush clan had a hard time understanding Laura because she could lay perfectly motionless for three hours reading a book! I hope you have a few happy reading days left in your summer.
This print is hanging over my file cabinets in the garage. When I visited my brother in Maine, we went to the Portland Head Light. One of the little out buildings was a gift shop. I saw this on the wall and had. to. have. one. Of course, they were out, “but I could purchase one at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.” Disappointed, I looked around. About ten minutes later the clerk found a tube stuck in the corner and, voila!, it was the print!
Baby’s Feeding Time
Giuseppe Magni (1869-1956)
Giuseppe Magni (1869-1956)
Doesn’t Baby’s Feeding Time look positively Vermeerish? I love the shoes in these pictures, the elevated feet, the simplicity of the backgrounds and the touches of elegance the moms show. You can almost hear the soundtrack for the lower piece, can’t you?
La Petite Vendeuse
Victor Gabriel Gilbert
If you are posting a picture today, leave a comment to let me know. Even if you’re not xanga (xanga-schmanga – I wish it were easier) you can set up an identity in two minutes and let me know. I love looking at your fine art offerings!
“Our Country Garden” by Robert Duncan
Robert Duncan is one of my favorite living artists. I enjoy the familial aspect of his paintings (his family members are his favorite subjects). They resonate with warmth and beauty. This scene could be almost anywhere five miles from my home. You can see other Robert Duncan works here.
“My paintings
reflect the things I love. My subjects are usually family members and
friends in neighborhood surroundings. I also paint out of a concern that
we are losing sight of the things that have a profound impact on our souls
and well-being. We seem to be in a mad rush to progress, but there are
some things that haven’t been improved upon for centuries. If each of
us contributes just a little, we can preserve the things that matter.
We all need nature in our lives. We need fresh air and open spaces. I
think just to drive by a farm and see cows grazing in a field does a soul
good. And children need to be nurtured in loving families.”— Robert Duncan
Be sure to check out the Millet at Btolly’s blog.
Shadow Decoration
Charles Courtney Curran, 1887
I remember the day my beloved Latin teacher unrolled this print from the mailing tube to show to our class. I loved the print, loved the subject matter, loved the shadows. When Bernie and Cho moved they gave me their beautifully framed print and it’s hanging on my walls at home.
(I tried to make the image larger, to no avail. Sorry!)
This is “Sommar” by Carl Larsson. Don’t you love farming scenes? Especially in watercolor?
Donna at Quiet Life has posted several Larsson pieces and I was immediately taken in. Thank you, Donna! I told my SIL Val [that’s our favorite thing to do: share newly discovered treasures], who has been connected to a Swedish Covenant church community for many, many years. Yes, yes, she knew (and loved) Larsson. She gave me a lovely Carl Larsson calendar for Christmas. Thank you, Val!
Maybe we should have a “fine art” month of blogging and post some of our favorite prints.
Lo! an inspiration! Fine Art Friday! Who’s with me? Doesn’t that sound like fun? There’s always room for more beauty in our lives.
A Living Pencil 