My Rose sketch from August 2, 2007
That made me think about the visits to the Kimbell that I have been on. I think it is four times, now. Great exhibits. One of the permanent collection that I love is by Claude Monet. Not his lilly pads or gardens but La Pointe de la Hève at Low Tide 1865, Oil on canvas, 35-1/2 x 59-1/4 in. (90.2 x 150.5 cm), Acquired in 1968. The last time I was there was with Gene and I took him to see this painting and it was not being exhibited, I guess they rotate them. I was so disappointed. When you see it up close it is nice, but stand back and wow! the light is amazing. This is not a great photo, but you can get an idea. If you get a chance, check it out. Maybe it is on display again. It made a big impression on me.
I was amazed at how wonderful the old masters paintings look in real life. If you ever have a chance and have not been to see an exhibit, you should do so. Growing up in our podunk town of Magdalena (should I say that?), we had no museums to visit. After I was grown, probably even married, were my first visits to art shows and museums. I was so deprived. I have visited the National Gallery of Art in Washington a few times now and have just enjoyed it so much. On one of my visits they had just opened the Alexander Calder exhibit area. I have never been too interested in abstract art, but always look. Some things do catch my eye. There was one of his hanging wire sculptures of a horse or horses. It was lit in a spectacular way that the shadows on the wall were exceptional. I just looked at the virtual tour of the area on the NGA page and couldn't see it. Maybe it is on loan or something. :(
Another sculpture that intrigued me is in San Antonio, outside, at the McNay Art Museum. When you get to the page, click on "Outdoor Sculpture" and see the kinetic sculpture by George Rickey. Those squares just sit still, then the slightest, very slightest, breeze lifts them and they turn and appear to glide over the water, never turning in the same pattern it seems. The reflections and movements are beautiful. I could sit and watch it for hours. Maybe I will see another one of his someday. Some people are so clever and smart.
The art venues in cities are so wonderful. So you guys that haven't been to a "real" museum, get your act together and go. You will be impressed, too!
4 comments:
Jo, thanks for the mention! I completely agree with what you've said about visiting museums. I found the same thing about the more abstract-y stuff, not really my cup of tea, but I was less able to dismiss it in person than when I see it on the computer or in a book.
Rose, nice to see you here. There just isn't enough time to see all you would like to, is there? We did Taos and Santa Fe two years ago and saw some marvelous work .. and some I wouldn't walk across the room to look at either. Ha.
Later,
Jo
You would think that when living in northern, NM, I would have done more gallery hopping, but times were different - raising kids. I did have my favorite galleries and artist, but I was just not into the "Taos scene". Last April, I was able to go to the Houston Fine Arts Museum while they had an Impressionist show from the Metropolitan Art Museum. I had all day to just oggle the paintings. Blogged it in the April archives.
bag blog, You are right. Raising kids takes time. We never did much either. I'm sure I missed many great opportunities in South America.
I might have been inspired earlier to work more on my art. Who knows?
Jo
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