If you haven’t noticed by now–my Greece pages under my “I Like!” section are still currently where they were months ago. I feel like my progress relates to the frustration of long-term road construction; but when it is finished…it will be a grand thing! I do apologize for that and hope to get those updated with pictures and stories very soon!
Following some sort of train of thought from Greek civilization, artwork and architecture to more modern times, I have an announcement. I have discovered my favorite painter.
Yes, I decided this last Sunday afternoon as I visited the Columbus Museum of Art. An excellent way to spend your afternoon if you are ever in the area..bonus it is free admission on Sundays. 😀 My favorite painter is not one I ever remember learning about in my two years of required art class in high school. I remember in particular Vincent von Gogh, well, because he had such a heart breaking life. However, his “Starry Night” is one of my personal favorite paintings of all times. I learned about Michelangelo, da Vinci, Raphael, and Picasso. But never do I remember hearing the name: Claude Monet. My favorite painter.
(1)
I probably would not have initially recognized his “Weeping Willow” piece on display in one of the rooms had it not been for purchasing blank greeting cards from Barnes and Nobles around Christmas. It is so hard to find good writing cards that this particular boxed set seemed to be exactly what it should be–12 designs with two each. The box holding the cards/envelopes even has a picture of one of the paintings on the cover so it can be reused. I skimmed through the assorted replica pictures and bought the boxed set being more excited about having nice greeting cards more than who the artist was.
After starting to write some cards, I noticed Monet’s name. I still have no idea who he was, but I am really liking his style. I think that is what it comes down to really–I like his style of painting. The strokes…most short and the contrast of light in each painting. It makes the painting seem to have a deeper dimension. Monet is said to be one of the founders of the Impressionism movement. I went on to read, “The term Impressionism is derived from the title of his painting Impression, Sunrise.” [or in French: Impression, soleil levant] (2)
(3)
I am still trying to understand the Impressionist technique, but I think I just opened a new window of fascination in my interests! The best part of having a favorite painter is the feeling that I am now an art student. 😀 I can’t wait to get to the library and check out some art books and begin reading more about these different movements in art history as well as other artists. Sometimes when I paint, I get stuck in a rut–the same pattern, colors, style. By learning, I have an opportunity to create better artwork myself. How exciting! “Attitude is the mind’s paintbrush. It can color any situation.” ~Anonymous.
Do you have a favorite painter or artist?
References:
(1) Claude Monet. (French, 1840-1926). Weeping Willow. 1918. Oil on Canvas. 51 5/8 x 43 7/16 in. (131 x 110.3 cm). © Columbus Museum of Art, Columbus, Ohio. Retrieved from http://arthistory.about.com/od/from_exhibitions/ig/inmonetsgarden/img_columboh07_07.htm
(2) [*Excellent site! You can see his other paintings too, under “The Complete Works” tab.] Retrieved from http://www.claudemonetgallery.org/biography.html
(3) Claude Monet. Impression, soleil levant, 1872. Image retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Claude_Monet,_Impression,_soleil_levant,_1872.jpg
My Life with NF2 
My favorite is Monet too! One of my favorites of his is “Water Lily Pond” painting. My grandpa has actually built a replica of the bridge on his land. Pretty cool!
That is so neat! I like the way your grandpa did a replica bridge. What a fun project that had to be!
I think one of my favorites is his, “Wild Poppies, Near Argenteuil.” 🙂
You must have not been paying attention in art class that week. 😉 I remember learning about Monet in high school. He is one of my favorite artists (besides you of course)! ❤
Yeah, probably not; It went in one ear and out the other. LOL. You are a great painter yourself! Hope we can paint together again soon, so you can finish your small canvas. 🙂 ❤
Favorite artist….I’m right there with Marcia – it’s YOU!! I’m constantly astounded by the way you can make different colors on opposite sides of the spectrum become combined in such a way that it’s enchanting and looks so good I’ve never been good at abstract so I think all your pieces of that style are magnificent and I’ll never get tired of looking at your mixed media paintings what with all the fun buttons, hymns, beads, scrabble letters, and fabric. So fun!!!!! As for other artists, I’m a fan of Norman Rockwell:) I like how he was able to paint pictures that told stories with such expressive faces on all the people – plus he’d randomly throw in a dog or cat sometimes too.
Thanks. 🙂 I am amazed by your artwork and the DETAIL of it. 🙂 Art is great….it circumferences so broadly that none is alike–like snowflakes or our thumbprints. Fun to think about!
Norman Rockwell did have some classic works!! I am also liking Vincent von Gogh these days.