Pre-Supper/Talk Thoughts

Tonight I'm going to a supper and talk by the Author, Susan Vreeland. Ahead of time I was given two of her books [fo' free!] - Luncheon of the Boating Party and Clara and Mr. Tiffany

Due to my work load that entails only reading lots and writing lots more - I was only able to read the first one :) but it was good - oh boy was it good! Obviously right up my ally. I just cannot wait to dive into the next this summer. That's one reading book I won't have to buy, yipee!

I cannot wait to meet Susan Vreeland tonight and ask her all the questions that popped into my head whilst reading this. I'm so grateful to have that chance!

In spirit of my nightly activities...

Favorite Renoir quote: 

"To my mind a picture should be something pleasant, cheerful and pretty. Yes, pretty! There are too many unpleasant things in life as it is without creating still more of them."

[Renoir, Boating on the Seine, 1879-1880]

Thank God for Renoir :)

Backgrounds for My Mac - Dewi

[Just made up that name for my computer - Welsh Celtic God of Dragons..... nice]


Here's what I'm gonnu do:

I change the background of my laptop every so often. I try for once a week, to a different artwork, one that I like. It keeps me engaged and constantly interested in and searching for art - plus I get to learn a little history of the work once I find it. 

Well now what kind of blogger would I be if I did not include you in my weekly findings? 

Also, I think others should try this out - art is so important and it says so much [yes, art speaks - are you listening!?] and it's nice to mix it up - give our eyes something new to feast on.

This week:

Sorry if this doesn't fit your screen - but isn't it DIVINE!!!

It's so incredibly colourful, detailed, sumptuous, luminous, and incredibly opulent.

It shows The Roman Empire as we imagine it: as incandescently stunning, monumental, festive, architecturally meticulous and imposing. 

The facts for this painting:

Thomas Cole, The Course of Empire: Consummation, 1835-1836

What I learned:

Thomas Cole was an American painter. He was the founder of the Hudson River School. While he often painted epic landscapes depicting American land, this was from a series of allegorical works titled The Course of Empire. All five paintings are beautiful and you may even see the others another time. 

Until then - just marinate over this spectacular image... 

Well done Thomas Cole, well done :)