Two pieces of artwork I especially like:
Normally not a huge Monet OR a big Impressionistic fan, this one grabbed me.(click to enlarge)
Red Poppy by Redon. Google him. It's worth the time. His work is fantastic. I first saw one of his 'dream' paintings in the seventies at the National Art Gallery in Washington. My feet were rooted in place. I didn't want to leave that painting. This is one of his more staid ones, but his use of color in his art is amazing. Picasso's Blue Period came from studying Redon's earlier work...his sketches of gaunt, big eyed men, some of whom are almost identical to Picasso's figures in blue. To my knowledge, Picasso never attributed the influence. He simply stole the glory and ran with it.
7 comments:
Welcome back Pris! I love the Red Poppy - you are motivating me to go to a museum. Usually I am the one who races through exhibits - but wouldn't it be nice to have an afternoon just to root in front of paintings that inspire?
I've seen other works by Redon which I've liked, a couple of still lifes similar to the one of the poppy here. Hadn't known about his heavy influence on Picasso. Doesn't surprise me though.
I first saw a reproduction of the Monet painting years ago, and I've always loved it. I've seen three or four reproductions of the same painting, some with more green in the background, one with a stunning infusion of blue and a red red sun and sun reflection.
I don't know if you've ever read any of the work of John Berger. I usually can't read most art criticism, however Berger is an exception, nicely free of academese gobbledygook. I especially like his book Ways of Seeing, which includes many illustrations as examples of the concepts he talks about. Just passing this along in case you want to check him out (if you haven't previously).
Great to see you back Pris, despite the blessed cold. Take care and let yourself EASE back into things for a while!
Thanks for all your comments. Lyle, no I hadn't heard of Berger. I'll google him. I like an art critic who's into the experience rather than showing how much he/she knows academically.
And Rachel, yes, I will be easing back in. I'm not up to blogging every day yet, for sure. Thanks.
jb...I saw Redon when I was in Washington years ago at a conference and had no schedule that afternoon, so yes, it was nice to just stand there. I tend to quickly pass by paintings that don't grab me, but his that day did.
I love this Monet, it is just so calming . . .
It calms me, too..the mix of sea and those blur of colors is fantastic!
What a neat coincidence!
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