Summer 2020 brought with it the opportunity to get outside the confinement of our homes during the spring pandemic shutdowns. Minnesota’s parks and lakes were teaming with families and friends connecting in the freedom of the open air. It was a way to forget about the pandemic and all that it brought with it, including the events that followed in the wake of the May 31st death of George Floyd at the hands of police. This brought with it tension which led to marches, riots, looting, burning of buildings–and more death. Minneapolis, the City of Lakes, became a City of Fear, Chaos and Confusion.
Renoir’s “Luncheon of the Boating Party” represents and highlights the joys of the summer for me. It represents our welcoming front yard patio which provided a sanctuary for us from all the commotion and chaos in the world around us.
Private Patio dining: Like the friends portrayed in Luncheon of the Boating Party, we cherished time in our private patio during the summer. The lattice walls provided privacy and ambiance, while allowing movement of air. It was a welcome, safe window to our neighborhood, close but not too close. As I enjoyed my morning coffee and newspaper on the patio, my neighbors also began their day. The patio also invited us with a relaxing spot for a cold drink after our daily walks and bicycle rides. Providing easy social distancing in the open air and fresh breeze, it gave us a safe space to entertain family and friends, a few at a time. Its bright red umbrella kept out the occasional rain.
Cher’s Famous Art for Summer 2020
Click on the titles to dig deeper into the art, the artist, and its relevance for the date it was posted as I shared on that blog.
06 June 2020: “Vase of Peonies” by Manet – in honor of the blooming of my Grandma’s heirloom peonies in my garden, displayed in her antique vase!
12 June 2020: “Breakfast in the Garden” by Frieske – to honor my sister’s birthday with Tea in the Garden while creating art!
17 June 2020: “Three Flags” by Jasper Johns – to celebrate Flag Day and honor the American flag.
21 June 2020: “Creation of Man” by Michelangelo – in honor of Father’s Day and Our Heavenly Father, the Creator.
27 June 2020: “Luncheon of the Boating Party” by Renoir – to honor the opening of Patio Dining during the pandemic, allowing us to join family and friends.
04 July 2020: “Falling Rockets” by Whistler – to celebrate the 4th of July Independence day – and mourn that this year there are no fireworks.
06 July 2020: “Moon over Half Dome” by Ansel Adams – in recognition of the recent HUGE full moon and summer vacations to US National Parks.
10 July 2020: “Holy Wisdom” – Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, Turkey – to lament the changing of this Byzantine Christian Church turned Museum into a Islamic Mosque
18 July 2020: “Morning Glories” by Georgia O’Keeffe – in recognition of the morning glories blooming outside my bedroom window!
25 July 2020: “Coming and Going” by Norman Rockwell – honoring summer vacation family road trips
01 August 2020: “Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” by Seurat – in recognition of Social Distancing during the pandemic.
22 August 2020: “The Thinker” by Rodin – in recognition of the start of a new school year
29 August 2020: “Christ Enters Brussels...” by James Ensor – in recognition of the required Mask Mandates during the pandemic (the subjects of the painting are all masked)
Charamana Consulting 
Fun collection of not only great art, but Life.
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Thanks! It was quite a summer! 🙂
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I enjoyed revisiting these amazing art pieces.. all so appropriate for the times!!!👍
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Thanks! I was quite a summer.
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Nice post! .
On Wed, Jun 2, 2021 at 7:48 PM Charamana Consulting wrote:
> Cher B posted: ” Cher’s Famous Art Summer 2020 Summer 2020 brought with it > the opportunity to get outside the confinement of our homes during the > spring pandemic shutdowns. Minnesota’s parks and lakes were teaming with > families and friends connecting in the fre” >
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