I love the sea! I love cruising on the sea. Hopper’s “Rooms by the Sea” reminds me of the view I would be enjoying from my stateroom balcony this week were it not for COVID shut downs and restrictions on travel! Enjoy my reflections in Hopper, the sea and cruising in this week’s blog.
Author Archives: Cher B
Hot Soup (& Art) for a Cold Day (Warhol)
Soup. A staple in the lives of people since the dawn of time. Imagine a warm cup of soup on a cold Minnesota winter day. “Campbell Soup Cans” by Andy Warhol are the perfect art for this week! Read more on Warhol and the iconic Pop Art movement in my blog.
Novel Discussion: The Agony & The Ecstasy (Italy)
The novel “The Agony and The Ecstasy” changed the course of my life. I fell in love with Michelangelo, the Italian Renaissance and the lure of Italy. It lead to my becoming a professor of art history and a world traveler, leading students on 3 trips to Italy!
Art for Facing the New Year: 2021 (Picasso)
As the old year ends–and a new one begins, I have selected “Weeping Woman” by Pablo Picasso this week because I feel it is representative of both the old year–and the new! The horrors faced in 2020. The uncertainty we face in 2021. What will 2021 have for us! Find out more about this painting and its artist on my blog.
Film Discussion: The Nativity (Israel)
“The Nativity” (2006) is a perfect Christmas film for the whole family. It is an intimate look at the journey of this historical family from Nazareth to Bethlehem for Jesus’ birth. In an authentic biblical scenario, it incorporates themes of hope, faith, love and commitment as well as historical insight that is both biblical and political. It has become an annual tradition in our home.
Art for Christmas! Happy Birthday, Jesus! (Honthorst)
Christmas. How to select ONE single piece of art to represent Christmas from countless paintings in different styles of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world? I selected a simple one of the holy family; no shepherds, no magi, no fancy trappings to clutter up the scene by an artist whose work lights up the event!
Film Discussion: Midnight in Paris (Paris, France)
Paris! The film “Midnight in Paris” captures the allure and enticement of the city, past and present…Belle Epoch, to Roaring 20s to today. For lovers of art, literature and travel, it is a treasure trove to watch, again and again! Read my discussion in this blog.
Art for The Annunciation: Mary’s Miracle (Campin)
The Annunciation is an integral part of the Christmas Advent season. One of my favorite renditions of this scene is the Merode Altarpiece. It is a treasure of the Met Cloisters, atop a hill hidden in the far north end of New York City’s Manhattan Island. It is a true blend of medieval and modern in our own country.
Film Discussion: The Agony & the Ecstasy (Italy)
“The Agony and The Ecstasy” includes 3 of my favorite things: Michelangelo, Renaissance and Italy; this film has them all, and much more! Set in Florence and Rome, this in-depth drama of Michelangelo’s painting of the Sistine ceiling and his battle-of-wills with Pope Julius II is filled with history, drama and lots of great art.
Homage to Sweden: Saints, Artists and Ancestors (Hernmarck)
Today is December 13th, Santa Lucia Day in Sweden! To honor her and this festival of lights, plus my Swedish ancestors and my favorite Swedish artist, textile artist Helena Hernmarck, I’m issuing Homage to Sweden.
Charamana Consulting 