No Masks Required! No Social Distancing in Art! Le Moulin de la Galette (Renoir)

No social distancing; no masks required! Except for the fashions, this could be a modern club scene today–much to the chagrin of the CDC! Renoir was one Impressionist who often turned to Paris nightlife for his subjects, such as this one in the Montmartre District: La Moulin de la Galette. Travel Tip: The Montmartre area of Paris has much to offer–Food, art, architecture, entertainment, ambiance–but be wary of the time of day/night that you visit!

Autumn Harvest in Art (Millet & Van Gogh)

Autumn equates harvest. Millet, with peasant origins, identified with the hard work of the country poor. Van Gogh paraphrased it in his work. These oil paintings depict 3 peasant women tediously gleaning a field of stray stalks of wheat left over after the harvest. Both are at the Musee d’Orsay, Paris.

Colors of Autumn–& Cataracts – in Art & Life! (Monet & My Grandma)

”Japanese Foot Bridge” Claude Monet, c. 1923-25, French Impressionist Travel Tips: Giverny Colors of Autumn–and Cataracts. As we begin to watch the Minnesota colors turn from bright greens to oranges, golds and browns, I have been thinking about paintings that portray autumn. Monet When one thinks of Claude Monet, one usually thinks of soft pastelsContinue reading “Colors of Autumn–& Cataracts – in Art & Life! (Monet & My Grandma)”

Time – and the Calendar – in Art & Life (Limbourgh Bros’ Book of Hours)

The “Book of Hours of the Duke of Berry…” by the Limbourgh brothers, Gothic France (1400s) was selected because it represents TIME. This week 26 (01 September 2020) of the COVID-19 pandemic marks 1/2 of a 52 week year. A Book of Hours was a popular type of devotional pray book with text for each liturgical hour of the day, plus calendar, prayers psalms and masses. It also included the astrological signs appropriate for each of the 12 months.

Art for Easter: The Resurrection of Christ (Grunewald)

On this unusual Easter 2020 when gatherings are non-existent, let’s reflect in why we celebrate: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This alone sets Christianity apart from other religions and gives us hope. For me, this painting stands apart in portraying the power and might of the event and the glory of the risen Savior!