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.

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.

The Thinker. . . and the Start of School! Art & Life (Rodin)

As we approach another school year (September 2020), Rodin’s famous sculpture “The Thinker” comes to mind to symbolize what one should be doing in school! But…did you know that there is more than one “The Thinker?” And in different sizes? And out of different materials? After you read my post, you can feel a bit more culturally literate on this iconic sculpture!

Social Distancing in Art: Paris style! (Seurat)

Social Distancing: Paris style! As we Minnesotans enjoy our 10,000+ lakes and rivers during the summer, trying to social distance, this painting came to mind! These Parisians, in little clusters on the River Seine on a “Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” are using perfect social distancing, although I doubt that is what the artist intended!