Away in Chicago, at the Art Institute

The Homer and Hopper Shows are too good to miss!

Truly, the Winslow Homer show, "The Color of Light" was minimally described by the museum's press releases; it is a huge blockbuster of a show. Unfortunately, this is the only location to see it; the show is not traveling elsewhere after it closes on May 10, 2008.

It lovingly details Homer's artistic journey from illustrator to artist, showing how extremely inventive he was with his watercolor work. Many of the pioneering techniques he used in his watercolors can be directly linked to the work he did as a young illustrator. A fabulous catalogue accompanies this show, which is spread over 7 to 8 rooms and includes several of his finest oils. One visit is not enough; the show has been packed from the moment the museum opens at 10:30 AM. A great time to see it quietly is on Thursday evenings at 5 PM. The Chicago Art Institute is open late on Thursday until 8 PM.

The Hopper show is also one not to miss. Chicago is the last stop for this amazing exhibition, which has already been in Boston and Washington, D.C.

Many of Hopper's best known oils, like "Early Sunday Morning" and "Nighthawks"are presented, as well as watercolors like the "Mansard Roof" and many from Gloucester and the Cape.

It's quite a thrill to walk back and forth between two giant shows, seeing some of the best watercolors and oils that American artists have ever produced.

Gotta love the Art Institute of Chicago; membership entitles you to free access to the shows, pretty much anytime, no waiting in line.

Ciao!

Birthday Bash & Japanese Woodblock Show at the Art Institute of Chicago

"Cafe Du Monde", pastel, 22 x 28 inches.

Idaho was fabulous. I fully expected to come back, chain myself to the easel, and paint for weeks, coming up for air once in a while. I did manage one day in the studio, when a spur of the moment opportunity came up to spend my birthday in Chicago, visiting the Art Institute by day and listening to Astral Project at the Green Mill Jazz Club by night.

Splendor itself, there is currently a show, "Evening Glow" of Japanese prints on view from September 22–December 9, 2007 in Gallery 107. Overview from the Art Institute: Over the centuries, Japanese printmakers have expressed the many aspects of evening. From the soft light of dusk to the darkness of night, the sky’s changing moods have been captured by Utagawa Hiroshige, Kawase Hasui, and others. On view are over 30 woodblock prints of nighttime images.

Additionally, the Art Institute has 2 Chardin pastel portraits on display. Museum policies prevented me from following my natural urge to build an alter and strew roses at the base in front of Monsieur Chardin's late pastels of his wife and his own self portrait. Mon Dieu!!

I felt a similar urge in front of The Great One, Degas.
"At the Milliner's Shop" opened my eyes to new possibilities.
Made me want to paint; changed my vision.

I'll be re-visiting and posting drawings and pastels that I painted several years back. I feel the strong need to look back at what inspired me, what work I did before I worried or thought about galleries and sales. I have no way of knowing how long that inspiration will last- days, weeks or months- but in looking back I also look forward. There's no more difficult task for an artist than to find your own voice. I must embrace every opportunity to find my own way, irregardless of gallery sales, what collectors want, what I painted last week or last year. Inspiration is everything.