Snowed-in

Well, the weather forecast was right on schedule. It reported that the rain would start early and as the day progressed the temperature would drop and then the snow would start. It's been blowing since 3pm. I plan on taking a snow day tomorrow. I have plenty of provisions and plenty to keep me busy.

I would like to spend the time embellishing masks. That's the last step to get them ready for viewing. But I will be cleaning instead; getting ready for company over the holidays. And each time I look outside, I will be thankful for a central heating.

Wordless Wednesday

Google

Google today is a Mexican mural.

Wordless Wednesday

Quote of the Week

"The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect, but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity. The creative mind plays with the object it loves." C. G. Jung

The Kiss

Thinking about favorite paintings brought this one to mind. Painted by Gustav Klimt in 1907-08 (oil & gold leaf), the decoration of the piece makes me dizzy. Another thing that makes me dizzy is the passion! How can so much passion be emitted from only exposed faces, hands & feet? I will have to travel to Vienna to see this one.

Jan van Eyck

Giovanni & wife by Jan van Eyck 1434

This painting has fascinated me since I first saw it as a kid. I don't remember where I saw it, in a book or art appreciation slide show, but I immediately appreciated its uniqueness. It has been called a exercise in "disguised symbolism", and that must be true but is a aspect of the painting the I have not studied. I am intrigued by the detail: the fur on the dress, coat, & dog, each different in character; the placement of the objects, the wooden shoes, the fruit, the chandelier, the mirror; how the bed & the window "frame" the couple; the couple center stage with their reflection in the convex mirror. And van Eyck's signature claiming he was there!

Yes, I saw it at the National Gallery in London. There was a crowd around it, and surprise, surprise, it is bigger than I expected; I had in mind that it was practically a miniature but it is closer to 24"x36". I would love the opportunity to see this painting over and over again. I would never tire of it. Like revisiting and old friend.