The Art Museum of My Heart

I am certainly no painter ~ unless you count painting the rooms in my house. When I was in high school and college, my family took us to art museums on days when they had free admission. It was then that I began to love Renoir’s paintings, Picasso’s paintings (especially from his blue period),Georgia O’Keefe’s paintings,  sculptures, Andrew Wyeth’s work,  Rodin’s sculptures, and of course ALL thing’s Michelangelo. In each of these artists paintings, I could see passion, light, and beauty. In Michelangelo’s sculptures, I could almost literally see movement.

Finding beauty in art is an individual thing. What I find touching and beautiful may seem trite to someone else. What draws me in may repel someone else. I took an art history course in college, and truly loved it. The beauty and value I find in art museums is also there for libraries full of books, and the glory of wonderful architecture. You see, I was always better with my mouth, or the written/read word than I will ever be with my hands. Of course, as counter-evidence to that, I do love the charcoal I drew of onions.

These things are part of the art museum of my own heart. These inspire me. They aren’t the only paintings/drawings/sculptures/architectural wonders that inspire me. Far from it. Many of you have gorgeous photography that inspire me and fill me with wonder. You won’t see modern art in my museum—at least not yet. Perhaps it wouldn’t leave me clueless if i took a course in it—i write here of ones that are geometric shapes and lines. I do not know enough about that kind of art to even know how to begin discerning how I feel. Of course, if that same type of painting was in a quilt I would be able to recognize the beauty instantly. What is it about me and canvas that elevates its importance?

Anyway, I wanted to post some of the paintings, sculptures, architectural structures, that I love. I tossed in a couple of my drawings, too. Now, as I follow the blogs of my blogging friends I have to say that a museum with a traveling exhibit over the internet exists of your photography. I am over the moon for your wondrous photographs ~ the nature shots ~ the sunsets, sunrises, flowers, animals, oceans, waterfalls, pathways, historic sites, and so much more.

Without further ado, Here is the art. There are 3 Renoirs. I included two of Pablo Picasso’s paintings from his blue period; 3 Georgia O’Keefe paintings;  3 Andrew Wyeth. and one by Frances J. Hook that holds special memories for me. You will see Rodin and Michelangelo pieces, and a sculpture from Notre Dame’s campus and the Statue of Liberty. Mixed in with all of this are some architectural favorites of mine as well. And for no extra charge ~ one of my onion drawings. I am guessing that you, too, have an art museum in your heart. I do know that in my heart’s art museum there are also some favorites I treasure ~ like mother’s day cards made by my son ~ and countless photographs of treasured memories.

But today I wanted to share some favorites of mine that are prominent in my heart today.

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Georgia O’Keeffe Calla Lilly

Georgia O’Keeffe Red Flower

Michelangelo: Ceiling of Sistine Chapel ~ Creation

Jesus and Samaratin Woman at the Well by Ivan Mestrovic

Charcoal Sketch 024 ~ Kate Kresse

Smiling Christ: Frances J. Hook

University of Notre Dame

The Library of Congress: Washington, D.C.

Fallingwater: Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA

Pantheon in Rome, Italy

Parthenon–Greece

Chicago Skyline

Andrew Wyeth: Girl in Field

Rodin: thinker

Michelangelo ~ The David

Wyeth:Master Bedroom