Tag: Art

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Reluctant Celebrity

ellenparkerwrites

Daughters, niece, and other relatives recognized her talent.

It took a lot of encouragement, arm-twisting, and the gift of a starter set to unlock the artist’s door.

It was only in the final two decades of her life (and not all of them) that she actively put brush to canvas. She painted life. Small town and rural scenes of the valleys and hills where she lived.

A set of farm buildings. Her flower garden. Work at harvest time. A still life. A street scene. A few fanciful scenes with a post card or magazine photo for inspiration.

Long after her death, the community honored her with an exhibit of her works. You see, she gave them all away — to relatives and friends.

The same town which inspired most of these paintings also inspired the      Crystal Springs Romances.

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Classic Attraction

ellenparkerwrites

Many American cities have one. Some of the larger cities have several. And they abound in other portions of the world also.

In St. Louis it’s simply known as The Art Museum. Perched on top of “Art Hill” in the city’s largest park, an iconic figure welcomes you.

King and Saint Louis

The building behind the statue is from the early portion of the 20th Century — plus a portion from the very early portion of the 21st. Within the various galleries you will find a wide selection of art.

The exhibits come from multiple centuries and all regions of the world. They include paintings, clothing, sculpture, and dishes. And don’t forget the weapons. That particular room was a favorite with my sons when they were teens. And the mummy!

Think you’ve seen it all? They have special exhibits which last several months. And true to St. Louis tradition…general admission is free, special exhibits free one day a week. This is a great way to introduce children and/or skeptical adults to the world of fine art.

Bonus: Great place to take out-of-town guests on a rainy day.

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Hold with care.

ellenparkerwrites

Soft things. Tiny things. Delicate things.

When handed one of the above the natural reaction is to cradle it gently in your hand. You want to be kind. Avoid doing damage.

Consider a bird nest for a moment. They are designed to hold and protect soft, tiny, delicate birds. And while they vary in size, location, and building material, all of the parents are following instinct to do the best for the next generation.

The glass artist has captured the spirit of the nest in the shape of the glass as well as in the careful position in the tree.

Ready for the blue glass birds to move in.

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An Artful Welcome

ellenparkerwrites

First impressions are strong. Objects as well as people will at times give an instant surge of emotion – either positive or negative.

Our tour group stopped at a “typical English village”. Translate to lots of old buildings and shops selling tourist items including candy, photos, books, and clothing.

I saved money that morning. Our stop occurred before many of the businesses were open for the day. With the bookshop closed, I got out of town cheap.

It was also pleasant to take a stroll. I found a thatch roof to admire. And the village church to photograph. (It would be considered old in the United States. I’m not sure how “old” to be “old” in England.)

But the first thing that caught my eye – gave that first impression – as I walked away from the bus was this lovely cottage door.

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Surrounded by Art

ellenparkerwrites

What’s that mix of emotions as I shake the umbrella outside the door?

Relief that I arrived where intended? Timidity at the crowd? Curiosity at what I will find? Expectation of grandeur?

The exhibition rooms at The National Gallery did not disappoint. It was large enough to become lost. Yet the rooms were carefully numbered. And signage at specific intersections guided those who took the time to read.

School children with notebooks moved as a mass from artist to artist. Family groups strolled past Biblical art. Tourists of all ages, shapes, and nationalities paused to admire work from the past.

While crossing the building from one grand wing to another I realized the building itself was a work of art. Including the very decorative vents in the floor.

National Gallery - floor vent
National Gallery – floor vent
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Dancing in Sunshine

ellenparkerwrites

They’re here for the summer. Join the dance on the lawn. There’s plenty of room to expand the circle.

This group of bright, silk clad dancers decorate the lawn during the day. At dusk they turn into a portion of an annual Lantern Festival. Use your imagination — hear the drum and tambourine. Is that a flute?

Skip. Step. Twirl. Brighter than the flowers in the surrounding garden. Come dance across the bright green grass. Join hands with a stranger. Make a friend. Smile. Laugh. Play in the sunshine like a happy child, if only for a moment.

Join the Dance!!!
Join the Dance!!!
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Traditional Art Form

ellenparkerwrites

Transient. Temporary. Some art doesn’t last.

A parent with forethought will snap a photo. A sibling will call attention before the destruction begins.

Decorated cakes and cookies are eaten.

Ice sculptures melt.

Another temporary medium is snow. From the hastily constructed snow fort for protection during an afternoon snowball fight to the planned and dyed snow sculptures for winter festivals they share a degree of temporary. (Yes, residents of Boston and other snowy portions of the USA – eventually you will see your yard, park, driveway again. I’m not going to give a date. I’m guessing prior to   July 4.)

The girl in the photo had assistance with her sculpture. Memory says it was dad. The arms are sticks of firewood (we used a wood burning furnace at the time) padded and shaped with snow. The photographer in the family was mother. If the date on the back of the photo is correct — we did this while the brothers were in school.

Note the fashionable snowpants.
Note the fashionable snowpants.