We went to France for three weeks. We traveled with students, staff and other guests (like ourselves) of the Laguna College of Art and Design. As last year, when we did the same in Italy, it was an art and history tour . . . a perfect fit for us. Going around the whole country, we took lots of photos, made lots of sketches, and came back with heads full of impressions. On our return I wrote these down:
European culture values, or at least valued, art. The evidence is pervasive.
Great art lasts. It’s held up as a record of its time and testimony of the human spirit.
The great artists knew their talent. They were aware that they had great work to do.
Most made many works.
Some made money and fame, others not; it was beside the point.
Different periods produced different surges of creativity and styles.
Personally, my own preference of such is the French Impressionists, including pre- and post-Impressionists (the 1800’s).
Of these, Monet’s work stands out among all others in terms of beauty.
That I should let Monet influence my work, though not to copy.
That a legacy of life work comes from A CLEAR VISION, EXCELLENCE IN EXECUTION, and FOCUSED WORK.
I discovered again, by what I photographed most, that my preference for making paintings is the face and the figure.
That’s enough. There were more, and on other subjects besides painting . . . including religion (guided and misguided), current folklore (that keeps us culturally dull-witted), the limiting factors of my own vision, and etc. But those are all other topics. This is an art blog.
Among the hundreds of photos I took, a few are works of or about artists themselves. For your interest I’ll share them here.
Henri Rousseau, Myself in Landscape, 1800’s
Berthe Morisot, 1841-1895, of Paule Gobillard Peignant
Jan van Beers, a sculpture of Le Peintre (my title), 1876
Camile Corot, Autoportait, 1825
Edmond Aman-Jean, Portait du sculpteur Jean Dampt, 1894. (Great frame, no?)
Auguste Rodin, Monument to (painter) Claude Lorrain, 1892
Henri Matisse, a painter after my own heart, working big.
Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Portrait of Claude Monet, 1875
Finally, one of the museums (we were in two a day) even had a set-up of an artist’s easel from the beginning days of plein air painting. Notice the umbrella is for the art, not the artist. Necessary when the glare is too bright.
All for now. Hope you enjoyed the photos, and the reflections. Next will be more blogs on the France trip including, eventually, work from my sketchbook, and some of Anne’s creative photography.
Upcoming Shows
Once again Anne will be among those featured at the summer-long Laguna Festival of Arts. That’ll be from July 5 through August 31, 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Drop by and see her at booth #110.
11:48 am
You and Anne are amazing! Tremendous art and energy…you don’t waste a minute…Carpe diem!
12:59 pm
Enjoyed your thoughts on art.
Janice and I both love the old masters. We just came back from France as well, though our trip was a focus on World WarI battle sites. Janice’s grandfather was there on July 1st when the Battle of the Somme started. An informative and moving trip indeed.
Cliff
2:02 pm
Praising God for your opportunities to travel and for sharing your adventures with us. The world is an amazing place with a fascinating history and beautiful views, especially through the eyes of talented artists.
3:01 pm
What a wonderful way to tour France. I wondered why “you went dark,” no blogs for awhile. Sounds like a great trip! Can’t wait to see what creative, inspired art work comes out of the two of you as a result of your travels. I’m excited to drop by Anne’s booth too.
Welcome home!
3:51 pm
Sounds like a wonderful trip. You two are blessed with good health to do all you are doing. Keep up the good work and God Bless.
5:16 pm
You two are amazing …. What a wonderful trip and your sharing with us
Is so great. Very happy for both of you….. And love your pictures and words.
8:04 pm
This is great!
Can’t wait to hear more sharing from your tour.
8:44 pm
Enjoyed your photos and the words said about a lot of them. Am glad that you are back. Never wanted to go out of the country but do enjoy other people talking about were they been. Waiting on your and Anne’s to see what you all did over in France.
Becky
4:24 am
Fabulous tour! Poignant reflections and images!
Hyatt- with your permission, I’m going to open my management meeting today with the following words by a very wise and talented friend; “A legacy of life work comes from A CLEAR VISION, EXCELLENCE IN EXECUTION, and FOCUSED WORK.”
6:08 am
Dean, Do it. H
6:20 am
I love that first picture of you guys. It sounds like it was a very fulfilling trip and I’m sure you’ll be reflecting on it for many months to come.
1:59 pm
This brought a smile that is sure to last. Thanks for giving us a glimpse of France and its artistic legacy.
8:09 am
Thank you for sharing.
Absolutely, loved the Rousseau painting!
Maud
3:07 am
Hyatt… What thought provoking and encouraging ideas! I find you giving voice to my own unrecorded thoughts on paintings. Thank you for the insights into the artists themselves. Might I ask how you want to be remembered by the world?… If someone were to paint or sculpt or photograph you for posterity… To add you to the list you have shared with us?
I too appreciate your ideas for leadership. May I also use it for a teen leadership camp next week?
Thank you!
Until the Trumpet Sounds,
Kimi A :)
I Peter 4:10,11