Friday, February 28, 2014

BOSTON LOVES IMPRESSIONISM


Last weekend I had an opportunity to visit the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.  I was eager to see the new exhibit, Boston Loves Impressionism.  The collection features several of the most influential artists of the Impressionist Movement; Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Pierre - Aguste Renoir, to name a few.  Upon entering the gallery, you are instantly pulled in by Vincent van Gogh's Houses at Auvers.  This is one of Van Gogh's most well known pieces and was voted Boston's favorite.  After seeing this colorful and exuberant painting in person, I know why.  Van Gogh's use of color and energy is mesmerizing!  A step further into the gallery and you are greeted by an array of stunning masterpieces.  Claude Monet, captures the misty reflections of Venice, in the Grande Canal, Venice, by blending the Santa Maria della Salute into the Adriatic Sea.   Vincent van Gogh, depicts an overgrown valley with whimsical energy in Ravine. And Gustave Caillebotte, transforms a simple tomato into a magnificent arrangement of vibrant brushstrokes, in Fruit Display on a Stand.   Overall the exhibit leaves you with a new perspective on the world.

When viewing art I enjoy the entire composition, but a closer look is where I am truly inspired.  Up close, each colorful and energetic brushstroke becomes it's own entity, exposing the artist's emotional reaction to the subject. Here are a few of my favorite close up studies.   






















































Houses at Auvers, Vincent van Gogh 1890 
Full image of Houses at Auvers via www.mfa.org/collections



























Fruit Display on a Stand, Gustave Caillebotte 1881-82
Full image  of Fruit Display on a Stand via www.mfa.org/collections




















































 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flower Beds at Vétheuil, Claude Monet 1881 

Full image of Flower Beds at Vétheuil via www.mfa.org/collections






























































 
Mixed Flowers in an Earthenware Pot, Pierre-Auguste Renoir
Full image of Mixed Flowers in an Earthenware Pot via www.mfa.org/collections































































Grand Canal, Venice, Pierre-Auguste Renoir 1881
Full image of Grand Canal via www.mfa.org/collections/object
































































Grande Canal, Venice, Claude Monet 1908 
Full image of Grande Canal via www.mfa.org/collections







































































Ravine, Vincent van Gogh 1889
Full image of Ravine via www.mfa.org/collections

































Entrance to the Village of Vétheuil in Winter, Claude Monet 1879

Full image of Entrance to the Village of Vétheuil www.mfa.org/collections



Boulevard Saint - Denis, Argenteuil, in Winter, Claude Monet 1875
Full image of Boulevard Saint - Denis, Argenteui, in Winter via www.mfa.org/collections

Be sure to check out this exhibit at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts
February 14, 2014 - May 26, 2014 

 www.mfa.org/exhibitions/boston-loves-impressionism

Close up images by AGA 

Thursday, February 27, 2014

KERRY JOYCE: INTERIOR DESIGN

In addition to Kerry Joyce's magnificent collection of fabrics, his interior design portfolio is one of my favorite sources for inspiration.  House Beautiful once said, "In his hand the traditional is clarified and the modern becomes mellow."  Joyce's work includes country estates, modern flats, and seaside homes.  Each project magnificently marries traditional and transitional design, while creating a comfortable space for living.  




































Images via www.kerryjoyce.com