Picasso Woman With A Book 1932
As far as private collections go in the U.S., you can't get much better than The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. I was on a mission to see that Raphael I mentioned, that had been on loan from The National Gallery and was leaving yesterday. (They have their own Raphael Madonna and Child, as well.) So, Sunday after working on two pastels over at my friend Rachel's we headed over to the museum.
Did I mention one of my resolutions for this year was to hit up a museum a month!?
I love the variety in their collection and there is no "filler." It's all wonderful. The museum itself had an interior facelift by Frank Gehry a few years ago and I am sure you would recognize the outside of the building if you have ever watched the Rose Parade!
So, if you are ever in Southern California, this is a great place to visit. OH! And with my student i.d. (thank you Italian 101) I got in free! We also found out we are aloud to draw in the museum as long at it's with a dry medium. We might just move in!
Here are a few more of my faves ...
Paul Cezanne Tulips in a Vase 1888-90
Detail - Tulips in a Vase
Check out the brushwork ... "hello gorgeous!"
(Little ode to the Oscar Nominations coming out today! Name that actor/actress!)
I remember going to this museum in Junior High and falling in love with this beautiful painting below. Check out the amazing expression on Joseph's face!
Giovanni Battista Gaulli, called Baciccio
St. Joseph and the Infant Christ, c. 1670-185
Edgar Degas
Dancers in the Wings, c.1876-78
Love the bold composition! So beautiful.
Edgar Degas
Arabesques
Vincent van Gogh
Portrait of a Peasant 1888
Here is the beautiful Raphael and in person it is luminescent. It absolutely glows.
Raffaello Sanzio
The Small Cowper Madonna c. 1505
oil on wood
National Gallery Washington D.C.
A beautiful thing never gives so much pain
as does failing to hear and see it.
~Michelangelo
Hope you are able to take advantage
of whatever beauty is in your neck of the woods!
Art, nature or otherwise!
Have a wonderful week!
19 comments:
A wonderful selection. A museum visit a month will be fun. Maybe you can toss in a lunch or dinner in to the visit. Enjoy! xo
Yes ... it's always nice when food's involved! They have a wonderful little outside area with a pond and snacks and I even saw a beautiful egret there once!
Grazie per averci portato a casa questa bellissima mostra d'arte. Adoro Vincent van Gogh e Degas. Buona giornata Cri :-)
These artworks are so inviting! I love the last one... it is glowing. I will keep my eye open for beauty today, inspired by your post.
Thank you for the wonders that you show us. Beautiful works of art!!!
Thank you for sharing, Lucinda. They are gorgeous! Your idea of visiting a museum a month is excellent.
what a great experience : drawing
in a museum ! Beautiful paintings
you show us! thank you !
I love walking through art museums, too. Thanks for the tour.
There's something magical about being in the presence of great artists! Inspiring and humbling...I wish there were enough museums here to do 1 a month but I might be able to at least go to a few galleries. Thanks for the inspiration.
I'm WAY overdue for a museum trip.... Thanks for the reminder! I still haven't gone to the Getty on PCH yet...wanna go??
(PS. the word I have to type in below is.....
farturna. Who invents these???)
Lovely paintings. I really like the Raphael and the Cezanne - very different styles bt both gorgeous.
Going to a museum a month is a fabulous idea...I may have to give it a try! I love the paintings you shared, they're all beautiful!
Thanks so much for putting this up. I grew up in Pasadena, and go to the Norton Simon every time I'm in the area. One of my favorites in their collection is a portrait of Vincent's mother all done in greens. A bold experiment, but it just works brilliantly. Superb museum.
Ah, it's great to see a few samples of paintings and galleries you have in the US. Your photo's are brilliant. I especially love the Picasso, Degas and Van Gogh works. The blue background in the peasant portrait is so vibrant. The picture glows!
Lovely to catch up with you and Penny on facebook!
Jo. xx
Thank you for the lovely visit to the museum! It sounds as though you had a wonderful day with your friend, those are just the best.
I never met an art museum I didn't love. Excellent choices.
Thanks for the comments! Glad y'all liked the visit to the museum! If I keep up my resolution for the year, there will be more to come!
such a prettly collection. I like your New Year resolution:)
So incredibly inspiring! I recently made a museum trip to Venice. It made me want to study art history.
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