Almost Wordless Wednesday: Impressions from the National Gallery and a Local Exhibition Worth Checking Out

Gustave Caillebotte's Skiffs. Note the visual techniques that create depth.

What was it about the Impressionist movement that has made it so significant? Part of its power comes from the artists' fascination with light. Another part of its power comes from its influence on modernism, being the soil from which the seeds of modernism sprang.

The National Gallery's wonderful collection includes a strong body of work from the most influential French Impressionists. There was nothing formulaic in their work. They painted what they saw, and for a painter like Monet as his eyesight failed due to cataracts he never ceased from painting his visions of light and shadow, color schemes and dreamy scenes. In preparation for my flight back from out east last month I downloaded Mad Enchantment: Claude Monet and the Painting of the Water Lilies to my Kindle, which I subsequently enjoyed all the more having stood in the presence of some of his paintings only days before.

Palazzo da Mula, Venice. Claude Monet.

The Japanese Footbridge. Monet

Mound of Butter. Antoine Vollon.

The Artist's Garden at Vetheuil. Claude Monet.

Woman with Parasol. Claude Monet

Rouen Cathedral, West Facade. Claude Monet

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EdNote: LATER THIS MONTH The Great Lakes Academy of Fine Art is hosting their first Annual Student/Instructor Exhibition where they will be showcasing their students first year curriculum and also lead you through what an atelier style of classical art training looks like. The Great Lakes Academy is a wonderful addition to our blossoming arts community. In addition to examples of students' work they will also show  pieces by instructors Jeffrey T. and Brock Larson and Brock.

As I drove by the school Monday evening I felt stirred to visit again soon. Then yesterday I found an invitation to their upcoming show in my inbox. Serendipity?

The Larsons are eager to not only showcase the work of their students, but to show the progress that has been made in the renovation of the building, the old St. Peter's Church on West 3rd Street. Here are the hours. Mark your calendar.

May 26th, 5pm - 9pm
May 27th, 1pm - 8pm
May 28th, 1pm - 5pm

Follow Great Lakes Academy on Facebook here.

Meantime, art goes on all around you. Open your eyes. There's always more to see.