Favorite paintings in the United States
So, Tylerr Green at MAN has asked his readers and fellow bloggers to talk about their favorite American painting and favorite painting in America (these can be different things). I've been toying with his bleg for almost a week now in my head, so why not commit to the 2 or three of you what my choices are?
For favorite American painting I've had a hard time picking just one, so here are a couple I really like. I've restricted my choices to only those that I have seen in person, because that is when you really "get" it. There are paintings that are certainly better in these categories, but I am totally going on how I reacted to these paintings when I first saw them. Also, unlike so many other people who are dying for a chance to get a link on a major art blog like Modern Art Notes, I am not sending mine over. Some of my choices are total proof of my lack of sophistication when it comes to art, which never stopped me from talking about it before.
My favorite American painting right now has to be George Tooker's Window VII. I stumbled upon the Terra Foundation's Chicago location ten years ago or so and saw this painting. It is egg tempera on a gesso panel, so it positively glows. I just love the dreamy blur, the haziness of light, and the Shakespearean theme. I think Tooker as a choice would pretty much get ridiculed by real art folks, but for some reason I just love this painting.
My honorable mention for favorite American painting would have to be Martin Mull's Bible Stories.
Just to note, since I have yet to see an outstanding O'Keeffe up close and personal (some good ones but not outstanding), O'Keeffe would surely replace Tooker.
I am going to cheat a little on my favorite painting in America. I saw this painting, Reni's St. Sebastian, when it was on tour in the U.S. I think by now it is back at the Dulwich picture gallery, but for a time it was in America so therefore it counts.
Of course if you had to hold me to a painting that is physically in America right now it would have to be this Van Gogh. There's a reason why it is an ubiquitous poster.
For favorite American painting I've had a hard time picking just one, so here are a couple I really like. I've restricted my choices to only those that I have seen in person, because that is when you really "get" it. There are paintings that are certainly better in these categories, but I am totally going on how I reacted to these paintings when I first saw them. Also, unlike so many other people who are dying for a chance to get a link on a major art blog like Modern Art Notes, I am not sending mine over. Some of my choices are total proof of my lack of sophistication when it comes to art, which never stopped me from talking about it before.
My favorite American painting right now has to be George Tooker's Window VII. I stumbled upon the Terra Foundation's Chicago location ten years ago or so and saw this painting. It is egg tempera on a gesso panel, so it positively glows. I just love the dreamy blur, the haziness of light, and the Shakespearean theme. I think Tooker as a choice would pretty much get ridiculed by real art folks, but for some reason I just love this painting.
My honorable mention for favorite American painting would have to be Martin Mull's Bible Stories.
Just to note, since I have yet to see an outstanding O'Keeffe up close and personal (some good ones but not outstanding), O'Keeffe would surely replace Tooker.
I am going to cheat a little on my favorite painting in America. I saw this painting, Reni's St. Sebastian, when it was on tour in the U.S. I think by now it is back at the Dulwich picture gallery, but for a time it was in America so therefore it counts.
Of course if you had to hold me to a painting that is physically in America right now it would have to be this Van Gogh. There's a reason why it is an ubiquitous poster.
Comments
Lovely choices, Ambrose. You know I don't know much about art, so I'll spare you any attempt to answer. But I'm with you on the Van Gogh. When I saw it in NY, initially I was struck by how small the canvas is. Somehow I expected it to be bigger. But the painting definitely gets better the longer you stand there and take it in.
I tag you for this exercise. that means you have to do it :-)
Oh yeah, and I am still waiting for your reading list.......