Portrait Showcase At The Smithsonian!

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“Every three years artists from across the country are invited to investigate the art of portrayal. This competition and resulting exhibition “The Outwin  2016: American Portraiture Today” will showcase excellence and innovation with a strong focus on the variety of portrait media used by artists today.”

The Outwin 2016: American Portraiture Today

Until January 8, 2017

Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery

8th St NW & F St NW, Washington, DC

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Sara Reinstein Becker at First Studio Phoenix AZ

Sara Reinstein Becker at First Studio Phoenix AZ

I really liked this exhibit (First Friday, Dec 2, 2016) and wished that I had had the time to really sit with the work. What struck me later on that evening was that sense of the work stayed with me. The visuals translated into a feeling, which is what you want to happen and it lingered on for hours. So I will return for 3rd Friday and take my time.

Some but not all of her work is reminisces of the 1960’s early 70’s as if I had accidently found myself in Bolinas CA, which was the only way I could find the place (by accident). Take a look at Sara’s site, Sara Reinstein Becker, or go to the Exhibit there is much more to see than Love.

One challenge that I have with First Friday’s in Phoenix, is that there is not enough time to settle down and give it a think, about what it is I’m seeing or listening to. There are a lot of good artists to see and sneakers don’t help.

Bobby Lee Krajnik- Joyful Spirit at the Olney Gallery Phoenix AZ

Bobby Lee Krajnik- Joyful Spirit at the Olney Gallery Phoenix AZ

bobby lee krajnikBobby Lee Krajnik: Immediately on entering the Olney Gallery you are welcomed and surrounded by a sincere sense of Joy. There are colors everywhere I looked and with the feeling that I had just magically relieved myself of any stress that I accumulated during the course of the day. There was the hum of excitement. It was a good place to be. 

“It is very important to me that my work e positive and uplifting to those who view it. I want to bring a smile to people’s faces, make them chuckle or just feel a little lighter for having viewed my work. If I can make the world a little brighter then my work is done.” Bobby Lee Kranjnik

Bobby’s work will be on view at the Olney Galley, Trinity Cathedral for the rest of December 2016. Perfect spot to lift your spirit afternoon after Christmas shopping. The Olney Gallery is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  For more information, please call 602-254-7126 Olney Galley, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral 100 West Roosevelt Street Phoenix Arizona 85003

“Caravaggesque” at The MET

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“The greatest French follower of Caravaggio (1571–1610), Valentin de Boulogne (1591–1632) was also one of the outstanding artists in 17th-century Europe.” This exhibition brings together 45 of his paintings.

“Although he is not well known to the general public, Valentin has long been admired by those with a passion for Caravaggesque painting. His work was a reference point for the great realists of the 19th century, from Courbet to Manet, and his startlingly vibrant staging of dramatic events and the deep humanity of his figures, who seem touched by a pervasive melancholy, make his work unforgettable.”

Valentin de Boulogne: Beyond Caravaggio

Until January 16, 2017

The Metropolitan Museum of Art 5th Ave and 86 Street, NYC

 (Image: “Saint John the Baptist”, ca. 1613–14, Oil on canvas Valentin de Boulogne, French)

BTW – Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio’s work, is often described as “Baroque”. Ok. I just describe him as vibrant, passionate, fierce. One of my favorites.    

 

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A Revival, Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert.

v1-dukeellington-ph1617-square-295x30050 years ago Duke Ellington and his band were invited to perform his concert along with the Trinity Cathedral Choir at the Trinity Cathedral in Phoenix, Arizona.  Last night I got to see an extraordinary and delightful performance in celebration of that event, performed by the Phoenix Chorale and the Mesa Community College Performing Arts Center Jazz Ensemble.

There is one more concert in the Phoenix Area today if you can get tickets, GO! a Lovely way to spend a Sunday. Tickets

 

“School of London” – Art Of Post War Britain At The Getty

“School of London” – Art Of Post War Britain At The Getty

 

London Calling: Bacon, Freud, Kossoff, Andrews, Auerbach, and Kitaj is a presentation at the Getty Center in Los Angeles  that “ highlights the work of six of the leading artists who revolutionized and reinvigorated figurative painting in the later 20th century”… the artists of the “School of London” rejected contemporary art’s preoccupation with abstraction and conceptualism in favor of the human figure and everyday landscape.”

London Calling: Bacon, Freud, Kossoff, Andrews, Auerbach, and Kitaj
Until November 13, 2016

The J. Paul Getty Museum

Getty Center Drive and Sepulveda Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA

(Image: Portrait of Isabel Rawsthorne, 1966, Francis Bacon, oil on canvas)

 

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