Barnes

"The Barnes Foundation is the only sane place to see art in America."

~Henri Matisse

On Thursday I went to visit the Barnes Foundation outside of Philadelphia in Merion. There has been quite a lot of controversy surrounding this museum lately because of the documentary, The Art of the Steal. I went before watching the doc. The museum was founded by Albert Barnes in 1922 to "promote the advancement of education and the appreciation of the fine arts." He was an avid art collector who bought hundreds of impressionist paintings before the artists were famous. When he died, he left in his will that the collection was to always remain in Merion but through some loop holes and tricky maneuvering, the city of Philadelphia has managed to secure the collection for a new Barnes Museum along the Ben Franklin Parkway.  I watched the doc after I visited to the Foundation and was deeply saddened at the plans to go against Mr. Barnes will. I would love to hear how others feel about this move.  I think part of what made my visit so moving was the building, the amazing gardens and arboretum around the mansion, and the closeness I felt to the art being in such an intimate space (a limited number of tickets are sold each day and only available online by reservation).  I couldn't take any photos inside the museum so I only have a few of the outside.

Beautiful gardens around the foundation.

Unusual trees in the arboretum like this monkey puzzle tree.

Amazing carvings above the windows by Jacques Lipchitz.

African inspired reliefs around the front doors. Barnes thought African art was the precursor to modern art and inside the museum are hundreds of examples of beautiful carvings and masks.

A large sign in front of a wealthy residence across the street from the Barnes.

Another protest sign in a neighbor's yard.

Visit Friends of the Barnes for more info.

A photo I found online showing the interior. Barnes hung the art along with pieces of metal work. He arranged them to be pleasing to the eye and play off one another. Not only will you find work by famous Impressionist artists but there are religious paintings from Medieval Europe, hand painted PA Dutch hope chests, African and Asian art, and works by artists such as El Greco and Hieronymus Bosch.

The collection is valued at over 30 billion dollars! All in a little museum in Merion, PA. All collected by a self made man from a working class family that was laughed at when he first showed the collection.

You better hurry out and see it before it moves to Philadelphia next year. I'm sure poor Albert is turning over in his grave.

Full Buck Moon

I love a good full moon and the one tonight is known as the full buck moon. I was a little afraid that I wouldn't be able to see it with all the storms we had today but it peeked around some clouds around 9pm just long enough for me to be able to take a photo or two. I found a great area to view her in town, right by the cemetery.  Named for the month when buck's antlers are pushing through and covered in velvet, I couldn't pass up the chance to celebrate by painting a picture of a white deer in front of a full moon today.

I had taken some photos of captive white deer recently that provided a good reference. The white stag or deer is a very important symbol in many cultures. The Celts believed them to be messengers from the spirit world. I will be putting this painting in my Etsy shop for sale soon or you can email me if you're interested. Measures 8" x 10" with 1" thick sides.
I hope everyone got out to see the moon tonight!

Civil War Day

Today was a day not fit for man or beast but we survived the 100+ degree temps at the Landis Valley's Civil War Day. They horses were kept in the shade until they were needed and didn't seem to be suffering. I felt so bad for the soldiers dressed in wool. Here are a few photos I was able to take. It's a bit hard when you're walking around with a 4 year old who's hot and thirsty and completely uninterested in everything that's going on around her.

 

"It is well that war is so terrible, else we should grow too fond of it."

- General Robert E. Lee

Ponies, Sunflowers and Butterflies

"Assateague Reflection"

It's been a productive weekend or me. I finished an acrylic painting of a wild pony in the marshlands. At least I think I finished, always room for improvement, right? It's from a photo I took on Assateague Island last week, an experience that I found particularly moving. They'll be swimming the ponies soon from Assateague to Chincoteague, I would love to go someday and buy a colt or filly. Just to be able to go and take photos would be a real treat!

Here's a tiny butterfly that was in my garden this morning. She's the size of a fingernail!

She held still long enough for me to get a picture.

Love this sunflower in front of my house. I planted a ton of them this year,

 last year they were eaten by groundhogs.

Question Mark Butterfly in the garden. He was feasting on my split tomatoes.

 They love rotting fruit. The name comes from that tiny little white marking on the lower part of the wing.

A sunflower in my pumpkin patch with the setting sun.

Happy Sunday :o)

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I have been a very lucky girl lately winning 3 blog giveaways! I know, I can't believe it either, I never win anything. A big thank you to all these wonderful artists and bloggers for my wonderful gifts! Please take a minute and visit their links.

Mandy Broome made this adorable folk art doll and her husband made the house!
She's a recent addition to the EHAG family and her work is amazing. My daughter and I have been fighting over who gets this one. Right now I'm letting her display them in her room.

Fiddlestix Studios Blog

Fiddlestix Etsy Shop

This gorgeous, leather journal/sketchbook came from a giveaway hosted by Joyce at October Farm's blog.

The journal is made by Oberon Design, a company whose work I have drooled over in many a gift shop!

I love their tree handbags. Thank you Joyce! Love the candy you sent along too:)

This beautiful barrette came from Shannon at Gypsy Moon Art Studio. 

I can't wait to wear it in my hair! I love anything with spirals.

Please take a minute to visit her Etsy Shop for some really great pieces.

I love the Eye Rings - may have to get one someday!

I also want to thank each and every one of you that visits and comments on my blog.

I may not always get the chance to reciprocate but I wanted to let you know that I try and really appreciate the kinds words you leave here.

If you are not already, please "like" my Gypsy Mare Studios Facebook Page.

Or "friend me" on Facebook, I always enjoy meeting new people.

Where I relax in the evening while reading my favorite magazine, Organic Gardening.

My newest Painted Pony, "Here Be Dragons".

More pictures and information on my Painted Ponies Blog.

Soon to be listed on Ebay.

Assateague Adventure

While in Ocean City, MD this week, we went on the Assateague Adventure tour. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area, especially with kids. Here's a little sampling of what we saw...

Great views of the waterways around OC.

Multi-million dollar vacation homes. I could easily retire here!

We learned about all the different types of seafood each boat catches.

Two huge boats catch most of the clams for Campbell's clam chowder.

We were able to get off the boat on Assateague to look for animals.

Given nets to catch small fish and crabs.

On board the children were handed sea creatures to take around to show the adults.

Zoe loved this starfish.

We were lucky enough to spot some beautiful wild ponies.

Love the reflection!

I may have to break out the oils and make a painting.

Looks like the life, doesn't it?

 

Farewell to the setting sun.

“The Sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.”

--Jacques Cousteau

Trimper's Carousel

One of the oldest carousels in the US is on the boardwalk in Ocean City, MD at the Trimper's Amusement Park. This 100 year old beauty is my favorite thing about the boardwalk and the first place I head to take pictures while on vacation. You can read more about the history of this Herschell-Spillman carousel here.