When I was 17, I took my first Art History class at Gables High. Ms. Jean Greenaway was our teacher and with one flick of the light switch and the hum of the slide projector history began to be written.
It was the first time ever, I got it. The first time I took a class, barely had to study and the A's came one after the other. For some it was math, languages, science...for me it was art.
Scoring a 5 on the AP Art History test, I walked into SMU and my very first class was a 500 level Art History class with Professor Christpher Fulton (*swoon)...that one class paired with Ms. Greenaway's class quickly lead me to a major and in 2000 a degree and a career in museums. 
As I'm painting, I thought I might share some of my favorite pieces with you. I've been fortunate enough to have seen nearly all of these live & in living color at some point in my life (everything except for the Arlofini Wedding Portrait which is at the National Gallery in London).
My ultimate favorite is, Le Bassin Aux Nympheas by Monet. I first saw it in Paris---and I most recently saw it at the Met in New York. It may seem cliche to adore this piece as much as I do...but it reminds me of my grandmother. 
At the end of the day...art speaks to each of us in a different way. It is a visual and emotional language that we can all understand. You don't have to hold a degree in Art History to appreciate that.
These are great! I love them!
ReplyDeleteah yes... the hum of the slide projector, the freezing cold room, and Ms. Greenaway's monotone voice...I'll never forget it. Her notes are still on my shelf at work :) I fell in love with art history in that class too :D
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post, Cecilia. You know, I learned about the Arnolfini Wedding in Grif's class at SMU, and I didn't think much of it. But seeing it in person is a whole different story. If it's already in your favorites, you and the Donald have to get across the puddle to London soon! You're my favorite person to talk art with. It's pretty obvious that it's your forte, and I always learn something when I'm with you. *HUGS*
ReplyDeleteDitto Jessica about the Arnolfini Wedding. LOVE that painting - and seeing it in person is unbelievable. Actually, seeing just about anything at the National Gallery is amazing. Worth the price of a plane ticket - Rubens' Samson and Delilah anyone? And then once you're in London you've got Tate Britain and Tate Modern as well, the Royal Academy, decorative arts at the V & A, all kinds of joy in the British Museum ..... bet you can't tell where my heart lies ;) Get thee to London now!!
ReplyDeleteOh sorry, now you've really got me going .... got me reminiscing about Boston, love me some MfA American art collections, and just about anything in the Gardner ....
ReplyDeleteI do want to go across the pond!!...and I do loe visiting the MFA in Boston...and the Gardener with its neurotic--nothing can be changed- mentality is superb in its own right as well. :) Thanks for the comments ladies!
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