Thursday, August 26, 2010

The Dreamer by Renoir

the dreamer by Renoir

I told you a while back that I love art, paintings in particular. I am so blessed to live no more than four hours from three phenomenal art museums. This summer when we went to Wicked, we also spent a day at SLAM. Heaven on Earth for me. Imagine my delight when I discovered that they now allow non-flash photography! When I was in the Impressionist gallery, I was captured by a girl I had never seen. I could tell by looking that she was painted by Renoir, who is a big favorite of mine.

It had happened again. I felt a real recognition as I gazed at this dreamer. Something about her called to me. Something about her was me.

Does that ever happen to you?

August Break, day 14. Photo: I am delighted that more museums now allow you to take non-flash photography. I took this one at SLAM. (St. Louis Art Museum)

25 comments:

Erin Wallace said...

Every time I have the pleasure of seeing a Renoir, I'm stunned by how beautiful they are. His women are luminous; they glow from within. You could almost imagine them jumping right out of the canvas, and it would be totally natural. His work just sends me.

xo Erin

Tracy said...

I have such "connections" with works of art all the time--especially with paintings, photographs or sculptures. When Hubby & I go to London we always make a point of going to the Tate Britain gallery, our favorite, and a great place to see Pre-Raphaelite art--those painting always take my breath away and transport me to a world that I connect with immediately. I love when I find myself in art. :o) Wonderful post, Relyn ((HUGS)

Amy said...

I love art. Sigh. I'm not sure I've ever felt a strong connection with one person in a painting... perhaps it's because I'm always trying to figuring their stories ... who were they, where'd they come from, what were their lives like ... what was it like to be painted by a master ... did they have any idea their picture would last for generations?

Life Is A Road Trip said...

You must have been like a kid in a candy store. She is looking at you as if she recognizes YOUR face, too.

dulcy said...

Hey Sweetie.... thank for the lovely comment you made on my blog! Hope all is well, and that we can connect sooner than later!

xo
dulcy

Lara Neves said...

I love the impressionists, too. I've never seen this one and I agree, it's wonderful!

Jennifer Richardson said...

I feel at home in her eyes as well
and so enjoy the dreamer in you:)
-Jennifer

Char said...

renoir is one of my favorites too - what a beautiful experience.

S. Etole said...

but her and the little dreamer below ... his eyes are mesmerizing ...

Rosaria Williams said...

I miss two things about cities: museums and theaters.

Meri said...

Those moments of recognition are so amazing. Never had one in front of a painting, though I've felt a deep connection to many paintings and sculptures. My moments that you describe have been in places where I was overwhelmed with certainty I had lived there before and had come home in some very real sense.

Unknown said...

When I was a kid I begged to get this board game called Masterpiece and the Renoir was my all-time prize piece that I loved and completely identified with! Even though it was only 3" big, I can still remember gazing at it--thank you for this post, which brings back that intial innocence and attraction to art!

xo Mary Jo

BonnyBadger said...

i am not sure i have ever seen this picture before!

Sue said...

Isn't that a beautiful building. I loved the building almost as much as what was in it. Forest Park is really a wonderful place.

Jeanie said...

This painting is a stunner. I'm a Renoir fan as well, and it was amazing to see his work inches away (and photograph it) when I was in Paris.

It simply shocked me that we could take photos in the museums there. I can understand non-flash and get that; but the whole idea that you could take your own (pity the postcard concession!) -- well, I was thrilled!

GailO said...

Oh yes, there are certain photos or painting that just capture my essence...this is beautiful! I love to go to museums too...fortunately Mr O does too and he never complains when I spend a lot of time in one place:)

Thanks for your recent comment over at Arcadia...I am back from vacation but busy, busy, busy...I tried to email you but get the "no-reply" address...I hope to get back to posting some photos soom:)
xo

Dutchbaby said...

Yup, I totally see it. It's you all the way!

Roban said...

You now have your own Renoir.... How great to be allowed to take photographs.

I like her expression. She is definitely not stressing out about anything at the moment.

Unknown said...

I love that connection that comes from art and photos. I can't tell you how often I look at a painting and wonder, what's behind it. That's so beautiful!

spread your wings said...

Renior is one of my favorite artists as well. i can see why you fell in love with this one.

d smith kaich jones said...

She is luscious! Look at those cheeks! That background! Love, love, love!

I have had a few moments in front of pieces of art, but the one that literally - LITERALLY - took my breath away, was a Polaroid by Ansel Adams. It was breathtaking in the real sense of the word. I just stood still and GOT IT. And this from a woman who thinks photography is almost never art! LOL! He proved me wrong. It can be and it was.

:) Debi

beth said...

that kind of feeling is both beautiful and scary at the same time....

Unknown said...

There's certainly something going through her mind as she gazes out!

Patti said...

Ah...dreaming away...boy do I relate! You saw Wicked?! What did you think? Inquiring minds would love to know!

Georgianna said...

Yes, and it's the mark of a great artist. Creating an identification with the viewer. It's terrific you were able to experience this and to photograph it!

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