Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Artist Inspiration

Along with the Chihuly exhibit at Dallas Arboretum were five replicas of artist houses.  I loved how they invited you in where the artist lived, by rebuilding a play-house-size home decorated in the artist works.  Having seen must of these artist original works displayed through traveling exhibits or permanent displays at the Kimbell at Fort Worth or Dallas Museum of Art, I enjoyed guessing whose home was being depicted before looking down at the plaque.  This wonderful exhibit ignited our art studies for the year.

See if you can guess and I will show the answer after each house.

Does this give it away?  I am sure you have guessed by now!
Walking over the bridge to the house, across the lily-pads...you were swept into his world.

It didn't take much to know whose house the next artist was...her signature was seen in her surroundings.

Can't you just feel her inspiration?  An American artist.

I am sure you have guessed this one also.  I own a large coffee book of her pieces.

At this point I am already filling my thoughts and plans for our art year...and we still had three more houses.

This one was harder to guess for me from the outside...but once you stepped in...you knew.

Have you guessed?

Let's see we have seen Post-Impressionist, American Modernism and Impressionist....two more to go.

How pretty is this?  I was ready to move right in.




As we strolled from house to house I could hear quotes from Madeleine L'Engle's book Walking on Water, Reflections of Faith and Art
Although I would love to have the gift these artist had, the Lord didn't see fit to hand it to me...but I am to be faithful with what He did give me, while still being inspired by other's greatness.

A sad fact which nevertheless needs to be faced is that a deeply committed Christian who wants to write stories or paint pictures or compose music to the glory of God simply may not have been given the talent, the gift, which a non-Christian, or even an atheist, may have in abundance.  God is no respecter of persons, and this is something we are reluctant to face.  Madeleine L'Engle




How colorful is this?  This just made you smile.


We finished up with Neo-Impressionist and Cubism.  Now wasn't that a "sweet" exhibit, as my adult children would say?  Inspiration for a full year of art lessons.

Getting out of the way and listening is not something that comes easily, either in art or in prayer.
Madeleine L'Engle - Walking on Water

21 Joining in with more words:

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

What a wonderful exhibit -- and field trip! I'd love to sit in on your classes this year. Benjamin is in for a treat!

NanaNor's said...

Hi Janette, I loved seeing these pics but have to admit I was pretty stumped by the houses. What a wonderful way to celebrate such famous artists. Thank you for sharing. Have a wonderful day!
Noreen

Vee said...

Very sweet and it makes learning so much fun. I would love to see these exhibits. Thank you for sharing them. Oh that quote...it's a zinger!

Rebecca said...

I only got the first 3...but oh, my! What an interesting exhibit!
I enjoy being stretched by similar opportunities - to expand my interests and knowledge base...

Angel said...

What fun! Thank you for the tour through this creative exhibit. This is the sort of thing that sparks the imagination and inspires us to create as well. Blessings!

Lisa said...

I did get to see these! Weren't they adorable? I wanted to move right in! LOL!

Farm Girl said...

That is just and fantastic exhibit!! I am sure you had so much fun. I would love that and I would want to stay forever.

Cindy said...

What a great exhibit. I guessed the Picasso but not the others.

Sandy said...

I only guessed Picasso correctly. All of these are so cool. Loved them all. Would liked to have seen this exhibit with you and Benjamin!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

I'm going!! :)

Christine said...

What a great idea to show the homes of the artists. (I didn't get one right.) I need to sit in with Benjamin when you study all these interesting subjects. You are the coolest mom/teacher!

Pom Pom said...

What a wonderful spot! Thank you very much for the lovely tour!

Tanna said...

Wow!! This display is wonderful. I love the aboretum and it has been so long since I have been. These are some thought provoking quotes, too. Stretch us some more, Janette!! Love it! ;)

This really is excellent for teaching children... and big children. blessings ~ tanna

Always Nesting said...

Amazing! Those are the most adorable houses. I'd love to be able to see this exhibit.

Sally said...

What a great exhibit, kudos to the curator. Have a great school year, it is off to a super start.

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Thanks for sharing this really creative display. And that M. L'Engle ... I love her.

Have you read Linnea in Monet's garden? A lovely children's book on Monet.

Fondly,
Glenda

Debbie said...

I didn't get any of them right...haha. LOVED this. I would have loved to have been there. What a neat thing. Glad you all enjoyed it!

Marsha Young said...

Janette, You are an inspiration and your children are soooo fortunte to have you guiding their education.

I think I must go find the book Walking on Water. I have only read A Wrinkle in Time. :)
Blessings to you today and every day - Marsha

Nikki (Sarah) said...

these are the best....I just loved them and wish they were close by so we could visit them. Although I didn't know most of the artists...I love seeing all the houses and colors...Hope you day tomorrow shines.

Debbie Petras said...

What a lovely art lesson. I want to be in your kind of class Janette! What a fun day. Benjamin is very fortunate to have a mama who loves to teach and join in.

I had the wonderful delight of actually visiting Monet's home. I love his art! And sitting in the garden and seeing with my eyes his lily pond and bridge ...awesome! It was worth the whole Paris trip.

Love you,
Debbie

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Ah, Janette, what a treat! I love art, as well as writing and have studied many of these artists. To see the originals would be amazing. Only once have I seen a few western artists: Thomas Moran, Albert Bierstadt and of course Remington and Russel. All art is a blessing to our existence. Thank you for sharing your photos, what a a beautiful trip that was.

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