Birthdays – Page 3

Happy Birthday, Grant Wood

“All the good ideas I ever had came to me while I was milking a cow.” Grant Wood Grant Wood’s American Gothic is arguably the most recognized painting in 20th-century American art. It comes from the environment in which Grant Wood was raised: the rural American Midwest. The story behind the painting goes backContinue reading “Happy Birthday, Grant Wood”

Happy Birthday, Max Beckmann

“I believe that the reason why I love painting so much is that it forces one to be objective. There is nothing I hate more than sentimentality.” Max Beckmann (February 12, 1884 – December 27, 1950) Max Beckmann lived in a time of conflict and fundamental change. His artwork is a brilliant reflection of thisContinue reading “Happy Birthday, Max Beckmann”

Happy Birthday, John Singer Sargent

If you are one of those who enjoy statistical probabilities, then you would agree with me that John Singer Sargent has a high likelihood of appearing in an art gallery. This was my thought when I entered the Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museum, Aberdeen, Scotland. I was not disappointed. Mrs. J. W. Crombie, an oilContinue reading “Happy Birthday, John Singer Sargent”

Happy Birthday, Paul Cézanne

Today marks the birthday of Paul Cézanne. Paul Cézanne’s life is a poignant reminder that it is not easy to be the bridge between ideas. It takes courage to go forward into unknown territory, alone without support or encouragement. Cézanne was the connection between two art forms – late 19th century Impressionism and early 20thContinue reading “Happy Birthday, Paul Cézanne”

Happy Birthday, Wassily Kandinsky

“Colour is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano with many strings. The artist is the hand that plays, touching one key or another, to cause vibrations in the soul.” Wassily Kandinsky (December 4, 1866 – December 13, 1944) Russian painter and art theorist, recognized as painting the first purelyContinue reading “Happy Birthday, Wassily Kandinsky”

Happy Birthday, Gilbert Stuart

“When I painted him, he had just had a set of false teeth inserted, which accounts for the constrained expression so noticeable about the mouth and lower part of the face.” Gilbert Stuart, speaking of George Washington. (December 3, 1755 – July 9, 1828) One of America’s foremost portraitists. Brilliant and temperamental, GilbertContinue reading “Happy Birthday, Gilbert Stuart”