Welcome to Spring

Yesterday I took the day off and visited the de Young museum in San Francisco to the see the annual "Bouquets to Art" exhibit. This is a wonderful exhibit held every March to show fantastic flower arrangements inspired by works of art. One of my favorite Wayne Thiebaud paintings had inspired a very dramatic flower arrangement, as you can see!

It was interesting, for the first time, after seeing this painting in books and in the museum many times, I noticed a sign next to it explaining that this painting was unusual for many reasons. The main reason was that the gumballs had highlights, but not the glass globe that contained them, creating the impression that the gumballs were suspended in mid air. Another unusual feature, is that the shadows of the gumball machines had no relation to the shape of the actual machines. The shadows are are in the shape of cones, while the machines are rectangular and globe shaped. The machines also have no handles or price information on the front. The exit holes are too small to accommodate the gumballs. All of this information surprised me. I had never noticed. Amazing!

The most dramatic arrangement was the giant spiral of bird of paradise hanging from the ceiling in the main entry! Very impressive!

I think it is so important to get out and see art in museums and galleries. I try to do this as often as I can. I always come back inspired and energized, with all kinds of new ideas and excited to start painting again! To all, welcome to springtime!!!