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Saturday, July 31, 2010

Artistic Polar Bear Challenge: 100 Ways In 100 Days. #76 - Interpreting Van Gogh

In response to yesterday's plea for creative bear ideas, wonderful watercolorist and blog buddy Rhonda Carpenter came up with the idea of emulating an old master, such as Van Gogh or Matisse.  I loved the idea, and thought the style of Van Gogh would fit the bear beautifully.  What better inspiration to use but Van Gogh's famous Starry Night.



And here's how it looks on the bear:


Starry Night Bear

Gotta admit, I loved doing this one, and it's one of my favorites.  It practically fell on the page by itself.  Thanks for the suggestion, Rhonda!  Keep those creative ideas coming!

As promised in yesterday's post, today we're going to take a little trip to the Art Institute of Chicago.


Bustling Michigan Avenue in front of the Art Institute



The beautiful architecture of the Art Institute



One of the two famous lion statues in front of the building.  Arguably the most photographed lions in the world.


The gorgeous entrance hall and admissions desk.


The Grand Staircase.  It is so very aptly named.



Here are a few pics of the Alsdorf Galleries, which showcase Indian, Southeast Asian, and Himalayan Art.






Some scenes from the Impressionist galleries.

















After walking, browsing, and examining some, a bit of lunch in the McKinlock Court cafe was in order.













The pigeons knew we were easy marks when they saw us.



More scenes from the various galleries.









             

And a few artifacts:


If they had garden gnomes in the Han Dynasty, they would look like this.



Can you imagine painting on this easel?


This is one of my favorite sculptures in the museum.  It is a 'Chimera', a tomb guardian from the Han Dynasty. To me, it looks like someone crossed a dragon with a Corgi.  Would it be called a Dragi?  Or a Corgon? Either way, I want to bring it home.  Wouldn't it make a great painting?  



Thanks for sticking around and going on the tour.  If you haven't been to the Art Institute, I highly recommend it.  And if you come to Chicago, drop me a line, and we'll feed the pigeons in the cafe together!

8 comments:

Claire Beadon Carnell said...

My ABSOLUTE FAVORITE! This is phenomenal, and Vincent would love your creativity!

Cynthia a.k.a. Cynnie said...

This is a wonderful version...good on Rhonda´s part to think up such a thing...your rendering is marvelous!!! I love this bear!!
Thanks for the grand tour too...what a way to spend a day.

Lisa Walsh said...

Thank you, Claire! He was oodles of fun to do, and definitely one of my favorites, too. You should try something like this for your 'Inspirations' series.

Hi Cynnie, and thanks. The Art Institute is a marvelous way to while away a day. I'm waiting for your creative suggestion for this bear. :)

Terri Buchholz said...

Thank you for the cybertrip to the Institute! It just makes me want to jump in the car for a spontaneous road trip to Chicago! What a great place for inspiration. And those were very nice photos - good job! What camera were you using?
Loved Vincent bear. For a challenge, how about a pre-Raphaelite?

Lisa Walsh said...

I think you do need to make a road trip, Terri. The camera is my trusty Canon Powershot A610 which has gone everywhere with me and endured abuse valiantly.

And, ok smart aleck, I may have to take you up on your challenge, once I figure out what a pre-Raphaelite painting is all about. :P

RH Carpenter said...

Oooo, I LOVE this one - Starry Starry Bear :) Great take on it, girl! And it's official, I have to return to the Art Institute and see things I missed the first time.

Linda Roth said...

Your best one ever.
The Chicago Art museum is Wonderful; I've got the Matisse Show in mind for a visit.

debwardart said...

Lisa - I was in Chicago 2 years ago and have photos in my computer that mirror some of yours! Wonder what that means??? - great minds . . . ?)
Rhonda had a great idea for the bear and you managed to capture it beautifully! (Gee, why am I not surprised!!!!)