Thursday, October 05, 2006

Bridge Lights


Well, I've been back home from Europe for a little over a week now. I finished up this nocturnal painting that I started before I left, "Bridge Lights", it is 24x24 inches. The location is along the LA river.

Europe was fantastic. I bought so many art books that when I was coming home, the airline almost wouldn't let me check my luggage because of the weight... and that's AFTER I shipped the heavy ones home. I saw just about every major art museum in London and Paris. Taking it all in was rather like drinking out of a fire hose. I was really struck by the Bonnard paintings at the d'Orsay Museum, that use of color and his whimsical treatment of subjects. Millet, Manet, and Monet all really struck a cord. And I loved seeing all of Delacroix's major works at the Louvre, they had a powerful presence. As did the Hubert Robert paintings. I was also surprised to find that the TATE had an entire wing of the museum dedicated to J.M.W. Turner.

This is me in front of one of Monet's murals in Paris...

I'm always attempting to successfully photograph a nocturne... this is "The Nag's Head" in London...

My wife Holly at the Tuilleries...
Holly and I outside the Louvre in Paris...

I can really only begin to express how overwhealmingly wonderful it all was. I shot approximately 1800 pictures in all, I have fantastic refrence for my March show at Tirage. I was impressed at London's immaculate cleanliness, orderliness, and polite manners (especially in contrast to the Parisians). And Paris has got to be the most picturesque city in the world, plus they win when it comes to their vast art collections. I hope someday to be able to make an extended stay and work there. I did little more than a handful of sketches because I was so busy seeing everything. And we walked so much that we had giant blisters on our feet. Not the most restful vacation, but certainly the best one I've been on.

7 comments:

Jesse said...

Welcome back. Sounds like Europe was a good time.

The painting looks good too.

tonypetersart said...

Thanks Jesse, it's good to be home. Getting back to work is slow-going... all I want to do is clean. I miss room service!

June Parrish Cookson said...

Hello Tony, glad you returned safely. Enjoyed your pictures from Europe and you and your wife make a lovely couple.

I've always wanted to visit Europe especially Paris. My father's ancestors, are from Paris. We have a book about the originality of my maiden name which began as the name Paris. So I feel a kindred connection with the city.

Your new painting is absolutely exceptional as always. Love this so much I can't find the right words to describe it.

And thanks for the compliments on my new painting and story!

tonypetersart said...

Glad you enjoyed the pictures, June. As a painter, you'll really be moved by Paris when you go. A strong undiscovered sense of your history, not only in you family, but your artistic haritage too. My head is still spinning.

william wray said...

Hey Man,

Glad your back, the new pating is strong, I like the strong sidways "V" in it. Lets slather some paint soon.

tonypetersart said...

Hey Bill, thanks. I get a little nervous whenever I start a nocturne. I'm always afraid it'll get too dark or too light. But I like how it turned out.

C'mon down here to San Diego, we'll slather the town red.

Anonymous said...

Its really too good..great job..keep going..


Thanks for sharing...


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