Artur ZMijewski Film Documents Collaboration between Artists and Steel Workers

The Museum of Modern Art presents Projects 91: Artur Zmijewski, featuring the premiere of the artist’s newest film Swiecie, 2009 (2009) shown in a continuous 24-minute loop, in the Museum’s Contemporary Galleries through February 1, 2010. 
For the film, Zmijewski (Polish, b. 1966)—whose work investigates social norms by inventing or staging unusual scenarios for his subjects and documenting their reactions—invited seven artists from different parts of Poland to collaborate with steel workers in the city of Swiecie. They created public sculptures that were installed around the city. Projects 91 is organized by Connie Butler, The Robert Lehman Foundation Chief Curator of Drawings and The MoMA.

Sargent and the Sea Exhibit

John Singer Sargent, 2. En Route pour la pêche (Setting Out to Fish), 1878, oil on canvas. Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., Museum Purchase, Gallery Fund, 17.2.

The Corcoran Gallery of Art presents Sargent and the Sea through January 3, 2010. Featuring more than 80 paintings, watercolors, and drawings depicting seascapes and coastal scenes from the early career of the late 19th century American expatriate painter John Singer Sargent (1856–1925), the exhibition highlights the impact that the sea had on Sargent’s career, development of his style and artistic preferences.

The exhibit travels to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (February 14–May 23, 2010) and the Royal Academy of Arts, London (July 10–September 26, 2010).

Largest-ever retrospective of painter John William Waterhouse

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is hosting the largest-ever retrospective of the British painter John William Waterhouse (1849-1917). Thanks to loans from the Tate Gallery, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Leeds Art Gallery, the Museum will present all three versions of The Lady of Shalott, Waterhouse's most celebrated and popular piece based on Tennyson's poem, This showing will be the first time these three works have been presented together. 

 J. W. Waterhouse: Garden of Enchantment runs through February 7, 2010 and includes some eighty works, paintings and works on paper plus a book of poems by Alfred, Lord Tennyson belonging to the artist. The first international exhibition of the artist's work since 1978, it is also the first to feature the entire artistic career of this modern Pre-Raphaelite, who was fascinated with  the femme fatale of literature, both as enchantress of ancient times and romantic heroine. 

A classical painter, J.W. Waterhouse borrowed generously from Naturalist and Impressionist schools and often scandalized peers and critics of his time with his modern approach and combined techniques.

Coming up Roses!!

"Coming up Roses"
Oil on Linen Panel
12 x 12

The vase in this composition was actually clear glass. However, as I was painting it a  Murano-like  effect kept coming through. Rather than paint what was actually there, I decided to experiment, go with the flow and see where artistic license took me.  Happily, following my mind's eye helped the piece as I think the hazy blue/green glaze on the vessel actually compliments the rich solid color of the roses and adds a sense of mystery.  Sometimes... everything does come up roses!

Sorry about the photo. Will attempt to take a better one and post  this week.