I went to the Frick Museum when I was in New York city. It was wonderful, but, as with any museum, I didn't get to see the up close detail in the paintings. Some of them I just couldn't get close enough to because of the large scale of it. Then, there just wasn't the time to indulge myself in viewing them like I wanted. For me, because of where I've lived, it's been a once in a life time experience to go to the Frick. There's other museums that I would love to visit as well.

So, imagine not being able to travel to museums because of the lack of time or money. Enter Google Art Project. It's the answer to every artist's (and those who love art) dream. 

The Google Art project gives the viewer the opportunity to see the crackled paint in the Vermeer, the detail in the Constable cathedral, the thin wisps of the water and sky of a Turner, the powerful shapes of the Goya, or the directional strokes of a Rembrandt. In exquisite detail. At virtually no cost. All while sitting at home. Is this a great world or what?!!

My name is Shannon Christensen and I'm an art junkie. I'm going to be spending hours on this site! Forget Farmville, or whatever the newest distraction is, go Google Art Project.

Here's a painting by a Spanish painter Sorolla, Mending the Sail 1896. Though I am sure the photograph does not do the original work justice I love the way the light plays on the canvas sail. The way he managed the cool and warm colors, it is amazing. I would love to master such a skill. (Sorry, I got sidetracked. That wasn't my point today.) My point is what content he painted.

The 2 paintings are scenes of daily life. Images of what they spent most of their time probably doing, work. (And look at that light through and on top of the sail - perfect!) It seems all quite beautiful and idealized to us but it was mundane or necessary for them. Many artists capture their times. It is often said that an artist should catch the moments from his/her own day. So...

Children's Charity Auction, Wings in the City, 
will benefit St. Louis' BJC Pediatric Hospice and Palliative Care program. 
The butterflies were unveiled in October 2010 and will emerge again in May 2011 to be auctioned off. 

There are over 50 of these giant butterflies that you can see here. 
Here's a photo just so you can get an idea of the size of these beauties.

Artists used bits and pieces of maps, jewelry, gems, game pieces, beads, pennies, photos, hockey pucks, mirrors, buttons, legos, and mosaic tiles. A creative bunch. Here's a close up of Diane Katzman's piece.

And there is a butterfly from Mary Englebreit Studios 
(she is the honorary artist for the event) that has already been sold for the children's charity benefit.

Click the image below to see all of the other entries.

Makes me want to get artsy with a butterfly. Or maybe just bid on one. Maybe you want to as well. 
What would you put on your butterfly?

Sketched Out (Linda Silvestri) did this illustration for a contest onTheyDrawAndCook.com where they have illustrated Christmas recipes. It's fun to see all the different styles and recipes. I really liked this one though it's not posted on the contest site yet. (Which means it might be a winner?) You can find out for yourself and see all the others here. 

I was wondering how Galleries were going to move forward with technology and develop new biz models to meet the changing ways that people move through life and leisure. American Art Collector is putting one way out there - Gallery Show Online. It says "September 2010" so I am assuming that it will change each month. And it represents many different Galleries from across the country. Very interesting.

You go to their Gallery Shows Online main page, there are 22 shows to see. When you click on one it takes you to a window that opens with a flash of silhouettes with drinking glasses as if at a gallery opening. Also, it has the accompanying gallery exhibition background 'noise' . It's a surprise but it's not annoying because it quickly fades to silent so that you can see the art in solitude. I viewed a few of the "shows" and I think you might like it as I did. Enjoy.

I was a student of Richard Hull (Illustrator) for several years. He did a demo with acrylics and palette knife in class one day and he whipped it out rather quickly. I'm pretty sure he was going to throw it away but I asked if I could have it. (Isn't that clever of me.) He obliged and signed it for me as well. Just read here that he will be retiring next year from teaching after 23 years. Wow. Put he isn't putting down his paintbrush. Seems he might be on to bigger fish.

Here is a bedroom design inspired by the artwork of 
Jeffrey Hein. I've always liked the painting of his above the bed so I chose that one to pull together this bedroom.

I want to sit in that leather swivel chair and run my feet through that wool rug. Awww.........