Cure for Cabin Fever

Van Gogh

We are still in the midst of having our basement reconstructed after the flood from December.  Everything had to be covered or brought upstairs since they are still working on the drywall.  And the dust just seems to float upstairs through the heating vents.  Needless to say, this has had an impact on my painting.

So a little inspiration was in order.  Going to the Art Institute of Chicago always fills my creative well.  These photos were taken on my brother's iPhone.  I can't believe the great quality.

Claude Monet

Mary Cassatt

Henry Twatchman

My paintings patiently waiting to be put back in my studio  

My computer desk 

I hope your February has been a beautiful one, filled with inspiration.

Monet's Mornings on the Seine

Branch of the Seine near Giverny (Mist)

Claude Monet

circa 1897

I snapped this picture five minutes before closing time last Wednesday. I wanted to take more pictures, but the guards were shooing my daughter and I out of the gallery (sigh). We went to the Art Institute of Chicago on that snowy, cold day to view the the Arts and Crafts exhibit called Apostles of Beauty. It was a great exhibit which gave an overview of the movement from William Morris to Frank Lloyd Wright. Unfortunately, no photography was allowed.

I can never visit the Art Institute without seeing a Monet. Just laying eyes on one of his works fills me with inspiration for months. The Mornings on the Seine series are my very favorite. I like these even more than his haystacks or waterlilies. Because there is a certain meditative quality that draws me into these misty paintings.