Yesterday I went to the library and headed for the fine arts section. It’s a place I spent many hours in as a teenager. I loved it there. Of course this was pre-internet. Every art related magazine is there. Countless massive, glossy books on any artist. A friend of mine used to work at the library and said it’s shocking and sad how the place has become a ghost town. Rarely do people show up to borrow books like they used to. Kids almost never show up to reference books for essays.
I’m guilty of abandoning what was once a favourite place. Along with almost everyone else, I browse the web for info and inspiration, which is obviously fantastic, but I would put it in third place, behind books, and actual paintings in first place if you want to look at art. Books and catalogues have been put together with painstaking consideration in colour correction and detail.
I borrowed Andrew Wyeth: Memory & Magic, along with several other books and browsing through them was completely inspiring. So, if you’re looking for some fresh air and inspiration and are not near any major galleries, head to the library. I recommend it.
Here’s an aerial view of me working on the mandolin. The mandolin is drawn nearly exact to life size. Starting next month I’ll be posting actual completed pieces.
Hi! Christopher Stott,
I’am raising my hand very slowly…because I’am
also “guilty” of forsaken that place called a…library. (For the internet…and I just “checked out” the book Andrew Wyeth: Memory & Magic, over there at amazon.com…what a very interesting book.) Speaking of, the Wyeths’
(I must admit that I’am more familiar with artist Jamie Wyeth’s paintings.(Than his famous relatives..N.C., Andrew, etc,..)
Btw, I think that your Wyeth, inspired…
(placing an emphasis on the word “inspired,” which is the word that “I” used, but of course!…to describe your paintings and sometimes “hesitate” to use when describing your paintings.)
…because I think that your paintings are very “unique,” this is not to “diminish” the Wyeth s’ art work, but of course not!…that would be “impossible,” well, next to “impossible.” I just think that your paintings “stand alone” on their own merit.
C.S.,Thanks, for sharing that “aerial view” as you continue to work on your beautiful painting. (“mandolin”)Deedee ;-D
I LOVE my library. Being short on cash and loving books, it’s helped me stay connected.
I went to place a hold on a book at my local library through the internet yesterday, and discovered that my card has expired. I am headed into the city to renew it today – definitely a worth while investment!
Can’t wait to see this mandolin – either completed or in its various stages of completion, Chris. It already looks amazing in this photo.
Any signs of spring in SK? Here in AB we have snow forecasted all week – what’s with that?????
Joanne, sorry about the snow and the cold for poor AB. Nothing of the sort here in SK, at least in my region.. It could be warmer though. I have a sister in Sylvan Lake. She likes to brag about the Chinooks. I think this is payback.