Monday, February 22, 2010

painting of the month


Slow Down Freight Train -- Rose Piper, 1946

Sunday, February 14, 2010

enter the tiger

2010 brings the Chinese Zodiac's Year of the Tiger, tigers of course being known for their fiery nature and distinctly beautiful striped coat. Legend has it that the lion once ruled the Chinese zodiac, but either the lion's cruelty or laziness caused an overthrow and the brave yet compassionate tiger came in instead. This 1884 Tiger in the Moonlight was done by the French Academic painter Jean-Léon Gérôme, who I don't believe was born in the Year of the Tiger but seemed rather fond of the big cats and put them in several of his works.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

marc of excellence




Foxes -- Franz Marc (b. February 8, 1880 - d. March 1916)

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

newly distinguished



Abstract painter William Conger became part of the Chicago Union League's roster of Distinguished Artists last month, joining such other notables as Ed Paschke and Ruth Duckworth. I had the chance to interview Bill Conger last spring for Suite101.com -- a really enjoyable experience because he's a great conversationalist and can talk about anything. Click here to read the interview and here for Bill's official website.

(Pictured: Chinatown -- Wm. Conger, 2007)