Placing Works of Art

I know absolutely nothing about decorating and how to appropriately place works of art. However, if I ever had the chance to have paintings in my own place - this is an idea of how I would go about doing it:

Vincent Van Gough's Starry Night

This has been one of my all time favorites since I was a child. I used to only appreciate the pretty colors and interesting use of swirls - as I got older this painting started to reveal more meanings to me. In my times of peace see this as a secluded small town with an entire world beyond its horizon waiting to be explored. I would put this one up in my bedroom - who wouldn't love to fall asleep to one of the best known works of art?

The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci

This painting would definitely go up in my dining room. Call it satirical or disrespectful, I love this painting for its rich texture and almost serene like environment. Although I'm not much of a religious person myself, I believe in God and Jesus Christ - I love how this painting brings a sense of reality to something many people are skeptical about. All that being said, what better place to put the painting of the last supper in a dining room?

Leondaro Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man

I like this one, although maybe not considered a painting, because its a work of art all in its own. I have always been fascinated by Da Vinci (as you can see), for his widespread works including art, science, or engineering. I think this is the best of all worlds, and for that I would put this one in the study/office room. As a piece of inspiration, I think this one is definitely appropriate.

Picasso's Three Musicians

As silly as it sounds, I love Picasso's work during his cubism era. From what I know, this technique involves taking his subjects for the shapes he see's, and I think it's fascinating! I also think this style really brings out a cheery, playful sense in his works regardless of what his subjects are. This painting would go in the entertainment room. How appropriate!

"An Extensive Estuary Landscape with the Story of Mercury and Herse" by Tobias Verhaecht

This was another piece found in the same gallery as the Rembrandt. This one in particular captured me because of its exquisite details and ability to pop out in the room with such little color. The horizon looks like it could extend infinitely, while the landscape features makes a bold presence in the scene.

I was viewing this piece with an elderly couple who mentioned that the artist, Tobias Verhaecht was very well known for the techniques in drawing landscapes of mythical lands.

"A Lioness Resting" by Rembrandt

I thought it'd be fun to visit the Getty while the Rembrandt gallery was still there, and it was definitely worth it.

I like how Rembrandt was able to convey the strength and emotions of this lioness with what looks like a few simple strokes. The eyes are fierce and the paws are laid together in an almost protective manner. The smallest details of this sketch are what brings it all together remarkably.

"Euclid" by Jusepe de Ribera

I thought this painting, although dark and shadowy was full of emotion in its own light. The man holding the book seems to be ready to preach its content, display it in a proud and eager manner. I was curious about the background of this piece, and actually took a picture of its description.

"The Entry of the Animals into Noah's Ark" by Jan Breughel the Elder

I noticed paintings with vibrant colors really captured my attention. I also noticed paintings with animals did the same thing. Thus, I stared at this painting of animals in vibrant colors for a very, very long time.

I instantly thought of Noah's Ark when I saw this. The middle aged man next to be seemed to have felt the same way. He introduced himself as Steve, a frequenter of this museum among many in the area. I told him I was here for my arts philosophy class and would appreciate some insight.

He told me he thinks from an artist's perspective when viewing art. He saw this as a painter who was fascinated by animals - and maybe intended to paint this picture to display the beauty of these animals and the beauty of the story we know of as Noah's Ark.

"Follow Up"

I shared an interesting conversation with a gallery staff at the Getty. I asked what was new and what I should be looking for and this particular staff member seemed very enthusiastic of the Rembrandt gallery that was on display only temporarily. I made sure that I had to pay a visit, especially since this was an artist I've actually heard of before.

The gallery wasn't what I expected at first. When I got there, I introduced myself to another gallery staff who was friendly and happy to help me appreciate the art. I told her that I had no idea what I was looking for, and was particularly displeased with the dark lighting and even duller works of art. She laughed, as she introduced me to the sketch of the lioness. It captured my attention because the subject was of an animal, but she invited me to take a closer look at the details the simple strokes displayed on the sketch. I began to see what she meant, and took such details into consideration on the rest of my visit.

This was definitely a different learning experience.

"Portrait of Princess Leonilla of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Sayn" by Franz Xaver Winterhalter

Not only was this particular painting extraordinary in size, but the colors are vibrant and the woman portrayed almost comes to life. The props in the paintings accompanying the subject displays her sophistication and royalty. I felt that maybe the painter was very fond of the aristocratic class, as his painting puts a princess like woman on a pedestal in a sense. Her expression is also interesting, she seems very composed and peaceful - all emotions that can be observed just through her eyes.

Reflecting on the Visit to the Getty

My visit to the Getty Museum was captivating. Although I did not get to talk to any artists because I was unavailable to attend the Art Walk of January 30th, speaking to museum enthusiasts and even gallery workers who knew a few things about the works displayed was educating. Me, being someone who did not know or understand how to appreciate art, really had a great experience in stepping outside my comfort zone to explore something I knew nothing about.

To be perfectly honest however, I still wouldn't have been able to observe the things I did on this visit without conversing with others present that day. It was truly a big help to be able to learn other's opinions and prior knowledge. It helped me keep my mind open to things I wouldn't have seen there before.

Still, the best part to me wasn't all the fancy displays and paintings - it was the view of the entire city from the top level!