Monthly Archives: June 2025
Time has flown by, and what was once cold and rainy has now given way to the middle of high summer heat. Everything is easier somehow when it is warmer. I was in the south of France, specifically in Nice, a month ago. It is wonderful to be able to walk along the sea. The elderly couple on the bench in the photo below were there every day. They were so nice in a way, and I asked if I could have a photo of them.
There were warm winds in and I planned to see exhibitions by Picasso, Chagall, and Matisse. A whole day for each artist. Despite plenty of time, I would have liked to stay longer. I really can’t compare them, but Matisse became my favorite. Just when I had finished seeing his exhibition, it ended with the photo above of Matisse and his dog.
I have so many photos, and of course, I had technical problems with my camera as well. After updating an app, it works again. I have never been able to paint, and I admire these artists. It is a life’s work, and I was able to follow the development of the artistry over the years. What inspires? How have contemporary times influenced painting? Cubism, impressionism – expressions that I remember for a long time, but have forgotten the meaning of. Chagall, for example, painted with such strong color combinations.
Henri Matisse was certainly inspired by Vincent van Gogh, who lived in the 19th century. It is said that van Gogh’s epilepsy was treated with digitalis, which is found in foxgloves. Here is a note that describes a side effect of digitalis; it can affect vision so that you see more in the yellow direction. Van Gogh had a penchant for painting yellow, and it is said that this side effect may have contributed to yellow shades. You will also find a portrait of his doctor, Dr. Paul Gachet, with a foxglove in front of him Van gogh and the obsession of yellow- style or side effect
I love staying in front of a painting; playing with the idea of how it was created and took shape. What stories lie behind the choice of colors, motifs, etc? It is a bit of balm for the soul, especially since I cannot paint.