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| Jean-Étienne Liotard: La Chocolatiere, 1743-1745 |
I could stare at that portrait all night long. The pink of her cap and cheeks, the folds in her apron, the tray with the cup of chocolate and clear water. How do people paint like that? I read about Jean-Etienne Liotard in this article and wish I could go to Scotland and look at the other portraits. I've never been to Scotland. Have you? Actually, the exhibit is now in London. I've never been to London, either. Have you? Liotard, the painter, is Swiss-French. I've been to the French part of Switzerland, and I've been to France. Have you?
Reader, what's new?
This is what I'm reading:
Right Ho, Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse is the book that we're discussing this Friday at my Books & Bakes literary salon. I've got a friend who's just finished a nine-month stint at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris helping to cook the meal. It's going to be a good one!
Fighting God by David Silverman is a non-fiction book that some publicist asked me to read and perhaps review on the old blog. It's sub-titled An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World. I don't think I've ever read an atheist manifesto, so I'm curious. Stay tuned.
I saw the new James Bond movie on Friday night. It was the usual fun with one too many weird dystopian torture scenes. Missing more fun and wishing for less dark and weird dystopian torture scenes makes me seem old, no? But Daniel Craig in his tight suits that hearken back to the 1960s makes me feel young, yes. I love Daniel Craig. Dirty vodka martini this time, still shaken, not stirred. I love a dirty martini, too.
I'd put on a pink cap and rouge up my cheeks, bring Daniel Craig as Bond some chocolat on a tray, too. You?
I have actually been to Edinborough, London and Paris, all before my 25th birthday. Time for me do some more world exploring, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteOh, and your new header is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteNow that I've looked at that painting more closely, I can appreciate the extraordinary detail--the evidence of where the apron was once folded, the raw silk of the blouse, the incredible realism of the water glass. May I go look at paintings with you?
ReplyDeleteYes! When do we leave?
DeleteI'm not sure the rouge would work for me, but I would definitely cater to Daniel Craig's every whim.
ReplyDeleteThat IS an amazing painting. I should try to catch that show. I've never even heard of Liotard.
Oh, I hope you get a chance to visit that show and then write about it! I wish I could come visit you in London!
DeleteYour new header knocks me out!!!!
ReplyDeleteAs does that painting.
I turned eighteen in Paris. Thought I'd be back to Europe within the year.
Life got in the way.
The artist is Jackie Dunn Smith at Flying Panther Tattoo. I might have her design me a mermaid tattoo.
DeleteWish you could go hun!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the dose of art this morning. I love the painting and have not encountered this artist yet.
ReplyDeleteI am embarrassed to admit I have not traveled beyond North America, and I like to fantasize about visiting the museums and galleries of Europe, but doubt I will muster the energy or bravery required for the flight. I could visit the Chicago Art Institute forever and still not see everything, and the train ride to the city does not make me panicky. If ever you find yourself in my city, I would love to stare at paintings with you.
I just read Ted Koppel's Lights Out and it scared the bejeezus out of me. I am considering short term disaster planning because he is so credible and convincing. I can't wait to hear what you think of the Atheist Manifesto.
And lastly, Daniel Craig is mesmerizing. I blame his steely blue eyes. And yes his movies are mostly dark, dark, dark.
I'd love to stare at paintings with him, too.
I heard Ted K talking about his book and disaster preparations on the radio some weeks ago. I don't know, Mel -- I'm not sure I want to "survive" if it takes that kind of preparation.
DeleteI was made in France (parents 1st year of marriage). You would love paris. Paris would love you. I loved most the non judgmental vibe there. Quite the opposite in london. Better kind calls your p's and q's there and say sorry for every little thing.
ReplyDeleteMind. Not kind.
DeleteThe new header is a knockout. And the Liotard painting is so beautiful in its detail and subtlety.
ReplyDeleteI visited all three sectors of Switzerland when I was 10 on a school trip from the British school we were attending for a year - by train and boat and trains. It was an adventure. Have only been to Glasgow in Scotland. I aspire to get to Edinburgh. London can be grand but it is spendy. x0 N2
Since you asked what new; I saw Suffragette last week (or was it the week before?). I thought it was wonderful and I was grateful that my friend had her purse with her ever present tissues. I am five shows into a forty (40!) show run of Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer (I am a stagehand), and I hated it after the first rehearsal. Last year was the first year since I'd had kids that I did a holiday show run and I'd forgotten how hateful it can make you feel about the holidays. I am ready The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy to the kids, and just finished a Ted Kooser book to myself. I think you should get a mermaid tattoo by that artist. For sure.
ReplyDeleteThat should say "reading" not "ready"..sigh.
DeleteI've been to London and Paris. Both nice. I want to go to Italy.
ReplyDeleteAs for Daniel Craig, he just doesn't do it for me. Something about his lips, must remind me of someone. And he never smiles, that's probably it. I like a man with a very good sense of humor.
Yes, the pink! Fabulous. Daniel Craig. Yes. Though his ears do make me giggle from time to time ;) But him and a thick drinking chocolat, oy, delight!
ReplyDelete