The Adirondack Guide, 1894, watercolor over graphite on paper, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Homer is thought to be the essential American artist:  independent, plain spoken, and a believer that art can reproduce the blunt facts of life.  He is famous for his fascination with struggle. With work ranging from Civil War scenes, to men in the woods, at sea, in Maine, in rural New York, Florida, the Bahamas and Bermuda.  His watercolors are freely applied in bold strokes and broad washes with a native sense of color and of the subtleties of light and shadow.

Homer’s advice to artists:  “Look at nature, work independently and solve your own problems.”

Thursday, July 20, 2023

5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

Eileen Gray, Lotus, dark green and white lacquer table, ca. 1914, Collection Galerie Maria de Beyrei, Paris;  Gerard Sandoz, Semaphor Brooch, with polished and mat platinum, diamonds, coral and jet, 1925, Collection, N. Manoukian, Paris;   The Chrysler Building by William Van Alen, 1930;  and Poster for Century of Progress World’s Fair Showing Exhibition Buildings with Boats on Water in Foreground, 1933, Weimar    Pursell, silkscreen print by Neely, Printing Co., Chicago

Art deco was a style for architecture, furniture, metal, enamel, lacquer, jewelry, statuettes, sculpture, dress, paintings, posters, glass, and ceramics which flourished in America and Europe in the 19 teens, 20s and 30s. It spoke to luxury and modernity. American skyscrapers express the summit of the Art Deco style. In this lecture all will enjoy learning about examples of the several modes of this flamboyant art.

Thursday, August 17, 2023

5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

The Kiss, 1907-08, oil on canvas, Belvedere Gallery, Vienna

Gustav Kilmt was the ‘bad boy’ of the Vinnese art scene but acknowledged as the painter of beautiful women – goddesses, heroines, Viennese ladies and erotica. He combined vibrant color, decorative ornament and a pulsating mood. His atmospherically charged landscapes are a match for his women. This lecture will examine his multiple styles.

Thursday, September 21, 2023

5:30 – 7:00 p.m.