Chuck Close at the Weisman

Portraits by Chuck Close will be on view at the Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art at Pepperdine University in Malibu through April 5, 2015 

 ...three artists communing.

 The art lovers are fascinated with the variety of media, including: etchings, engravings, woodcuts, lithographs and (more unusual) tapestry and hand-made paper pulp.  

Contemplating the  artist's version of his close friend and contemporary composer, Phillip Glass.

Two more artists: a best selling writer and (me) artist and art dealer.  Friends and admirers, very like Chuck Close and his colleagues.  

Chuck Close studied his friends and colleagues, such as John Chamberlain, Alex Katz, and Lucas Samaras.  

 The dynamic collector, Jordan Schnitzer, inspired us all.  At age 14 he purchased his first work,  and now more than a hundred museums have been loaned the resultant collections.   Tonight we all had the sublime experience of seeing part of his passion for what artist's do.  

The exciting night was being recorded by many media.  

Another Inspiring Sky

Photo credit: Dick Johnson 

Malibu Farm at the Pier

It was Christmas Eve and there was faux snow under the mistletoe.  This is, after all, the land of make believe.  

The sun begins to go down at the pier.  

What a beautiful walk to our dinner.  

Waiting for our farm-to-table dinner.  It rivaled my childhood food, when we raised and grew everything and it was prepared by amazing cooks in the name of my Mom and Dad.  

Santa Claus, himself, gave us a ride back to our car.  

But, not before enjoying the recommended cake made of whole wheat and olive oil.  https://emmaandisabeltakela.wordpress.com/2014/09/10/malibu-farm-pier-cafe/

Each Moment More Beautiful Than the Last

...from the balcony.  November 20, 2014 near 5 p.m.  

Dance To See in Los Angeles This Week

http://www.laweekly.com/publicspectacle/2014/10/30/5-dance-shows-to-see-this-week-including-a-troupe-that-goes-gaga

Lady Gaga Moves to Malibu

I sure hope I will recognize her, if I see her at the market.  

http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/10/lady_gaga_bought_a_crazy_secret_bowling_alley_house_in_malibu_for_23_million.php

"The Goldfinch"

I just finished reading all 771 pages of "The Goldfinch," and wished it was twice as long.  Inside the book jacket it claimed, "...beautiful, stay-up-all-night-and-tell-your-friends triumph."  I agree. www.washingtonpost.com/.../the-disappointing-novel-.

"The Valley of Amazement" and "China Dolls"

...did so enjoy the newest books by Amy Tan and Lisa See.  

Jazz Musicians Inspire Life Drawing Students

During a recent visit to LACMA www.lacma.org/‎, I happened on these art students drawing jazz musicians.  Tyler Azelton was singing to the bass of John Graves.  It was set in the gallery exhibiting John Altoon's work.  He was said to have taught life drawing this way.  

LACMA Exhibits Expressionism from France and Germany

Andre Derain, BOATS IN CHATOU, 1904-5, oil on canvas  

Seeing the paintings exhibited in this show at the Los Angeles County Museum of  Art was an opportunity that would have been impossible to duplicate.  Fortunately for the viewers, it was a beautiful education.  The verve of the brushstrokes and the vivacity of the colors heralded the courageous art that would follow. 

Henri Matisse, OPEN WINDOW, COLLIOURE, 1905, oil on canvas

Maurice deVlaminck, THE FARMER, 1905, oil on canvas

Karl Schmidt-Rottluff, GARTENSTRASSE EARLY IN THE MORNING, c.1906, oil on board 

Henri Matisse, NUDE STUDY IN BLUE, c.1899-1900, oil on canvas 

Paul Gaughin, POLYNESIAN WOMAN WITH CHILDREN, 1901, oil on canvas 

Vincent Van Gogh, POLLARD WILLOWS AT SUNSET, 1888, oil on canvas mounted on cardboard 

Paul Cezanne, BOY WITH STRAW HAT, 1896, oil on canvas 

Robert Delaunay, RED EIFFEL TOWER, 1911-12, oil on canvas 

Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, STREET, BERLIN, 1913, oil on canvas 

George Braque, VIOLIN AND PALLET, 1909, oil on canvas

Lyonel Feininger, SLEEPING WOMAN-JULIA, 1913, oil on canvas

Cuno Amiet, PORTRAIT OF VIOLINIST EMIL WITTWER-GELPKE, 1905, oil on canvas

For more on this informative exhibit click on:
http://www.lacma.org/expressionism?gclid=CJj545OC8cACFRSEfgodzjAAXQ#about

Dazzling Night at the Hollywood Bowl

What dazzled most last night at the Hollywood Bowl?  Was it the debut performance of violinist Simone Porter, or, LA Philharmonic's finish of their rendition of  "Appalachian Spring" with fireworks?  

Window Shopping in Malibu