Sunday, January 1, 2012

New Year's Eve at the Crocker Art Museum

The Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA

Wayne Thiebaud, Boston Cream Pies

detail, love the juicy paint and brushwork!

Thiebaud, Pies

detail pies


Thiebaud, Sacramento Delta

At Rio Vista, in the Sacramento River Delta
The beginning of this journey is an excellent visit to Sacramento and to the Crocker Art Museum. 

How do you like to visit museums? After many years of experience, I have worked out my own routine. I study the museum before I go and get acquainted with their collection and current exhibits. Then, I make notes to myself about what I am MOST interested in seeing. I put in order at least 10 paintings. And those are the paintings I go to see first. 

The Crocker Art Museum has such a huge collection, it was hard to narrow down my list. I started with Wayne Thiebaud, as you see above. I loved seeing his bold application of paint, the "halation" around the subjects (click the word to read more about his great "pop art" style), and his confident brush strokes.

Wayne Thiebaud was my first choice of paintings to look at, but not the only choice. I hope to post more artwork from the fabulous Crocker Art Museum.

Look here for more about Thiebaud!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I really love the Davidson Gallery in Pioneer Square here in Seattle. You've probably been there. I recently went through many flat files of small and very old etchings and other mediums, even got to see up close some originals from the 18th century and earlier. It was amazing!

Casey Klahn said...

Thiebaud is a giant, and especially in No. California. He is at the top of my Pop Art list, and I especially love seeing any interviews of the great teacher and artist. Whatever he does is uniquely his, and innovative.

SamArtDog said...

So, did you get busted for licking the Thiebaud paintings at the Crocker? So tempting. I swear I gain a kilo just from looking at his yummy stuff. I try to be adult and stick to his awesome landscapes. His aerial perspective kills.

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Hi Joni!

I haven't been to the Davidson Gallery yet, but next time I'm in Seattle, I'll be sure to go there! How did you get to view the old drawings and prints? Special permission?

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Casey! I've heard from people who took his seminars that he was a great teacher! I'm thinking more and more about his unique take on simple subjects. Inspiring, for certain!

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Sam! If they sold coffee right there by those paintings, I would have camped out for the day. No guards chided me for putting my nose (and camera) within 3" of the paintings! Yay! I'm definitely a fan. Sounds like you are, too.

Ellemieke said...

So sad we don't live nearby.....I would make the cakes and you would make great studies of it....
His work is great, Katherine. By seeing the paintings I want to bake and create...so that's what I will do today!

Carolyn Rondthaler said...

Love it....last time I was at the Crocker Art Museum, they didn't have any Thiebaud up. I take it the new gallery for his work is done. I will give it priority next time I go to California.

Ralph said...

A very interesting post. I hope you continue to be inspired and to inspire in this New Year. have a good one.

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Ellemieke! If we lived closer, we would certainly spend a LOT of time together!! Love your beautiful cakes (you can see them at: http://www.sweetforyoursweet.nl/)!!

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Hi Carolyn! The new wing is beautiful and has doubled the square footage for the museum. It's a beautiful place. Thanks so much for talking about it and recommending it! I'm so glad I went.

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Thank you, Ralph! It's good to see you again. Happy new year and good things to you in the year ahead!