Month: February 2011

5794578258_6d8ce9df42_z-7221608

June 2011 | Elysian Studios

5794578258_6d8ce9df42_z-7221608

Located in the heart of the city, The Indianapolis Museum of Art is the fifth largest general art museum in the country, and is sure to amaze and delight all who visit.  The museum celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2008, and with it’s new addition of “100 Acres,” proves that it will continue to thrive for many generations to come.  The very best part, and I am still in disbelief about this, is that touring the permanent collection and gardens at the museum is completely free

5794019737_28a016207a_z-6365368

Housing a phenomenal collection of American and European art, you can spend hours just walking the second floor.  Monet, Picasso, Bernard, Gaugin, VanGogh, Seurat, and Renoir are all represented in the European collection.  The galleries are beautifully organized in a way that highlights schools and styles of painting, and the descriptions provide insightful details about the pieces.

This creates a beautiful story of the history of art immediately in front of you.  The museum has wide open gallery spaces that are handicap accessible and convenient for children to have ample room to move.  Want to add to the story of the art in the room?  Try to mimic the sculptures!

 5794025087_f281fcd3d2_z-9087586

The museum allows still photography without the use of a flash, and you are permitted to sketch with pencils in the galleries.  I would love to share all of the photos I took of the paintings, but that could make for quite a long post! 

Nothing replaces seeing these works in person. No matter what developments we make in technology, there is nothing like standing in front of a painting by a master artist.  Look at the glorious brushstroke and color in this detail of “The Seashore” by Jean Metzinger. Don’t you just want to touch that beautiful bumpy paint?

5794055887_d7e720f0a2_z-3417017

My whole family was fascinated by the variety of gallery spaces within the museum.  This double loggia was such a noble space with its open courtyard, high ceilings, and grand staircase.

5794583708_ebea10d2bb_z-8915324

In the Hunt Rotunda Gallery, you will be awed by this large, original stained glass window by Tiffany Studios.  Commissioned in 1901 by Mrs. Benjamin Harrison to honor her husband, the 23rd President of the United States, “Angel of the Resurrection” is the lower half of the large window that was installed in the First Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis, where he served as an elder for more than 40 years.  To give you an idea of scale, this portion of the window is about 30 feet wide by 14 feet high.  We sat for awhile and just marvelled!

 5794598624_9ea98f54f5_z-2241605

Art lovers of all ages will enjoy the variety of interior spaces within The Indianapolis Museum of Art.  From historic architectural to sleek contemporary, this museum does an excellent job of demonstrating the many ways art fits harmoniously into our lives. 

5794598538_75bb57f8c1_z-8094330
5794056141_d991a405b6_z-8694041 For someone from the high plains desert of Colorado, strolling through the lush gardens of Indiana was invigorating!  Classical Gardens are so lovely, and the Museum Gardens provide examples of both the formal and informal styles.

Crisp white arbors were stunning against the rich green hedges of the Richard D. Wood Formal Garden.  Brilliant purple iris blooms swayed in the breeze to the song of the bubbling fountain in the garden’s center.  In a more informal setting, romantic stone statuary stood calmly within a dense wooded grove of ferns and ivy, providing a shady respite from the warm afternoon sun.

5794583860_bb46a6ee7b_z-3955499

Located on 100 acres within the city of Indianapolis, 100 Acres: The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is one of the largest museum art parks in the nation.  It includes woodlands, wetlands, meadows and features commissioned site-responsive artworks. 

Ever wanted to feel like you could be “beamed up” for a little space travel?  Step under the two 30 foot-wide suspended metal rings of “Align” , and you’ll feel like it may just be possible! These rings are remarkably suspended from nearby telephone poles and oriented precisely so their shadows become one during the summer solstice.
5794584108_6347b0a276_z-8439037 Have you ever experienced a somber garden space?  “Park of The Laments” is a unique garden space surrounded by walls made of limestone-filled Gabion baskets.  To enter the space, you must walk through an underground tunnel and then climb stairs up to the sunlight-filled garden. 

I believe your reaction to this garden, which is influenced by the manner you enter it, is deeply personal.  The artist describes it as a refuge- a contemplative space for lamenting about global atrocities of the 20th and 21st centuries.  I felt the space to be very confining- reminiscent of a prison yard.  Though this is not a garden I would prefer to linger in, I think it is a very remarkable piece of conceptual art!

5794025363_9a4b74ac3d_z-4123821 We were so excited to see the Ruth Lily Visitors Pavilion, which is part of 100 Acres.  Set deep within the 100 Acres, it is a beautiful example of architecture by Marlon Blackwell.  The stunning building houses an interior space ideal for resting, reading and gathering with friends as well as drinking, restroom and emergency services.

Wouldn’t you just love to vacation in such a beautiful “cabin” out in the middle of the woods? 

5794056465_a7b3c6657b_z-2128843 5794614854_4128e9e219_z-4683034 5794056381_a6470c5021_z-7672415 We had a wonderful time! Can you believe I’m actually only sharing the highlights of our day at the Indianapolis Museum of Art?  We didn’t even get to see everything the IMA had to offer!  I hope you have the opportunity to visit, and if you do, take time to hop around on “Funky Bones” – it’s sure to bring out your inner child! 5794056219_667aa5eeca_z-7168508

mensvalentine1copy-1864644

His Valentine's Gift Guide: Intergalactic Badass | Elysian Studios

His Valentine’s Gift Guide: Intergalactic Badass

Categories: accessories, DenverEtsy, ETSY, February, gifts, Holidays, humor, illustration, jewelry, painting, shopping, Valentines

Out of ideas and tired of standard Valentine’s Day fare?  Give him something Out-of-this-World this year!  These gifts are inspired by Steampunk, a style trend based on the idea that the technology upon which society will eventually come to depend is driven largely by steam power or clockwork.  Give him the accessories he needs to battle against time, cold, grime, idea storage and poor style.

mensvalentine1copy-1864644

1.Recycled Bike Crank Clock by pixelthis  2. 4GB Copper and Patina Steampunk USB drive by cerriousdesign  3. Black Leather Cuff with Gunmetal Turn Lock by CJohannesen

men2527svalentine2copy-2063520

1. Handlebar Mustache Embroidered Bandana by CyanideStitches  2. Chet Atkins HandStitched Rock Block Journal by iamthemandy  3. StormTrooper Pop Art Style Fan Illustration by mediagraffitistudio  4. Army Green hand Grenade Soap by Stinkybomb

These gifts would work for boys of all ages!  Have fun shopping!

New to Etsy? Here’s a helpful article on how to shop.

Spread The Love, Share Our Article

  • icon-mini-delicious-4203078
  • icon-mini-digg-3448305
  • icon-mini-stumbleupon-1219365
  • icon-mini-technorati-2207437
  • icon-mini-twitter-5093697
robert-indiana-lovenyc-7081991

I ♥ Art! World Famous Art to Inspire your Valentine's Day | Elysian Studios

I ♥ Art! World Famous Art to Inspire your Valentine’s Day

Categories: Art History, February, Holidays, painting, sculpture, Valentines



robert-indiana-lovenyc-7081991
“Love” Sculpture in New York City  by Robert Indiana




thekiss-5154834
“The Kiss” oil on canvas by Gustav Klimt

 

rodinkiss-8343423
“The Kiss” marble sculpture by Auguste Rodin

 

mother-and-child-by-cassatt-jpg
“Mother and Child” oil on canvas by Mary Cassat



doisneau_kiss-6793495
“Kiss by the Hotel De Ville, Paris” photograph by Robert Doiseneau





Don’t these just make you all warm and fuzzy and gushy inside?  Take time today to hug and smooch the special people in your life.  Be inspired by Robert Indiana’s simple, yet profound sculpture.  As the Beatles shared with us, “All you need is love,” so spread a little love to strangers you meet in public.  Smile and say hello, share a laugh, and sincerely tell everyone to 
“Have a nice day!”

Spread The Love, Share Our Article

  • icon-mini-delicious-4203078
  • icon-mini-digg-3448305
  • icon-mini-stumbleupon-1219365
  • icon-mini-technorati-2207437
  • icon-mini-twitter-5093697