Anyone been to the Sistine Chapel? I was surprised to see how high the ceiling was. And the Pieta, the statue of the Madonna and Christ, it's stunning, but because an Austalian nutter broke part of it it's protected, but still a beautiful sculpture.
I like Turner and Constable in addition to appreciating - without being educated about it - the old masters. I admit to not understanding much contemporary art - I'm more National Gallery than Tate - but I do like Piet Mondrian. I remember an art teacher at school who showed us the trick in Mondrian's work and it made sense immediately.
Was in Rome in April. What amazed me most however was not the beauty of the Sistine Chapel but how many other little churches dotted around the centre of Rome also had stunningly beautiful painted ceilings.
As to which artists I like....
David Hockney. Saw an exhibition of his portraits at the National in London last year, among which was 'Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy' (which is really a lot bigger than I had anticipated)
Toulouse Lautrec - Everyone seems to love the Aristide Bruant one, but I prefer Divan Japonais (I have this poster at home).
Actually, I'm a big fan of pop art...
This one of Grace Kelly for Taittinger. I've not researched it and don't know the artist, but I almost bought a full size one at the poster shop opposite the Art Institute in Chicago about 15 years ago for $400. My wife talked me out of it. I went back a year later - it was out of stock, but they could get me one - for $1200.
This one I do have at home. Steinlen was a wonderful artist.
Of the 'classics', I would have to say one of the impressionists. I could look at impressionist paintings for days (and I have). Monet probably has produced the greatest breadth of work that I admire, but if I could have one painting in the world, it would be The Luncheon of the Boating Party....
...by Pierre-Auguste Renoir.
What a pleasant thread.
