We looked forward to our Tate Britain visit and as promised, Gabriella got to bliss out in a gallery full of drowsy,  half-dead maidens. It’s definitely my favourite room in the Tate!

We both liked Turner’s watercolours and sketchbooks a lot more than his paintings. I did like The Battle of Trafalgar though.

Interesting story about these two. The Cholmondeley Sisters married on the same day and then gave birth together on the same day a year later. Today, they would be featured in People magazine with a double-page spread, but because it was the early 17th century, they got a pretty awesome commemorative portrait!

This beautiful charcoal sketch is of a French woman abandonned by the artist (a student) after a brief affair.

Here is JC as a child at home, a topic which I’ve rarely seen and I really like this painting. And poor Ophelia! A friend tells me the pond location for this painting is a small tributary of the Thames that runs off into Kingston. (Both paintings by Millais)

One of my favourite days in Paris. I love the paintings here…and the space, which has been strangely modified and chopped up with flats. It feels temporary, and interesting. But the paintings! I really enjoy looking at Impressionists! They make magic with their obscure marks and I love the energy of their work. Of course, some feel worn out by relentless reproduction, but I still like to see them. This one of the dental procedure was my favourite! Strange subject matter for a 6 foot canvas, but beautiful technique!

This one with the giant is just weird, especially sitting next to the peaceful nymphs!

There was a special exhibition of work related to nature which included about 20 Emily Carr and Group of Seven paintings. It’s funny to see those in Paris!

I’ve created a blog on tumblr for our group of travellers to keep a travelogue. If you are interested in checking it out, here is the link:  https://6tickets.tumblr.com

I’m going to keep my own travelogue right here on Sparks & Wonder.

 

Our travel included: Van trip from Windsor to Toronto (thanks Bern!) flight to Paris, no mishaps there and a reserved van from the airport. We were a little sleepy afterwards. For days afterwards. As you can see, Gabriella has gone with pink for travel accessories.