I spent the afternoon with Eric and Clara in London Proper.  I went to the Tate Museum of Modern Art and saw some beautiful work by some of the leading artists of the 20th century.  Though, and I know this is my personal beef, they only had one ceramic artwork on display and should have had so much more included in the show.  The 20th century is when the Ceramic Arts bloomed and truly came into its own.  Some of the artists I did see work by included Picasso, Chirico, Man Ray, Giocometti, Matisse, Kirchner, Kandinsky, Monet, and Pollock.  It was a refreshing experience to view all of this modern art, (continue reading…)

I spent today out in Siena, it is a beautiful city.  I find myself saying that a lot about the places I have been saying, I also noticed that I seem to be saying amazing more too.  We were introduced to the Italian interpretation of Gothic Art and Architecture.  The facade on the cathedral there in Siena was completely over the top!  I loved it.  I also loved their use of alternating colors in the stone work.  I hope you enjoy these pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them. (continue reading…)

Long day today!  We first went to Michelangelo’s House that he gave to his nephew Leonardo.  There were a few of his works there that were very nice.  They had a mixed media sculpture of his that I honestly found more impressive than his David.  It was made from Clay, Sand, it had wire armatures in it, it was a beautiful sculpture on par with any contemporary work I have seen.  We then went to the church Santa de ‘Lorenzo, it was the Medici’s church they sponsored.  In the library they had and exhibit of ancient books, I loved looking at the old illuminated manuscripts.  In the gift shop they had a children’s book “Dante’s Journey An Infernal Adventure”, I had to buy it, how could I pass up a children’s book based on Dante’s Inferno? (continue reading…)