I loved this, Russell! So much food for thought. And yes, without even realizing I was doing so, I immediately looked for birds when I first viewed this painting! : ) One/some of the dark-green shrubs behind the grasses on the center-right side have a heron-shape, which caught my eye initially. I'd never heard of this exercise, but it sounds profoundly illuminating. Like you, I'm a researcher and would have enjoyed having my pencil and paper with me. Thank you for this wonderful essay, perspective, and idea!
The NYTimes runs a series about looking at a painting for 10 minutes - that I can handle, but 3 hours..that's remarkable and commendable. What intrigues me is to sit with the artist and see if your observations line up with his intent. I think the same concept applies to writing. What I intend for a reader to take away might not even be close to what hooks a reader.
I love that idea, Jude! It would be such a fascinating conversation! Very interesting -- not 5 minutes after this essay was sent, a dear family friend wrote me -- he and his wife loev Jean Claude Roy and have a few of his paintings too! And have met him. That was really neat.
I loved this, Russell! So much food for thought. And yes, without even realizing I was doing so, I immediately looked for birds when I first viewed this painting! : ) One/some of the dark-green shrubs behind the grasses on the center-right side have a heron-shape, which caught my eye initially. I'd never heard of this exercise, but it sounds profoundly illuminating. Like you, I'm a researcher and would have enjoyed having my pencil and paper with me. Thank you for this wonderful essay, perspective, and idea!
You would love it, Sophie!
Love this!
Thanks L. Vago!
The NYTimes runs a series about looking at a painting for 10 minutes - that I can handle, but 3 hours..that's remarkable and commendable. What intrigues me is to sit with the artist and see if your observations line up with his intent. I think the same concept applies to writing. What I intend for a reader to take away might not even be close to what hooks a reader.
I love that idea, Jude! It would be such a fascinating conversation! Very interesting -- not 5 minutes after this essay was sent, a dear family friend wrote me -- he and his wife loev Jean Claude Roy and have a few of his paintings too! And have met him. That was really neat.