“Sister Wendy Beckett has transformed public appreciation of art through her astonishing knowledge, insight and passion for painting and painters.” This set includes Sister Wendy's Story of Painting, Sister Wendy's Odyssey, and Sister Wendy's Grand Tour. Simultaneously delightful and scholarly--this is a must have for anyone interested in art history.
Thursday, May 10, 2012 at 1:00PM 
Amedeo Modigliani, “Seated Man with a Cane”, 1918, 126 x 75 cm, Oil on canvas, Private collectionInstances of great art looted by the Nazis never seem to end. And...arguments regarding true ownership also go on and on and on. To find out just how complicated it can get--read this fascinating piece by Gareth Harris, written for “The Art Newspaper”
Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 7:13PM 
(Left) Diego Rivera - The Agitator, detail, 1926, Autonomous University of Chapingo. (Right) Giotto - Crucifixion, detail, c. 1305, Scrovegni Chapel, PaduaOne of the primary goals of Modern Art was to break with the traditions of the past that had been defined by the Renaissance. But inspiration doesn’t develop in a vacuum! Key modernists such as Matisse, Picasso, Modigliani, Rivera--and many other artists--journeyed back in time to pre-Renaissance days in search of a muse. They found one in the great fourteenth century master, Giotto. I will begin a five-week program on this topic at the Palos Verdes Art Center--on Tuesday afternoons from 12:30-3:30, and beginning Tuesday, April 10th. In this program, we will examine the significant links (and in some cases direct quotations) between the “father of European painting” and the Moderns masters. Giotto once said, “Every painting is a voyage into a sacred harbor.” Come on our voyage to find out how modernism interpreted this idea--working from the Giotto model. Space is limited so register now! Click here for more info and to register.
Monday, February 27, 2012 at 6:20PM 
Portrait of Jeanne Hebutern, Amedeo Modigliani (1918), Yale University Art Gallery, oil on canvasAmedeo Modigliani reigns unique among the early modern artists--in part due to his affinity with the Italian artistic tradition that was his heritage. Art historians are only just beginning to fully comprehend the significance of Modigliani’s contribution to art. Visit the link above to learn more about this fascinating figure of Modern Art. I also highly recommend the book, Modigliani: A Life by Meryle Secrest. You can order it from Amazon--in paperback and Kindle formats. It definitely will dispel many of the false myths about Modigliani--and lend insight into the true nature of the man.
I also strongly encourage you to visit the Early Italian Renaissance and Mannerist traditions. These are at the very heart of Modigliani’s work.