A Closer Look

Rosa Bonheur, Ploughing in the Nivernais, 700W

A Closer Look at Ploughing in the Nivernais by Rosa Bonheur

By Dan Scott / February 1, 2023 / 38 Comments

Let’s take a closer look at Ploughing in the Nivernais by Rosa Bonheur. It was Commissioned by the French government and won Bonheur a First Medal at the 1849 Paris Salon. It’s perhaps her most famous painting behind The Horse Fair which she painted a few years later in 1855. I’ll cover: Overview It’s a … Read more

Vincent van Gogh, Interior of a Restaurant, 1887

A Closer Look at Interior of a Restaurant by Vincent van Gogh

By Dan Scott / December 6, 2022 / 16 Comments

I was introduced to a new painting by Vincent van Gogh the other day, Interior of a Restaurant. I’m surprised that I’m still seeing van Gogh paintings for the first time, especially considering I’ve been writing about art for over seven years now. He may have lived a relatively short and turbulent life, but it … Read more

Gustave Courbet, The Fishing Boat, 1865, Frame, 700W

A Closer Look at The Fishing Boat by Gustave Courbet

By Dan Scott / November 2, 2022 / 22 Comments

Let’s take a closer look at The Fishing Boat by Gustave Courbet. I first saw this painting at the European Masterpieces exhibition back in October 2021. I remember it catching my eye despite it being a somewhat quiet painting in a room full of vibrant color and contrast. I’ll cover: (Click here to see a … Read more

Berthe Morisot, Woman at Her Toilette, 1870-80

A Closer Look at Woman at Her Toilette by Berthe Morisot

By Dan Scott / August 5, 2022 / 38 Comments

Let’s take a closer look at Woman at Her Toilette by Berthe Morisot. This is Impressionism at its best with fleeting brushwork and soft colors woven together in harmony. I’ll cover: Focal Point and Secondary Points of Interest The focal point is, of course, the woman at her toilette. She’s positioned in a prominent spot … Read more

Marie Denise Villers, Marie Joséphine Charlotte du Val d’Ognes, 1801 (Detail 1)

A Closer Look at Marie Joséphine Charlotte du Val D’Ognes by Marie Denise Villers

By Dan Scott / January 5, 2022 / 46 Comments

Let’s take a closer look at Marie Joséphine Charlotte du Val d’Ognes by Marie Denise Villers. I first saw this painting at the European Masters exhibition. It was a popular painting in a room full of great art. I’ll cover: (Click here to see a high-resolution photo of the painting.) Who Painted It? There has … Read more

Paul Cézanne, Gardanne, 1885-92 (European Masterpieces Exhibition)

A Closer Look at Gardanne by Paul Cézanne

By Dan Scott / November 9, 2021 / 39 Comments

In my last post, I took you on a virtual journey of the European Masterpieces exhibition that took place here in Brisbane, Australia. Someone commented that each painting is so beautiful it warrants individual study. I agree. So over the next few weeks, I’m going to be taking a closer look at a handful of … Read more

Vincent van Gogh, Garden Coin With Butterflies, 1887 (Movement)

A Closer Look at Vincent van Gogh’s Grass and Butterflies

By Dan Scott / July 30, 2021 / 58 Comments

Let’s take a closer look at Vincent van Gogh’s Grass and Butterflies. I’m always impressed at how well van Gogh was able to inject life into even the most simple subjects. There’s a sense of movement and activity about it. I’ll cover: Vibrating Colors The painting features a vibration of broken color. Van Gogh wove … Read more

A Closer Look at Waiting by Gordon Coutts

By Dan Scott / May 24, 2021 / 49 Comments

Let’s take a look at a stunning portrait by Gordon Coutts, Waiting. I first saw this painting at the New South Wales Art Gallery. It stopped me in my tracks, despite it being a subtle painting in a dramatic room. Until that point, I had no idea who Coutts was. But it prompted me to learn … Read more

Vincent Van Gogh, Café Terrace at Night, 1888

A Closer Look at Vincent van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night

By Dan Scott / March 26, 2021 / 85 Comments

Let’s take a look at Vincent van Gogh’s iconic Café Terrace at Night. I’ll cover: Van Gogh describes it well: “On the terrace, there are little figures of people drinking. A huge yellow lantern lights the terrace, the façade, the pavement, and even projects light over the cobblestones of the street, which takes on a violet-pink … Read more

Claude Monet, Woman With a Parasol, 1875

A Closer Look at Woman With a Parasol by Claude Monet

By Dan Scott / January 12, 2021 / 52 Comments

Let’s take a closer look at Woman With a Parasol by Claude Monet. This painting embodies Impressionism and Monet’s work. A fleeting moment captured with light colors and fresh strokes. I’ll cover: (You can download a high-resolution version of the painting here. You get to see Monet’s strokes with remarkable clarity.) Key Facts and Ideas … Read more