And just like that, I'm back from vacation...While I was away, I had the opportunity to visit the High Museum in Atlanta where the ambitious Louvre exhibit continues. Currently, it is showcasing the 10-foot Tiber sculpture (not to be missed)
Above is the atrium entrance - I love the architecture creating the play of shadows and patterns of light. To me, the building itself is equally as grand as its contents. My favorite painting here continues to be a Robert Henri portrait - his mastery of brushstrokes is breathtaking.

We also visited Savannah, Georgia. I love the way the city is laid out with park-like squares like the one below. The magnificent trees are hundreds of years old and most have Spanish moss hanging from the branches. Truly enchanting. Each is a cool oasis of southern history and charm offering a welcoming respite from the heat. As you observe people hurriedly cutting through these green spaces on their way to "somewhere important" you begin to notice a transformation as they begin to walk slower, relax their shoulders a little, and take in the charm, sights and sounds of nature. Wouldn't it be great if ALL cities had a similar street plan?
We also spent a few days at Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, just across the bay from Savannah. Is there anything more energizing and uplifting than a beach vacation? For those of you who know me well, you know there is nothing I would rather do than watch the sunrise and set as often as possible. But no location can match the beauty of those at the beach. It is the very best chi, and as you can see below, the sunrise over the Atlantic was nothing short of spectacular. I find great comfort in knowing that in every hour, this kind of beauty continues around the globe...It is truly God's most magnificent work of art. And pure magic. I can't fathom choosing to sleep through this awesome gift, but then I have always been a zealous "morning person"...
While in Hilton Head, I also visited one of my favorite galleries, and in my opinion, one of the best in the country: Morris and Whiteside/The Red Piano -maybe that is because they represent so many artists who inspire me: Peggy Kroll Roberts, Karin Jurick, Kim English, Michelle Torrez, Ken Auster, Stephen Scott Young, Marilyn Simandle just to name a few...and the owners couldn't be more charming and gracious: Thanks Ben and Jack for the "grand tour" and for making us feel so welcome.
“The grand show is eternal. It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never dried all at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising. Eternal sunrise, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls”...John Muir
Tomorrow, I will be back at the easel...