Due to book-illustration-deadline-craziness, I know I haven't really given a report on the incredible Waterhouse show I saw in Montreal -
- but the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has a terrific website covering many aspects of it here (the only downside, is that it only covers a smattering of the actual art included in the show).(and you really should listen to Loreena McKennitt sing "The Lady of Shalott" to you as you look. This is an abbreviated, live version. You can also hear the full poem sung here. This show marks the first time all of Waterhouse's 'Lady of Shalott' paintings have been together in one place.)
The painting I enjoyed most in person was Circe Invidiosa - which I've yet to see any reproduction do justice to. The color and detail in this deceptively simple composition and limited-palette piece were just breath-taking. The green stream of poison was nearly iridescent in its vividness. (And I'd never really picked up that she was standing on a fish before.) The choices of which items were finished sharply with detail and which were left much more impressionistically were perfect. The warm and cool choices were perfectly balanced - nearly forming a yin/yang symbol. I am stumped for a better descriptor of this painting than all around *perfect* (not a reaction I had previously had to seeing small reproductions of this piece).8 Comments on The Wonder that is Waterhouse..., last added: 12/22/2009
Thank you for this post. I love Waterhouse and Loreena. This was a wonderful way to begin my day. The links are also very informative. Hope you are holding up with all your workload.
I love Waterhouse's work. Thank you for sharing this!
I had some art school training that brainwashed me against Waterhouse, and the Pre-Raphaelites because it was too sentimental and romantic. Glad I'm over that. How can anyone NOT love these? they're just soooo beautiful. Love the Loreena soundtrack, really did increase my viewing pleasure.
I had the enormous pleasure of staring at this Waterhouse masterpiece at London's Tate Gallery.
One of the most fascinating things in this painting are the quilting fabrics with Celtic designs. Seeing this huge painting in its real dimension is breathtaking! I´m glad that people have the chance in the U.S.
Thanks. I loved the Waterhouse postcard you sent. I don't care of its in or out of fashion---its just my style. Elena
I'm a huge fan of Waterhouse - and Montreal! :) That sounds like a fantastic trip.
The mermaid painting by him is my all time favourite. I have a small print of it by my drawing table and a large framed poster downstairs in the main family room. His girls are so beautiful, I always wanted hair like that!x
Awesome, you're so lucky!