Washington D.C. loves the chance to remind everyone that it’s not just a political town. Once a year, D.C.’s literati get dressed up, bring on the President’s own Marine Corps Band, and silence their Blackberrys for an hour or so to listen intently to the Annual Jefferson Lecture sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
And listen they did, to none other than Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist, short story writer, poet, internationally-known author and critic John Updike. Updike’s lecture entitled “The Clarity of Things” which examined the connection between America’s art and its ideas by posing the question, “What is American about American art?” Using complementary images found in the Endowment’s new Picturing America initiative – a project which brings great American art to schools and public libraries to help citizens learn about the people, events, and ideas that have shaped national history – Updike guided the audience on a whirlwind, personalized tour of some of the greats in the American pantheon. Discussing the “painterly” (or in some cases, more “liney”) techniques of artists such as John Singleton Copley, Winslow Homer, Gilbert Stuart, and a wide array of others, the 76-year old Updike proved that his discerning eye — not to mention his opinions — are as sharp as ever.
I’m not sure I came away with a better sense of clarity for myself regarding the question he posed regarding Americanism in art, but one thing is for sure — I’d love to have Updike as my guide the next time I go to the National Gallery.
What do you say, John – is it a date?
P.S. For more info about the 37th Annual Jefferson Lecture, you can check out the NEH Press Release or this article about the author.
Add a Comment
I love the shape of this house and the colour of the tiles, a little different from your usual bright style.
Val, please alter your settings (Show comments in a popup window) so that we can admire your art while commenting. Thanks.
this is sentimental for me val! the color of the house and the way it was standing-
i like what you said, too about The Little Things in life, and for sharing about your little business before-it really sounds great.
Beautiful Val! and I have the honor to be right next to you again :)
Lovely!! That sounds like a great business, too-- though heavy on the labor, I'm guessing! Happy holidays!
I love that you made personal cards. Christmas has become so stamped out and assembled.
I love the little things and people like you with so much love in their hearts.
Very nice, but don't eat the yellow smow. Pax et Amo. Bad Dog
Such a cute and quiet look to the this. The little things are the best.
I love the little things...like seeing your beautiful houses every week on Illustration Fridays. I love it!
I'd be a taker in a minute. Charming once again, Val.
That's sweet! I hope for the child that tomorrow's a snow day!
very festive! your style here is a bit different...and really smart take on last week topc: I definetely subscribe your point of view.
the first snow of the year is so lovely. Here in the northeast is the second, third and fourth that start to get old! love the picture tho'
Adorable!
Ohhh how beautiful! Lovely colors...and that tree behind it is so artistic.. Love this!
This reminds me of Liam standing at the door the other day waiting for the snow to fall. He waited quite a long time. Wonderful piece!!
i had no idea you had an etsy shop; marked as a favorite now
ascenderrisesabove.com/wordpress
Beautiful!
I have to admit, I miss the snow! Sweet drawing and story.
No snow in this mart of Texas! Very lovely.
How lovely, those cards sound wonderful. regards, Michelle
adorable!
What a sweet painting! You are right, it's the little things in life that make things special. How fortunate those friends were to receive your hand made cards.
Love your excess post also. Such pretty packaged homes.
What a little and wonderful house.. the kind of place where I will love to see my first flakes fall..
I love the colours!
...I agree, their friends were lucky to receive your special cards!
Very sweet, this painting is so peaceful
wonderful little art piece! btw, i so love handmade cards, i hope one day i can sell some too ;)
Sometimes little things, like recieving a card, can all the difference. Your painted home looks little but very cozy.
This is just awesome. I love the texture in the sky, and your color choices. Very nicely done.
wonderful illustration… i know how you feel… i used to do SO much more when i was younger… everything has sped up so much…
happy holidays!!
Warm and toasty!!
You continue to make people happy with your pieces - all over the world1 Better still we look forward to it once a week instead of once a year! Happy Holiday, Miss Valerie!
I just love all of your whimsical paintings. I know you're on Monday Artday ATCs so we have definitely got to trade sometime!
I deleted my comment for a spelling error.
Your little snowy scene is as wonderful as the first time!
So soft and sweet!
I loved your bright present houses last week too. :)
Lovely, lovely image and very sweet sentiment.
It was also neat to find out that you are from Topanga. We're practically neighbors, I work in Woodland Hills.
Hope you have a wonderful holiday!
Beautiful work ! It's cute :)
i love your house design and the store that goes with it is wonderful!!! very nice job!