Monday, October 25, 2010

Art Surprises

Partial view of Bellagio, Las Vegas  3.5"x11"

Waiting for the spectacular water fountain show in front of Bellagio I sketched the wings of the massive hotel/casino building from across the body of water.  I have a small sketch book  (3.5x5.5" )which easily fits into my purse and is handy for fast little sketches, even though, as I recently discovered, it  is difficult to photograph. Still, I love it because I tend to pull the book out more often as I find myself getting a little bolder about sketching in public. Next step is to equip myself with a small watercolor field kit and try my hand at doing small studies -until then I will happily play with my camera :) The Bellagio also has a beautiful glass ceiling installation by the artist Dale Chihuly in their lobby and a chandelier in the casino area. I also saw an exhibit  there : 'Figuratively Speaking: A survey of the human form'  showcasing about 30 paintings, drawings, photographs, sculpture by artists from 1800 to present day. I enjoyed  the unexpected opportunity to see the works of Picasso, Renoir, Degas, Hockney, Lichenstein, Chuck Close, and others. 

Closer to home, I have two color pencil pieces - Hot Shadows and Reflections in the 'Small Works : Miniatures by Hampton Roads Artists' at the Charles Taylor Arts Center/The Hampton Arts Commission, Hampton, VA.  The opening yesterday was fun and the show will run through Dec. 5.    

5 comments:

padmaja said...

Meera, lovely idea to sketch and also carry the water color kit.. I have been there, I stupidly struggled hard for the whole of the fountains to be covered in one shot!Sketching would have been more handy!

Meera Rao said...

@Prabha, LOL -- thats the beauty of Las Vegas I think -- surreal mix of real and make-believe :) Thank you. As I had mentioned, I was impressed with the art and architecture in the place.

Meera Rao said...

Thank you Padmaja. I find myself sketching mostly when we are taking breaks or when waiting around for the next event and its easier to balance a small sketch pad with pencil or pen, take pictures to jog my memory for later and put a wash on it later back home, if needed, :) Lately, I don't care to carry heavy or oversized bags so I am trying to find a happy medium.

Crystal Cook said...

Really lovely sketch Meera! I love small sketchbooks but you are right they are tricky to photograph! And congrats on your show! Sounds like fun. :)

Meera Rao said...

Thanks Crystal! I am going to try and scan the sketches and see if that makes a difference :)

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