LOVE

It is easy to love Versailles. It is easy to love Paris. Best of all it is easy to love life. These journeys can renew the heart to take in life. I admit it does that for me. New Year's in Pairs may be for me the best renewing of spirit.

Banned

I am not sure where Nolde's politics lead him or that I agree. Ultimately his works were banned by the Nazi rule. He stuck it out - though good and bad times. He spent time in Berlin and finally in Seebull (which I have to 'google' later).

He did some very interesting work called 'unpainted paintings'. These watercolors and ink are strangely appealing works of art.

Much of his work appeals to me as primitive and brightly colored paintings. I'd have a hard time picking the work that I liked most. His watercolors and wood blocks were very nice too.

Reproduction

Oddly - Picasso was an early Xerox machine. Much of his work is actually a reproduction of other art works including Rembrandt. I did not know that. He copied previous master pieces add his new perspective.

Picasso's father was an artist. He encourage his son and gained him access to the best schools to study. Reportedly, realizing Picasso's skills - his father gave him his paint bushes and never painted again.

The exhibit at the Grand is wonderful as it places others original art works next to Picasso's interpretation showing us novices the connection between the two works. I was absolutely amazed to learn and see how Picasso copied the work of others. When placed side-by-side - even us novices cannot miss the connection.

Montmartre

One rainy day after visiting Sacre Coeur we stumbled onto the sweetest little restaurant at 10, rue Lamarck named Au Clocher de Montmartre. To find it – you have to walk the opposite direction (East) from the church and away from the artist square. Follow this tip and you will find a great escape from the crowds. In Paris – I think it would qualify as home cooking. After a morning tour (yes, another Context Paris tour) of Montmartre we will need a quiet place to fill our bellies and rest our tired feet. We will finish off the day with a visit to the Musee de Montmarte. A charming museum which pays tribute to many of the artists that lived in the area.

http://www.museedemontmartre.fr/

Grand Palais

Sitting on the Right Bank just off the River Seine - the Grand Palais is a remarkable exhibition site. It is always home to some wonderful shows. Advance tickets and reservations are a good idea. The lines can be extremely long. Last year we toured the Gustave Courbet exhibit. It was amazing. This year - two exhibits Picasso et les Maitres and Emil Nolde are showing. Both look very interesting to me.

Bonaparte and Egypt

We have never been to the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris. It is located on the left bank not too far from our hotel in the Latin Quarter. This exhibit Boneparte et l'Egypte is showing during our trip. It looks very interesting. The museum's Web site is at http://www.imarabe.org/ .

Paris Planning 2008

It is hard to believe another year has almost passed us by. I am happy to say farewell to 2008. It has been a challenging year for so many of my family and friends. Hopefully - 2009 will bring great things to all.

Once again it is time to beginning planning for our vacation to Paris! This year we have 10 days to enjoy the city. Of course - much of the fun is in the planning which is already underway. I am pulling together the itinerary for the trip and enjoying researching the many adventures offered during our dates. The hotel is booked - our favorite Hotel d'Albe in the Latin Quarter near Notre Dame.