Art Stories June 2022

This month we’re looking into the stories and themes within paintings. Let’s look at the meanings and stories that artists convey in their works, and their impact on you, the viewer.

The many stories told in a still life painting

Still life painting of a table after meal time
Still Life With a Gilt Cup painted in 1635 by Willem Claesz Heda

More than a messy table, still life paintings hold symbols and meaning, telling many tales at once. A breakfast abandoned, an abstraction of life, a map of travels, a demonstration of wealth, and likely so much more.

We highly recommend this engaging and dynamic article by The New York Times, “A Messy Table, a Map of the World” which looks into the story of “Still Life With a Gilt Cup” painted in 1635 by Willem Claesz Heda.

Flowing through time, a look at Seurat’s pointillism

Painting by Seurat of a nude woman in three poses
Models (Poseuses) by Georges Seurat (1886-88). Courtesy the Barnes Foundation

Pointillism, a technique explored by Seurat in his works, is an optical illusion bringing colors together and a sense of the ephemeral. His pieces not only explore color but time as well.

If you’re interested in Seurat’s work and pointillism, we think you’ll enjoy this article about the dynamic power of his artwork.

Building your art bucket list

Have you ever considered creating an art bucket list? Pennylane Shen talks about her own pilgrimage through art and why you might consider making your own list. It’s an opportunity to take a journey, consider what you have cared about, what you have overcome, and what’s next on the horizon.

We hope you’ll enjoy this TEDxBrentwoodCollegeSchool talk (18:49). We’re already thinking about what pieces we want to add to our list.


If you have some favorite articles and stories about art, let us know! We’d love to feature them on our blog and newsletter.

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