In my Threads feed, I am delighting in the wide range of photographers and artists I am learning from.
I am particularly enjoying the watercolors of Thomas Wells Schaller. I quickly purchased his book Architect of Light. As I read about his works he shared his process:
"The hierarchy of 'building blocks' I use most often in the design of my paintings is comprised of four considerations. In order they are: Story, Composition, Value, and Color. Yes, there are exceptions, but more often than not, if each element on this list does its job, I will have a much better chance of a successful work." p. 30
This quote led me to wondering if that is the way he creates his work, is that the same way I should see or should read his work. Of course, I had to look for a book about "seeing" a painting. I decided on Great Paintings Explained to get me started.
As I continued to read both books, I generalized the question to things I am interested in - how do you see a fine wine vineyard or a great wine? How do you see or read a cathedral? How do you see or read a country like Portugal or Italy or a sub-region like the Algarve or Tuscany?
On our recent trips to Portugal, Spain, and Italy we visited many cathedrals.
Lisbon Cathedral
Is it the outside of the church or the denomination of the religion? Is it the altar? Is it where the congregation sits and the daily/weekly mass that occurs? Or is it the many naves that surround the main church? Or is it my fascination of the play of light through the stained glass windows?
Sagrada Familia Barcelona
How do you read an unfinished cathedral like the Sagrada Familia?
I look forward to learning the visual language of cathedrals and continuing my education of how to see/read a cathedral.
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