Friday, April 10, 2015

Childe Hassam silhouette - Nocturne, Railway Crossing




















My classroom has no windows, although I can see light from across the hall through my doorway.... small consolation some days.  I have filled my classroom with visual interest, posters the students have made, art posters, a word wall, etc, etc... and my Smartboard which arrived this year.  Everyday, I choose an image or two to grace the Smartboard when I am not using it for academics.  It has great resolution.  I have displayed Calder wire faces, Eric Carle's joy, Homer, Sargent, Sorolla, today a Paul Rand, illustration... vivid, powerful, deceptively simple genius.   

Seems this winter, now spring, we have seldom seen the sun, and in fact, this mid-week of April, it was dreary and cold and drizzly, and enough is enough.  So, I called on Childe Hassam for a "wow the rain is beautiful" image, and here's what I got.  "Nocturne, Railway Crossing Chicago" from 1892.  Suddenly, the gray day that merges into a gray night, is not so dreary...  I am mesmerized by the silhouettes and tonalism in this quiet watercolor, and spent a little bit of time studying its gracious lines... what a masterpiece.   And, hey, the sun is coming out tomorrow!!

7 comments:

  1. The Smart Board appears to be a very useful addition to the classroom. I am glad to learn of this technology. I have been retired 16 years and although the Smart Board did not exist, I think it would have been very useful addition to my Art Classroom.

    Keep up the good work. I enjoy seeing the Class Art Projects that you share. Evidence that you are a very fine Art Teacher.

    I'm curious since the Smart Board is a relative expensive budget item and your school is Project Based; do you receive any funding from the Bill Gates Foundation that would provide this type of technology expenditure?

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    1. William, thank you for your thoughtful comment. I will certainly look into the Gates Foundation.

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  2. That painting is just stunning, Jody! Of course, I'm biased because it is Chicago...but the palette, the darkness and light...the horse...gorgeous! Who needs a window when you look at beautiful art all day!

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  3. it is a wonderful painting and your sketch is, of course, fabulous!!

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  4. Isn't it an amazing painting, great use of the transparent medium and temperature. Love it.

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