Link to Photos of Balthus (Life Magazine)

Nude with a Cat 1949 by Balthus

Life Magazine has some great photos of Balthus, his model Frederique Tison and his studio at the Chateau de Chassy. Here's the LINK to the LIFE pictures where you will find many more. (Thanks, Nickhaus)

Out and About

Photo of me by Raleigh Powell taken in Portland, OR over the summer at a great museum-like store called "Cargo". I am wearing my Tickler Ukulele T-shirt.

The Art of Amy Crehore

Magnificent Crucifix by Giotto is Restored

The Ognissanti Crucifix, tempera on panel, had been neglected for centuries.

This wooden cross painted in the 1300s has finally been restored to it's original magnificence (from a blackened state). It has now been definitely proven to be the work of the early Italian master Giotto di Bondone himself. Note the beautiful skin tones and the gold and lapis lazuli cross. Would love to go back to Florence to see this. Giotto is one of my favorite artists. Congratulations to the restorers. Read more -Guardian: LINK

The Correct Way to Eat Watermelon

Thanks, Boingboing

Classic Blues Artwork Calendar 2011

There are more images like this one inside the calendar. It also comes with free cd featuring 19 classic Pre-War Blues songs from such artists as: Blind Lemon Jefferson, Skip James, Charley Patton, Ma Rainey, Mississippi Sheiks, Tommy Johnson, Furry Lewis and more!!

I buy this calendar every year.

BLUES IMAGES

The Art of Amy Crehore

Piero Fornasetti (1913 - 1988)

Piero Fornasetti, Milan designer, took a 19th century image and converted it into hundreds of variations. Above are some of his plates featuring the face of a woman, operatic soprano Lina Cavalieri, as a motif. LINK

Watch an animated bee buzz around this face (and read more info) here:

FORNASETTI

Listen to the "World's Most Beautiful Woman", Lina Cavalieri Sing:

Eyes on the Prize

I just read on Juxtapoz that French street artist JR received the 2011 TED prize of $100,000. One of his visions is shown above.

LINK