The Low House and the Bell House

Isaac Bell House, Newport, RI – Completed 1883

The Low House and the Bell House, both by McKim, Mead and White. The later termed "Shingle style" both homes use wooden shingles to simplify, and unify, their wall textures, both have traditional gabled roofs, and both have some type of colonnade. Still, these two homes are incredibly unique in their forms and little motif.

William G. Low House, Bristol, RI – Completed 1887, Demolished 1962

Where the Bell House has varied roof heights, shapes and pitches, the Low House has one large unifying gable. On the Bell home the Asian-like thin bamboo pillars of the large covered porch contrast the heavy forms of the different roofs structure without a sense of instability. On the Low House the simple white bay windows and side porch supported by shingled columns provide visual variety and balance.

Lost in Boston

I have been lost, mostly intentionally, is a few major US cities. New York, LA, San Francisco and the island on Maui to name a few. I love the idea of creating your own adventure and seeing what you can find that is off the beaten tourist path. Recently I got “lost” in Boston and I am pretty sure it is by far my favorite. History mix with cosmopolitan flare, truly remarkable. These are a few images from my non-tourist guide adventure.

                  

                                                                                                                                                                                 

                                          

Museum of Fine Art – Boston

I recently had the opportunity to visit the MFA twice in one week and as an Art History student I was in pure heaven, especially considering the MFA-Boston has one of the best Asian art collection in the U.S.  These pictures are a small part of the amazing art I was able to see first hand.  

 This is a drawing by Frank Lloyd Wright

 I wrote about this painting, Watson and the Shark  by John Singleton Copley HERE - This may seem strange but I actually got a tear in my eye to see it in real life....and I nearly got lost from my group when I wondered off to find it. 

 This is the hallway staircase in the Asian Art section.

Antoine-Jean Gros’ Bonaparte Visiting the Plague Victims of Jaffa - Which I wrote about HERE

Degas little dancer of fourteen years statue

As part of my trip to the museum, and to Boston, was for my Master of Design Studies in Historic Preservation through the Boston Architectural College – This class focused on Traditional Building Methods in New England

 This is a display for furniture building was built by students at The North Bennett Street School where I spent most of my "in class" time while in Boston

 I was stunned at the carving on this bust of a youth

Mary Cassatt's  At The Opera

Ikea Hackers- Bonsai Tree

Vibrant Fall Colors and Lot of Wall Art

Art in the Home

 Invest in your favorite paintings and statues that most clearly represent, to you, your creator. Seeing these positive images can have a profound effect on your relationship between you and your creator.