Let There Be Light ...

Ayn Rand gives the following definition of art: "Art is a selective re-creation of reality according to an artist's metaphysical value judgments."

"To acquire the full persuasive, irresistable power of reality, man's metaphysical abstractions have to confront him in the form of concretes, i.e. in the form of art."(double click any word for an explanation.)

More insights are given in this article from the The Atlas Society at the Objectivist Center by William Thomas, "What does Objectivism Consider to be Art (Aesthetics)." Well, it isn't blots on the landscape! More in "Why Man Needs Art" by William Thomas and David Kelley.

Art Daily: "Palazzo Strozzi To Open "Painting Light: The hidden techniques of the Impressionists"

An exhibition of major works by Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masters reveals the secrets behind some of the world’s best-loved paintings. Painting Light: The hidden techniques of the Impressionists will be staged at the Palazzo Strozzi in Florence from 11 July to 28 September 2008. The exhibition comprises over sixty works including masterpieces by Manet, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Caillebotte and Signac which will be shown alongside such evocative objects as one of Monet’s palettes as well as technological images of the pictures themselves. This juxtaposition of art and extensive research produces a fascinating insight that will take visitors by surprise. (...) >>>

Palazzo Strozzi: "Painting Light - Hidden techniques of the Impressionists"

How did the Impressionists paint? (...) The Impressionists were not only pioneers in style, they were first and foremost innovators in technique. This interactive exhibition (...) explores such as aspects as how the artists conveyed the quality of light at different times of the day and which conditions inspired them the most, what materials and work methods they used (...) >>>

The Art Daily article is illustrated by a work showing a surprising technique by Gustave Caillebotte (1848-94), "Laundry Drying on the Bank of the Seine" (c. 1892). Secretly I've been waiting for an opportunity to show this remarkable Caillebotte, "Les Raboteurs de Parquet" from 1875. It might well have been titled 'an ode to workers of the world.' Have a look at that light!