(Light from the north window in the studio.)
Last weekend we visited the Thomas Hart Benton
art studio and home. (State historic site)
(Studio located in what used to be the horse stables.)
(Paint brushes in coffee cans.)
Thomas Hart Benton (1889-1975) was an American painter,
sculptor, teacher and muralist from Missouri.
sculptor, teacher and muralist from Missouri.
He was part of what became known as the Regionalist art movement.
Although he lived in New York and Paris for a while, he did return home to Missouri,
and is probably best known for the murals that depicted
the life of working class people in the small towns and farms of the midwest.
It was very interesting to hear about the painstaking process he went through
before paint ever touched a canvas.
Pencil and then ink drawings were followed by sculptures of figures
so he could get the light and shadows just right.
It was very interesting to hear about the painstaking process he went through
before paint ever touched a canvas.
Pencil and then ink drawings were followed by sculptures of figures
so he could get the light and shadows just right.
(A piece of a mural being planned out on a graph.)
His amazing murals are found at the Missouri State Capitol,
the Truman Presidential Library, University campuses, etc..
(I borrowed this pic from the web to show you an example of his work.)
If you are an art enthusiast, I really recommend a visit.
What a nice experience to go right into his studio...Doesn't it look like he just left the room a moment ago? xo
ReplyDeleteMr. Benton was an incredible artist. The mural at the Truman Library is just massive!
ReplyDeleteI've never been to the studio though. I'm sure it was cool.
M :)
That's something I've definitely got to do! I've admired him for a long time and I've been to the Truman library and saw the mural there. Thanks for sharing your experience. Twyla
ReplyDeleteI've seen the murals at our state capitol building. Would love to visit the studio! Thanks for the idea - been planning a trip in that direction anyway :) Lovely pictures you took! -Tammy
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect place to be creative. I hate to say this, but I've never heard of him before.
ReplyDeleteI've never been there, but would love to go. He was a fantastic artist.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was tole painting years ago, I kept brushes in old empty coffee cans too!
What a talented man. I love the brushes in the coffee cans. Folks were so much more basic. Didn't need a fancy matchy matchy studio.
ReplyDeleteAmazing!!! How masterfully he paints.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you shared this experience with all of us!
Blessings and thanks,
Carolynn xoxo
Fantastic tour. Thank you for bringing us along.
ReplyDeleteFun post, thank you so much for sharing! Hugs, Mickie
ReplyDeleteGood Afternoon Gayle, What a beautifully, detailed mural you showed us.
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to have the opportunity to visit such a great artists studio, you must have enjoyed every minute. I know I thoroughly enjoyed this post.
Have a lovely day.
Best Wishes
Daphne
Oh, aren't his murals gorgeous! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCarol
What a lovely post - we saw some of these when we lived in Kansas - truly amazing!
ReplyDeleteI too would love to visit . . . to see the artists studio would enhance even more a view of his murals. Loved this . . .
ReplyDeleteWow! Very impressive..
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Debbie
Amazing! I must go now. Looks like you all got alot of snow up there! My brother in Olathe sent me a picture, and he TONS! Just lots of ice down here.
ReplyDeleteLove his work and would just love to visit the museum. My hubby is a real art lover and I know he'd love to visit the museum too.
ReplyDeleteGreat post.
Linda
Really interesting post, thanks so much for sharing. The Mural is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI love things like this........with all of the history! Love his studio!
ReplyDeleteOh, I would love to see this! How fascinating! :)
ReplyDelete