More Venice Beach.

Even though the L.A. trip was only basically a long weekend, it had an impact on my mind set.

I enjoyed this "freakshow" sign for Venice Beach. It seemed to fit. Though the boardwalk was like an art fair or carnival atmosphere.

Here Julia poses with a tribute to Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night.

Venice Beach

After the art museums, L.A. has some nice light and sand. The air wasn't bad and it was surprisingly cool on the beach. We walked from the Santa Monica Pier to Venice Beach. Let's just say it is a great place for people watching. And if you need smoking accessories or tattoos, then you've come to the right place. We were there for the drum circle.

I think I understand the Beach Boys a little better.

The Egyptian Theater

We had a chance to go to the Grauman's Egyptian Theater in Hollywood. The Egyptian was the greatest theater in old Hollywood. Around 1923. It has seen many makeovers and has been carefully restored outside and partly on the inside to imagine how a real premier would have been.

More LACMA.

After the Getty museums, the LACMA comes across more like a warehouse. The style is bland and monolithic. Much of the collection was closed, but there were a few masterpieces on view. One of my favorite modern paintings is Rene Magritte's "This is not a pipe". I love the irony and humor. Jenna couldn't resist a photo op.

LACMA

I was excited to go to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. They had a special Pompeii show that featured a garden fresco that I really wanted to see. I have really been smitten by the Roman garden frescos. The garden in art has been my theme for the past 5 years, so seeing these great works is inspiring. I love the finesse of these paintings, the layering and exactness. I have also seen Livia's garden in Rome several times so this completes my viewing of the Pompeii collection.

The setting like a set.

I couldn't help thinking that the Getty Center was like the set of an Antonioni film. Everything is in harmony with nature as art. The architect was Richard Meier. I have this quote from him:

"We are all affected by Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, Alvar Aalto, and Mies van der Rohe. But no less than Bramante, Borromini, and Bernini. Architecture is a tradition, a long continuum. Whether we break with tradition or enhance it, we are still connected to that past. We evolve."

In some ways this place is like an adult amusement park. Adult in that the mind is exercised, thrilled, engaged, and entertained. It can work for all ages, but most don't work at it.

Who wouldn't want to paint?

Here are a couple of details from the Getty Center. One is a Chardin still life detail from the 18th century and the other is a detail from James Ensor's Christ's Entry into Brussels from the late 19th century. Both are exciting painterly close ups and both could inspire you to become a painter if you aren't already. I think one is about the masterly qualities of light and form and the other is expressionism unleashed. Between the two, they give you some great choices and pinnacles to reach.

Friends at the Getty

The Getty Center houses a great collection and among the paintings were these by my old friends Vincent and Paul. When you come across paintings like these, it clears your head of Hollywood and the E Channel and the A list celebrities. It reminds you of the greatness of art and the goals of an artist.