Fridays come with the light-hearted anticipation of the weekend.
Oh sure, Friday’s come with a bucket full of chores. I am good with that. If I clean and do the linens and towels and fill the refrigerator full of great food (a full and appealing refrigerator is a thing of beauty)………….then the weekend can be spent more on having fun than doing household jobs.
I also fill my Fridays with beauty.
To start the day, I jumped into the world of Sir Fredric Leighton. 1830-1896 I try and expand my world on Friday mornings with an artist that I have not studied. Sometimes I work off a list of artists I would like to explore. Sometimes a friend mentions a name or a painting and off I go.
A couple of days ago, a friend mentioned her favorite painting. Flaming June . Oh my, I saw in an instant why she would say that. The painting (I viewed a photograph of it, through the computer) must be stunning and breathtaking in person. It sort of grabbed my heart and soul and wouldn’t let go. The saturated color, the sensuously draped girl……..the gauze folds of the fabric……..I need a bigger word than lovely. I can’t really find great words. The painting stands on its own. Yes, it takes your breath away.
Then again, Sir Leighton’s bronze statue , 1877, An Athlete Wresting with a Python is staggering. It catches you, somehow by surprise. The raw power and strength slaps you in the face the moment you gaze upon the work. 
Music Lessons is a painting that will capture your heart and soul. This painting seems like one an art teacher would 
display and discuss and share. Again, the fabric is so life-like you want to reach out and feel it. The meaning behind the work is well……. charming and quietly powerful.
While I instantly fell head over heels in love with Flaming June, I think I will choose The Fisherman and the Syren 1856-1858 as my favorite of the week. My heart and soul were somehow awakened by the natural beauty. The remarkable attention to detail almost has you believing it is a photograph and not a painting.
If you are so inclined, maybe on your lunch hour, you would be wise to fill your spirit with beautiful works of art. Maybe you will find time to look up this painting, my favorite of the week.
The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude. Friedrich Nietzsche
