Back To Baroque : We Begin With Rococo

New Monday, new week and a new feature. Welcome to our first Back To Baroque column on Bella & Millou. As I mentioned here, I wanted to create a blogspace that shared my love for classical beauty and art so it seems fitting that I should dedicate a whole column to a style of artistic aesthetic that so heavily influenced some of my favourite artists of all genres and pre-dated the school of Neoclassicism that underpins much of the classical art we see today.

Le Chapeau de Paille by Peter Paul Rubens

When I think of Baroque, I think of the grand, opulent, colourfully verdant paintings of Peter Paul Rubens. At the heart of Baroque is the desire to create works of art that are poignantly dramatic, capturing the ‘live action’ of any moment in the human experience. What I’d like to write about today though is Rococo. Let’s just say I’m more of a Rococo kind of girl.

Now, lest you think Rococo is an ode to frivolity of the highest extravagance (insert Marie Antoinette reference here. I heart that movie by the way), let me clarify. Yes, Rococo evolved in France and the rest of Europe as a reaction to the serious drama that was prevalent in works created earlier in the 17^th-18^th centuries. Yes, it probably brings to mind images of chubby angels, gold everywhere and pastoral frivolity but what I like the most about Rococo is its attention to playful enchantment and lighthearted beauty.

Besides iconic moments in hair . . .

And the societal importance of skills in dance . . .

Portrait By Francoise Boucher

Rococo softened the drama of Baroque into curvaceous form, brought spontaneity and variety to the music of the day as evinced by composers such as Bach and idealized beauty by adding a sense of childlike wonder.

Hall of Mirrors, Amalienburg, Nymphenburg Palace Park, Munich

Architecture remained heavily ornamental yet décor became more personal and reliant on the need to showcase a comfortable space where tete –a- tetes could be held more intimately and love letters written in flair and style.

Perhaps the works of this era capture our imagination because of their inherent idealism. We find ourselves fascinated by the artistic attention given to creating beauty of a most heightened level simply as an end to itself.  And if that doesn’t do it for you . . . well there are iconic moments in hair by Marie Antointette!

One Step To Beautiful

Image Source Unknown

Last night I realized that it's been a week of animal cuteness here on the blog and on my instagram feed.  Purely coincidental. On Monday it was puppy love, last Friday it was bunny love and today it's swan love. I'm not sure of the image credit for the photo above but it touches my heart. A little swan begins so gently and unassumingly - perhaps unaware of the beautiful bird it will one day become. . .

This image made me think about dreams and tomorrows and the steps we take to make our tomorrows our todays. Each one brings us closer to beautiful, closer to the dream we must inhabit as our own, closer to living in truth and purpose.

Every day is a chance to begin anew yet continue what we started the day before. It's also a moment of possibility, filled with choice - that is the choice to pick up where we left off, give up or begin again.

When I began my training in Fine Art I was both awed and overwhelmed by the awesomeness of works created by artists before me and my contemporaries. I wondered how they did what they did and if I would ever do the same one day - hopefully in this lifetime I thought back then.

But as I reached passed my fear I saw beyond the 'illusion' and into the truth of the matter. All artists who are truly dedicated to their craft commit themselves to one step to beautiful as I like to call it. That is steady, daily action in their training, technical mastery or competition of a body of work. Awesomeness happens everyday when we simply show up and do the work - one phrase at a time, one brushstroke after another until one day, we, like the little swan, emerge into something beautiful. Giving to others something of ourselves that will grace them with love.

How To Make Your Fifi-Furry Happy

Without further adieu, here’s Ms. Millou tips on how to make your little furry Fifi aka puppy love happy (just in time for a new week):

According To Millou:

:: Cuddles! I like nothing more than cuddles – cuddles in the morning, throughout the day and at bedtime too.

:: Don’t forget spontaneous tummy rubs, the only thing better than spontaneous tummy rubs are spontaneous tummy rubs after a taste of strawberry ice-cream.

:: Walks. I love going for walks with Bella, chasing squirrels and saying hello to dogs twice as big as me.

:: Tasty treats for good behavior – apples and avocados are my favourite.

:: A brand new shoebox or handbag to get lost in when Bella isn’t looking. She says I like to chew on her shoes but honestly I’m just testing for quality! I’m sure your Fifi-Furry would agree with me.

:: Wildflowers to snuggle with my nose.

:: Flutterbies to get distracted with when I’m snuggling with pretty wildflowers.

:: Warm baths with lavender bubbles and a furry blanket afterwards.

:: Rugs to roll around on, even if Bella says, “no, naughty, naughty, off the rug you go!”

:: And lastly a sweet puppy mama that adores me.  

Tiny Treasures & Fall

What a brisk week it was, filled with early mornings with slow sunrises, bright sparkling rays of sunlight and clear skies. Truth be told I like the juxtaposition of summer turning into fall.

My favourite trees going from green to emerald shades of orange and yellow, and little forest-like creatures that pop across my path on evening walks. These are life's tiny treasures as I like to call them. Seemingly small things that swell my heart with joy and feed my soul with the fullness of beauty and blessings all around me.

I met this brown bunny the other day while bustling along from home to my favourite coffee shop where I ordered a pumpkin treat as mentioned here . . .  pumpkin treats are also another tiny treasure especially for fall.

So anyway Mr. Brown Bunny - typically one of four decided to humour me long enough for a photo and so I snapped him in various scenes of repose because that's what blogger do. Our nifty camera phones are never too far away, always poised for that snippet of daily life ready to be shared on our online spaces.

I wryly smile to myself as I write this post because taking this picture of Mr. Brown Bunny (and I should mention that we've crossed paths before only he cleverly dodged my former photographic attempts) reminded me that when we sometimes least expect it, one seemingly tiny thing in our lives can stand still, can emerge long enough for us to embrace it and receive the blessings and miracles therein.

An inspiring thought for a happy weekend I think! See you Monday.

Eye On Art: Johannes Vermeer

Welcome to our very first Eye On Art feature column. My plan is to share beautiful paintings from some of the classical painters who I esteem not only aesthetically but also for the ideas imbued in their work. It’s a bit ironic that I’m starting this series with Vermeer, since I grew to love his work only quite recently.

The Procuress, 1656, Oil on canvas, 143 x 130 cm. (56 1/8 x 51 1/8 in.)

When I began studying in the atelier I was initially drawn to the work of William Bouguereau and Jean Dominique Ingres so to fall in love with Vermeer’s work was quite a surprise for me! Johannes Vermeer, was a  17th century Dutch painter who painted interior scenes, mostly domestic in vibrant colours employing masterful technique in his use of light and shadow. He extensively used lapis lazuli (ultramarine blue) and other vibrant primaries to bring lively expressions of colour to his paintings. As you can see in The Procuress above, he also had a keen knack for bringing the emotive quality of his subjects to focus in his paintings.

Girl With The Pearl Earring, c. 1665-1667, Oil on canvas, 46.5 x 40 cm. (18 1/4 x 15 1/4 in.)

Although not extensively famous in his day, this painting by Vermeer rose to popularity in recent years because of the movie of the same name, which I found interesting by the way. Again, you can see Vermeer’s use of colour and emotive expression in his subject, which he became quite noted for.

The Art Of Painting, c. 1662 - 1668, Oil on canvas, 120 X 100 cm. (47 1/4 x 39 3/8 in.)

The Art Of Painting is alive with lush geometric details and I'm taken in by the expressions of his subject. If you're like me, your probably wondering what she's reading and if it's a good book! Vermeer’s trademark use of colour and exhilarating brush work quicken the eye to become absorbed in the scene. Rich with symbolism, this painting is also on the cover of Discovering The Great Masters, a truly informative volume which helps readers to decode the visual intricacies of classical paintings from days gone by.

Woman Holding A Balance, c. 1622-1665, Oil on canvas, 42.5 x 38 cm. (16 3/4 x 15 in.)

 Vermeer, like many artist's of his age often painted what they saw - not only in technique but subject matter. Quite a few of his paintings have female subjects who appear lovingly and serenely absorbed in the simplest of tasks, whether it be pouring milk or holding things in a balance. They're almost always draped in lush fabrics of substance and rich colour. I think the fur trim adds quite a beautiful touch in this painting.

Girl Interrupted In Her Music, c. 1658-1661, Oil on canvas, 39.3 x 44.4 cm. (15 1/2 x 17 1/2 in.)

Besides their serene femininity, many of Vermeer's female subjects are painted in the act of musicality. Some playing the lute or flute and another involved in music lessons. This theme is one more reason why I enjoy looking at his work. I can completely relate to the Girl Interrupted In Her Music, I think she's saying, "now is definitely not a good time. I'm trying to remember count, notes and phrases. Can you kindly paint somewhere else sir." I suppose Vermeer, didn't heed this because the completed painting is both charming and pleasing and again his use of colour is beautiful in clarity and weight.

And as for interruptions . . . well, I suppose in the end there is a lovely painting for us to see and the girl's expression is caressed with a hint of bemusement. What can we say for artists and their art!

A Ramble On Roses

A ramble on roses feels like a charming way to start a new week, a delightful interlude into the cozy, comfy months of fall just around the bend. Do you like fall? I think it’s one of my favourite seasons. There are pumpkins everywhere even in your favourite coffee shop treat and your scarf just seems to fit so snuggly around your neck against those crisp evening winds.

I like to think of flowers as earthbound stars and besides my other floral favourite, roses seem to bloom and alight with a song of their own that sings to my heart. And so as a precursor to fall, I thought a ramble on roses only fitting; something beautiful in nature to delight in and remember on a blurry afternoon when spring seems only too far away.

Roses have a romance of their own, not only in colour but variety. I have in my library more than one volume detailing the different kinds of roses and their history.  Every girl loves to receive a rose or two or perhaps by the dozen but I also like roses in their natural habitat. The thought of a rosebush somehow reminds me of a fairytale and reading about the homegrown rose garden of one of my favourite singers in this book, won me over completely.

There’s so much beauty gifted to us in nature, a constant reminder of the glorious beauty of our Creator who leaves us a reminder that we can keep indoors, in a keepsake vase on a stack of books by our night table in the shape of an earthbound star called a rose.

Debussy Meets Badgley Mischka

Of course I'm not done with Fashion Week! My last post was part I of 2 and I've saved my favourite for today.

Do you like Debussy? Perhaps you've heard Claire De Lune and if you didn't know what it was, a popular love story featuring two star crossed teen- lovers probably introduced you to this beautiful and enchanting composition.

Listen: Claire De Lune

By: Francois- Joel Thiollier

Composer: Debussy

. . .  and imagine:

. . .  a cerulean sky, streamed with cotton candy clouds, twilight around the bend and a soft ocean breeze. I loved this piece for the delightful deep peach colour that's not quite orange. It's so floaty, for want of a better word, elegant with a hint of play.

Tiers, remind me of childhood dresses, being a princess and sparkling like the stars. I find myself going Gatsby again with this dress and I love the beaded detail on the neckline that falls into a curtain of light.

And my absolute favourite - gold, aquamarine and a beaded bodice. The perfect dress for a midsummer night's ball. These tiers are vertical instead of horizontal and beautifully placed, it gives the impression of floating on water or having sea foam at your feet.

. . . . all delicate and delightful like Claire De Lune.

Fashion Week 2014 : Spring In Prague With Beethoven

I find beauty and inspiration in so many different realms and fashion just happens to be one of them. To me fashion is both fun and poetic, serious and playful, frivolous in some ways yet awe-inspiring in others. Being at a runway show is an opportunity to see a moving work of art and that experience changed my appreciation for fashion as an art form forever.

This week has been no exception with beautiful pieces for Spring 2015 on show at MB Fashion Week NY. Instead of a general round up so to speak, I picked out a few pieces that matches my take on spring and of course - relevant musical accompaniment:

Listen: Symphony No.1 in C Major

Op.21: 111 Ardante Cantabele con moto

Composer - Beethoven

Sensual textures and lush soft mauve for this look by Marissa Webb. I've always had a think for matching hosiery and shoes and the deep black hue lends a perfect contrast to the soft tone of the outfit, the pockets are also chic too. Perfect for tucking away little wildflowers.

Playful and  delightful with a vintage flair by Jenny Packham. This so look to me is so youthful, light and fresh. It makes me think of twirling in a field of daisies or being in The Great Gatsby.

 

This dress by  Monique Lhuillier is both soft and architectural. Her entire collection was a seamless blend of ethereal  pieces, floral and bead accents and edgy combinations that still managed to resonate with femininity.

I like to think of my selections as a backdrop to a day in Paris or perhaps Prague - chic morning brunch, afternoon fun and an evening spent taking in the classical arts.

What about you? Did you find any hearts in this years Fashion Week presentation?

Bella's Daybook: In The Atelier

My motivation for studying art was purely serendipitous or perhaps practical, depending on whom you may ask. I'd found myself in the midst of a major life transition with the resounding knowing in my heart that I wanted to truly follow it and share beauty with others. The serendipity began when all manner of coincidences, signs and wonders aligned themselves to guide me to make the leap, and so I did. From a hot climate to blurry winter, from making illustrations in my tiny home, corner office to working in an atelier. I was determined to learn the techniques of the old masters such as Bouguereau and my experiences in the atelier shaped my work ethic as an artist. In older days, being an artist was every bit esteemed as being a steward of science and truthfully mastering old master drawing and painting technique is a science in and of itself. People are suprised when I tell them that we study anatomy, perspective and other marvels such as the Golden Rule, all in an effort to create a work of art that is aesthetically pleasing and in adherence to classical ideals.

We begin our training with making copies of Bargue Plates (from the flat). These exercises begin a rigorous programme of developing the eye and an understanding of light, form and shadow.

This is followed by exercises in working from the round, in a more challenging medium - vine charcoal as opposed to graphite. At this stage we make copies after plaster casts and once again the objective is to refine the eye and expand the artists repertoire of measurement techniques. Besides working through exercises in Bargue copies and cast drawing, students also work from the live model. Here's one of my earlier drawings done in conte:

After drawing technique is established, we begin painting using a limited colour palette. The objective here is to establish a thorough understanding of colour and value in paint, in addition to the challenges of working with the paint medium. I'm currently working on the a copy of the cast below and in the upcoming weeks I'll be sharing updates about its process and progress:

Masters Of Music:María Callas

María Callas

I couldn't resist starting our Masters Of Music series with the uniquely gifted and creative, María Callas. As an artist, people are more often times than not curious to know where I find inspiration in my own work. The truth is that my inspiration comes from those who preceded me in my art form and also other art forms not necessarily related to my art - notably fashion.

As such my reason for sharing my admiration for Maria Callas is both music and fashion related. She was noted for bringing the Bel Canto technique back to the forefront of classical performance in voice and secondly, she was an incredible style icon. To me, she's reminiscent of a perfect blend of Elizabeth Taylor meets Audrey Hepburn in beauty and aesthetic.

On stage

I love this stage shot for the evocative mood and drama - something she was noted for bringing to her technically daring and emotive interpretations of the works of Puccini and Parigi to name a few.

As Norma

María Callas was both famous and infamous, a prima donna in the truest sense of the word and some people claim to either revere or absolutely detest her voice and interpretation. Yet for me, the thing I most admire about her  is her genius for blending theatre with the refined expression of those feelings and emotions we might find too unpleasant to acknowledge or speak of.  Shakespeare might say that the spiritual quality of her voice is wrought with passion and feeling. Here she is performing Vissi d'arte (Tosca). 

What do you think? Did your heart swell? Mine always does when I hear this performance.

:: Image Souce: Callas.it::

Introducing Millou

Millou is our official cozy cuddler and bringer of good cheer.  I've always had dogs and their presence is interwoven in my daily life. Whether I'm studying new music, looking at paintings or making fashion look books, there's always a little furry somehow in the mix.

I decided to include Millou on the blog and you'll hear from her in her column According To Millou - because she just had to have her own thing. Do you heart creature comforts? If you're anything like me I'm sure you find yourself wondering what they're thinking about what we're thinking about them! It's silly and funny but those tiny moments of delight can certainly brighten anyones day.

Perhaps because as artists, so many of us are introverts, I find that we tend to gravitate towards our furries for amusement and laughter. Whether you're a dog lover like me who likes to dress Fifi up for fun or someone who just wants to hear about the life of an artist through furry thoughts, I hope that you enjoy Millou's mischief and musings as our blog grows along.

Introducing Bella

My name is Bella and welcome to my new, bright blog Bella & Millou. Believe it or not in a time not too long ago, I was a corporate professional who wore uncomfortable shoes to work. Of course most beautiful shoes are not necessarily practical much less comfortable but I think they're made even more uncomfortable by the fact that you're wearing them somewhere you really don't want to be.

Well, when my feet and heart had had enough, I solemnly left a world I was not called to for my truth and began to pursue my passion for classical art.  It was challenging yet had an air of comfort but I'm sure you also know that sometimes man plans and God laughs.

In divine humour I was brought gently and squarely into my truest and dearest expression - music and here's where this blog began. You see, beauty moves me but not just beauty as we would call it today but beauty from days gone by. Beauty that was an expected component of art produced in the 17th-19th centuries. In my mind, the refinement and ideals of these eras are incomparable and this isn't to say that I don't find beauty in the art of our contemporary world, just that I feel more delighted to share what some might call history in a new, fresh contemporary way. Besides, I spend the greater part of my days immersed in such a world.

Whether it's the genius of Vermeer's use of colour, Beethoven's symphonies, the charm and  elegance of Swan Lake or the drama of Tosca, I was inspired to share it all and my journey as one who is part of the re-emergence of classical art in popular culture on this blog.

Thus, there will be music and dance and paintings, puppy mischief and fashion explorations because somehow they all come together in what is the landscape of my world and inspiration.

I'm so happy to have you come along.