Category Archives: Art
The Art of Paul Gauguin
Today is the birthday of Paul Gauguin. Here are some of his paintings from his time in Tahiti:
The Minister’s Treehouse
Noah may have had his ark but Horace Burgess has a treehouse—the world’s largest! Constructed around an 80-foot tall white oak tree, the 10-story, 10,000 square foot treehouse is … Continue reading
Photo of the Day: Lucketts Store
This image was taken outside a local antique shop. I was drawn to this grouping of objects with their interesting colors and textures. © Mark Routt 2012
Photo of the Day: Discovery
Today was the last flight for the Space Shuttle Discovery. She was ferried aboard NASA’s specially modified 747 to her new home at the National Air & Space Museum in … Continue reading
Photo of the Day: March of the Swallowtails
Pictured here are the black swallowtail and the eastern tiger swallowtail. The eastern tiger swallowtail is the state insect of Virginia. There are 552 species of swallowtails in the world … Continue reading
The Photography of Imogen Cunningham
Imogen Cunningham (April 12, 1883 – June 24, 1976) was an American photographer widely known for her portraits, botanical photography, and nudes. She worked as a photographer until her death at the age … Continue reading
The Art of Gustav Vigeland
Gustav Vigeland (11 April 1869 – 12 March 1943) was a famous and controversial Norwegian sculptor. Vigeland occupies a special position among Norwegian sculptors, both in the power of his creative imagination … Continue reading
Andy Buys an Andy
I just got home from Spring Break with my kids and saw the story of a guy named Andy Fields who unknowingly bought an early Andy Warhol drawing for $5 … Continue reading
Photo of the Day: Gone with the Wind
I drove by this old tree today and it was gone—gone with the wind. Thankfully I caught this image a couple of years ago. © Mark Routt 2012
Photo of the Day: Loudoun Valley Sunset
Once in awhile we have some great sunsets in Virginia and once in awhile I just happen to be in the right place to photograph one. © Mark Routt 2012
Photo of the Day: Valley of Fire
We arrived at Valley of Fire late in the afternoon but it was the perfect time to be there. The sun was setting and the colors were out of this … Continue reading
Photo of the Day: Life and Death
It holds the records for being the lowest, driest, and hottest location in North America, yet there are places in Death Valley where fishes thrive—pupfishes to be exact. There are nine species … Continue reading
Photo of the Day: On Golden Pond
We’ve had some unusually foggy weather every morning this week and it’s presented me with a great opportunity to photograph some very local landscapes. This image was taken at a … Continue reading
William R. Routt
I was curious about the history of William R. Routt from my previous posting about a 1908 post card I found picturing Routt College in Jacksonville, Illinois. So later that … Continue reading
Photos of the Day: Orchid Show
Spring has sprung in the nation’s capitol. These images were taken by me at the United States Botanical Garden on Capitol Hill during the annual orchid show. © Mark Routt … Continue reading
A Happy Face
Hanging out and watching tv with Indiana on a Friday night.
Photo of the Day: Beyond the Dunes
Cape Hatteras Light is a lighthouse located on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina near the community of Buxton, and is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. © Mark Routt 2012
The Art of J.C. Leyendecker
Joseph Christian Leyendecker (March 23, 1874 – July 25, 1951) was one of the pre-eminent American illustrators of the early 20th century. He is best known for his poster, book, and advertising illustrations, the … Continue reading
The Photography of Edward Weston
Edward Henry Weston (March 24, 1886 – January 1, 1958) was a 20th century American photographer. He has been called “one of the most innovative and influential American photographers…” and “one of the masters … Continue reading
Photo of the Day: Maine Sunset
If you’re seeking out great sunsets this summer, bypass the Gulf Coast and head to Maine! I grew up in Florida and we were famous for our spectacular sunsets, especially … Continue reading
Photo of the Day: Cape Hatteras Light
Cape Hatteras Light is a lighthouse located on Hatteras Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina near the community of Buxton, and is part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. © Mark Routt 2012
Photo of the Day: Cherry Blossom Clouds
Cherry blossoms and clouds on this first day of spring along the tidal basin in Washington DC. © Mark Routt, 2012
The Art of Edward Poynter
Sir Edward John Poynter (20 March 1836 – 26 July 1919) was an English painter, designer, and draughtsman who served as President of the Royal Academy.
Photo of the Day: Maine Rocks
Bass Harbor Head Light, Bass Harbor, Maine. © Mark Routt 2012
The Art of Albert Pinkham Ryder
Albert Pinkham Ryder (March 19, 1847 – March 28, 1917) was an American painter best known for his poetic and moody allegorical works and seascapes, as well as his eccentric personality. While his art shared … Continue reading
The Graffiti House
Often during my trips on Route 15 south through Brandy Station, Virginia, I’ve noticed a sign that points to a place called Graffiti House. We stopped in yesterday afternoon and … Continue reading
Missing
In the early morning hours of March 18, 1990, a pair of thieves disguised as Boston police officers entered the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and roamed the museum’s galleries, stealing … Continue reading
Photo of the Day: West Quoddy Head
West Quoddy Head in Lubec, Maine is the easternmost point of the contiguous United States and the closest point to Europe from a point in the fifty States. West Quoddy Head overlooks Quoddy Narrows, a strait between Canada and the … Continue reading
Photo of the Day: Bass Harbor Head Light
Bass Harbor Head Light in Bass Harbor, Maine. The history of Bass Harbor Head Light started in 1855 when it was deemed that there was sufficient reason for a lighthouse at … Continue reading
Open for Business
On this day in 1941, The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC opened to the public.
The Art of Aubrey Beardsley
Aubrey Vincent Beardsley (21 August 1872 – 16 March 1898) was an English illustrator and author. His drawings, done in black ink and influenced by the style of Japanese woodcuts, emphasized the … Continue reading
Photo of the Day: Bar Harbor
In celebration of Maine becoming our 23rd state on this day in 1820, I’m posting an image from Bar Harbor. I recommend everyone visit this beautiful state at least once … Continue reading
I Wish I Were an…
Bavarian-born American entrepreneur, Oscar Meyer, dies on this day in 1955.
Photo of the Day: Acadia Sunset
This image was taken near Acadia National Park in Maine. Maine offered some of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. © Mark Routt 2012
Photo of the Day: Argoflex Seventy-Five
Today’s photo features my argoflex seventy-five camera and an image of the latest argus digital bean camera. I really appreciate the way the designers of the bean paid homage to … Continue reading
Photo of the Day: Bass Harbor Marsh
Bass Harbor Marsh, Bass Harbor, Maine © Mark Routt 2012
Photo of the Day: Art Deco Theatre
An Art Deco theatre facade in New York City. © Mark Routt 2012
Photo of the Day: Still Life #3
I found this blue bottle in an abandoned barn and thought it would be interesting to photograph. It’s a mid-century Italian piece and has a very unusual bubble texture. © … Continue reading
The “Inventor of Obscenities”
Michelangelo, born on this day in 1475, is considered to be one of the greatest artists of all time, but even he was not immune to the brushes of censorship. … Continue reading
A Long Time Ago In A Galaxy Far, Far Away…
Ralph McQuarrie, the conceptual artist behind the STAR WARS films passed away over the weekend at the age of 82. The artwork he produced for the original STAR WARS movie was featured in … Continue reading
Che on This Day – 1960
On this date in 1960, Cuban photographer Alberto Korda took his iconic photograph of Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara wearing his black beret. Korda’s photograph is thought to be the most widely distributed photo in … Continue reading
The Merry Men of Howard Pyle
American illustrator and author Howard Pyle was born on this day in 1853. He wrote and illustrated many books including The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood, The Story of Sir Lancelot … Continue reading
Photo of the Day: Still Life #2
Today I met with a young lady named Jana who wishes to become a professional photographer and hopes to attend the Savanna College of Art and Design (SCAD) after she … Continue reading
A Big Tree in A Small Town
This white oak in Earlysville, Virginia is the second largest in the state and sits atop a hillside overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was destined for demolition by an … Continue reading
It’s All About the Light
Back in the day when I was studying art history in college, we studied Van Gogh and the fact that he made such a big deal about the quality of … Continue reading
