During our roaming about last summer, DH and I finally got around to taking a peak at a fresco painting by Ben Long IV.
At first glance this looks like a painting, right? What is a fresco-painting? Michelangelo used the same process in the Sistine Chapel. One thing, I didn’t know until now is that this style of painting involves the artist to work on wet plaster. The plaster absorbs the mixed pigment making the painting apart of the wall. That’s not only amazing, but it paints (pun intended) a clearer understanding why these works take a long time to complete. How do they do it?
To think, I thought I was looking at just a painting. slap forehead It’s more than that! Another neat thing is Ben Long is a master artist (I wrote a poem last week called, The Master Artist ) and is one of a few who uses this form of art expression. You can read more about the Crossnore School fresco, here. Have you ever seen a fresco painting in person?
This week’s featured photographer is…
The Salem Garden
Congratulations, Kim! Go by to see what amazing pix she’s sharing today and I invite you to link your Wordless or (not-so-wordless) Wednesday post below to join the party. Also, it would be awesome, if you can show a little blog love by inviting your friends to join in on the fun! ?
UPDATE: I’m playing along with a new group of bloggers in the weekly meme In Other Words where a quote is given as a post prompt. It can be a story, a poem, a memory, or a photo. Let’s see, if I can stoke the ole furnace to a roaring flame with this little exercise with this quote….
“Unhappiness is caused by believing that something
is missing that we need to be happy.” Gina Lake
What an interesting quote! It’s unbelievable how powerful another person’s words can create a shadow of doubt over someone’s life. Basically this quote goes along the same line of the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence way of thinking, but in truth that’s not always the case. Being dissatisfied to the point of unhappiness is unhealthy. Instead of giving into this mindset learn to be content with your life; turn those lemons into lemon aid and stopping comparing your life to your peers. There are always trade-offs in every situation. If you can’t find happiness where you are then how can be happy otherwise? Make your own happiness!
Thanks for popping in and joining the Wordless (or not-so-wordless) Wednesday fun. Have a fototastic day!
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Here’s to making (y)our own happiness 🙂
How interesting about the fresco painting. Makes me appreciate the talent of the artists even more. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the quote at In Other Words. Hope to see you a there again.
Patricia, thank you for the invite to participate in, In Other Words. BTW, when will your weekly quote prompt post? Thanks for stopping by!
In Other Words post is on Wednesday and the link is open until the following Tuesday. Jack tells me he told you already. He is such a brat.
Prompt posts on Wednesdays and the link is open until the following Tuesday.
Beautiful shot, I love to see things like this, so interesting 🙂
That’s amazing, and Beautiful!! That verse is exactly what motivates me to work in our Sunday School Kids Church, even though it adds more to my already full schedule. It’s just so worth it. Kids should know that Jesus thought they were worth it! 🙂
Les, Suffer the little children is one of my favorite verses, too. Jesus had a special place for small ones in His heart. He wanted His people to come to Him with the same trust of a small child. This is the way He wants us to come to him with the mindset of a child. I think it’s wonderful you’re teaching children in Sunday School. They will remember the lessons you share way into their adult lives. I say this because I remember the influence that my childhood Sunday School teacher had on me. God bless you, dear friend!
That is beautiful!
Thank you, Kisma. Seeing the Fresco made me want to see others like it. There are others in North Carolina. I just need to locate them to see if it’s easy for us to drive to on one of our day trips.
HI there! Thanks for making me your featured photographer today! I’m really honored! xo Michele at The Salem Garden
Michele, the honor is strictly
all
mine. Have a blessed day!
Hi, dear Cathy!
As I told you and DH, Mrs. Shady is an artist. I called her into my office this evening and showed her this Ben Long fresco. She loved seeing it and I did, too! It boggles my mind to think of the painstaking process of creating a mural that size on wet plaster. “Paint by numbers” is all I can manage. 🙂
I hope you are having a fine week, dear friend Cathy!
Tom, I remember Mrs. Shady is an artist. I’m a little envious of her talents, too. lol I’m glad you both enjoyed seeing the fresco. I think it’s remarkable to find something this impressive nestled in the hills of western North Carolina. While I was working up my post, I discovered Ben Long has a studio in Asheville. That’s only a short drive from Knoxville. We hope to visit his gallery this spring/summer. I’m not big into the art world, meaning I’m not familiar with the artists. I do enjoy marveling over the beautiful paintings while I secretly hope someday to do something nice like what I’m seeing. I may have to consider your approach with the paint by numbers route to achieve a work that’s remotely recognizable. lol Thank you for stopping by, dear friend!
The things you find, Cathy, always something interesting. Yes, I am sure I have seen some fresco paintings back in Europe. And, no, I have not seen the Sistine Chapel – yet 🙂 Happy WW!
Claudia, Ben Long did his apprenticeship in France and Italy. From what I read I was left with the impression he did fresco paintings in those countries. It would be amazing to see the Sistine Chapel. If you go (or should I say when), then I’ll be eager to view your experience through your photos. Thanks for dropping in and happy WW to you!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a fresco painting. Thanks for telling us what it means. I once saw a Banksy in person. I nearly fainted from joy.
Love,
Janie
Janie, the whole learn and discovery process is enlightening. I didn’t know what a fresco painting (or a Banksy) was until I did a little digging. That’s cool that you spied a Banksy. I think I would like to see something like that, too. Some street graffiti, although Banksy is a bit more than just that, artists have real talent and do beautiful work. Sadly, most of these type of artists rarely do much with their God-given skills. *sigh*