My Favourite Paintings - 'Empire of Light' by René Magritte

Wednesday 24th February at 2pm

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for an hour.

Each talk is on one work of art and I'll share insights, discussing aspects such as the subject matter, historical and social context of the painting, the life of the artist and the techniques and materials they empIoyed. I welcome questions in the chat box and attempt to answer as many as possible.

The next painting I'll be discussing is 'Empire of Light' (1953-4) by René Magritte, in the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice.

If you would like to join the next talk of the 'My Favourite Paintings' series, on Wednesday 24th February at 2pm, please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10.

I very much look forward to talking to you about Magritte's 'Empire of Light' on Wednesday afternoon.

My Favourite Paintings - 'Two Women at a Window' by Murillo

Wednesday 17th February at 2pm

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for an hour.

Each talk is on one work of art and I'll share insights, discussing aspects such as the subject matter, historical and social context of the painting, the life of the artist and the techniques and materials they empIoyed. I welcome questions in the chat box and attempt to answer as many as possible.

The next painting I'll be discussing is 'Two Women at a Window' (c.1665-60) by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, in the National Gallery of Art, Washington DC.

If you would like to join the next talk of the 'My Favourite Paintings' series, on Wednesday 17th February at 2pm, please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10.

I very much look forward to talking to you about Murillo's 'Two Women at a Window' on Wednesday afternoon.

My Favourite Paintings - 'Dining Room on the Garden' by Pierre Bonnard

Wednesday 10th February at 2pm

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for an hour.

Each talk is on one work of art and I'll share insights, discussing aspects such as the subject matter, historical and social context of the painting, the life of the artist and the techniques and materials they empIoyed. I welcome questions in the chat box and attempt to answer as many as possible.

The next painting I'll be discussing is the 'Dining Room on the Garden' (1934-5) by Pierre Bonnard, in the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York.

If you would like to join the next talk of the 'My Favourite Paintings' series, on Wednesday 10th February at 2pm, please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10.

I very much look forward to talking to you about Bonnard's 'Dining Room on the Garden' on Wednesday afternoon.

My Favourite Paintings - 'Camera degli Sposi' by Andrea Mantegna

Wednesday 3rd February at 2pm

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for an hour.

Each talk is on one work of art and I'll share insights, discussing aspects such as the subject matter, historical and social context of the painting, the life of the artist and the techniques and materials they empIoyed. I welcome questions in the chat box and attempt to answer as many as possible.

The next painting I'll be discussing is the 'Camera degli Sposi' (1465-74) by Andrea Mantegna, in the Ducal Palace, Mantua.

If you would like to join the next talk of the 'My Favourite Paintings' series, on Wednesday 3rd February at 2pm, please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10.

I very much look forward to talking to you about Mantegna's 'Camera degli Sposi' on Wednesday afternoon.

My Favourite Paintings - February's Theme

Windows in Art

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for an hour.

This February's four 'My Favourite Paintings' Zoom Gallery Talks are on the theme of windows, as we are all spending plenty of time looking out of them at present.

The talks are as follows:

• Wednesday 3rd February - Montegna's 'Camera degli Sposi' (1465-74) Ducal Palace, Mantua
• Wednesday 10th February - Bonnard's 'Dining Room on the Garden' (1934-5) Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York
• Wednesday 17th February - Murillo's 'Two Women at a Window' (c.1665-60) National Gallery of Art, Washington DC
• Wednesday 24th February - Magritte's 'Empire of Light' (1953-4) Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice

Each Zoom Gallery Talk starts at 2pm and lasts for an hour, including questions. Please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10.

My Favourite Paintings - 'Fête Galante in a Wooded Landscape' by Antoine Watteau

Wednesday 27th January at 2pm

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for an hour.

Each talk is on one work of art and I'll share insights, discussing aspects such as the subject matter, historical and social context of the painting, the life of the artist and the techniques and materials they empIoyed. I welcome questions in the chat box and attempt to answer as many as possible.

The next painting I'll be discussing is the 'Fête Galante in a Wooded Landscape' (1719-21) by Antoine Watteau, in the Wallace Collection, London. Please note this is a different Watteau painting to the one I originally advertised.

If you would like to join the next talk of the 'My Favourite Paintings' series, on Wednesday 27th January at 2pm, please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10.

I very much look forward to talking to you about Watteau's 'Fête Galante in a Wooded Landscape' on Wednesday afternoon.

My Favourite Paintings - 'The Wedding Party' by Jan Steen

Wednesday 20th January at 2pm

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for an hour.

Each talk is on one work of art and I'll share insights, discussing aspects such as the subject matter, historical and social context of the painting, the life of the artist and the techniques and materials they empIoyed. I welcome questions in the chat box and attempt to answer as many as possible.

The next painting I'll be discussing is the 'The Wedding Party' (1667) by Jan Steen, in the Wellington Collection, Apsley House, London.

If you would like to join the next talk of the 'My Favourite Paintings' series, on Wednesday 20th January at 2pm, please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10.

I very much look forward to talking to you about Jan Steen's 'The Wedding Party' on Wednesday afternoon.

My Favourite Paintings - January's Theme

Parties in Art

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for an hour.

This January's three 'My Favourite Paintings' Zoom Gallery Talks are on the theme of parties, as we are all missing being able to gather together at present.

The talks are as follows:

• Wednesday 13th January - Renoir's 'The Luncheon of the Boating Party' (1881) Phillips Collection, Washington DC
• Wednesday 20th January - Jan Steen's 'The Wedding Party' (1667) Apsley House, London
• Wednesday 27th January - Antoine Watteau's 'The Music Party - Les Charmes de la Vie' (1718) Wallace Collection, London

Each Zoom Gallery Talk starts at 2pm and lasts for an hour, including questions. Please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10.

My Favourite Paintings - 'The Luncheon of the Boating Party' by Renoir

Wednesday 13th January at 2pm

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for an hour.

Each talk is on one work of art and I'll share insights, discussing aspects such as the subject matter, historical and social context of the painting, the life of the artist and the techniques and materials they empIoyed. I welcome questions in the chat box and attempt to answer as many as possible.

The next painting I'll be discussing is the 'The Luncheon of the Boating Party' (1881) by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, in the Phillips Collection, Washington DC.

If you would like to join the next talk of the 'My Favourite Paintings' series, on Wednesday 13th January at 2pm, please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10.

I very much look forward to talking to you about Renoir's 'The Luncheon of the Boating Party' on Wednesday afternoon.

Gallery Talks Quiz 4 - The Answers

I hope you all enjoyed a peaceful festive season and wish you all health and happiness for 2021.

Thank you to all of you who took the time to complete the 'Who's Who at Tate Britain' Quiz and to send me your answers. Please see below the correct answers to Gallery Talks Quiz 4.

Many congratulations to Giovanna Bosi, winner of this quiz, who will be receiving a special prize! I will be posting another in the series of art quizes soon.

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Gallery Talks Quiz 4 - 'Who's Who at Tate Britain?'

1. Who were “born the same day, married the same day and brought to bed the same day”, painted by an unknown British 17th century artist?
   The Cholmondeley Ladies
2. Which artist portrayed himself together with his pet pug dog in his Self-Portrait?
   William Hogarth
3. Giovanna Baccelli, painted by Thomas Gainsborough, was famous as which type of performer?
   A Principal Ballerina
4. How many adoring ladies did Joshua Reynolds paint in his picture of the Montgomery Sisters?
   Three – Anne, Elizabeth and Barbara Montgomery
5. Who was the famous Shakespearean actress depicted in a full-length portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence?
   Mrs Sarah Siddons
6. Who lies drowning in a stream surrounded by flowers in a painting by John Everett Millais
   Ophelia
7. What is the title of the painting of two girls lighting Chinese lanterns in a garden, by John Singer Sargent?
   Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose
8. Which poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson provided the inspiration for the painting with the same name by John William Waterhouse?
   The Lady of Shalott
9. Who was depicted in portraits by both Gwen and Augustus John?
   Dorothy (Dorelia) McNeill
10. Who grapples with a giant-sized angel in the colossal sculpture by Jacob Epstein?
    Jacob
11. Which artist was commissioned by the Arts Council of Great Britain to sculpt a 'Reclining Figure' for the Festival of Britain?
    Henry Moore
12. Who is the 'Girl with the Kitten' depicted by Lucian Freud?
    Kitty (Kathleen) Garman
13. What is the name of the cat that appears in David Hockney’s portrait of Mr and Mrs Clark?
    Percy
14. Which pair of artists dress in suits, refer to themselves as ‘living sculptures’ and create works of art in partnership?
    Gilbert and George
15. Who does Chris Ofili pay tribute to in his painting entitled 'No Woman, No Cry'?
    Doreen and Stephen Lawrence

Gallery Talks Quiz 4 - Who's Who at Tate Britain?

I hope you and your families are keeping well and hope you all had a peaceful and happy Christmas.

I'm very much looking forward to resuming the 'My Favourite Paintings' series of Zoom Gallery Talks in the New Year and, in the meantime, have prepared a quiz for you based on works of art in Tate Britain.

A special prize will be awarded to the person with the highest number of correct answers!

Please send me your answers via the Contact form, even if you haven't completed all of the questions.

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Gallery Talks Quiz 4 - 'Who's Who at Tate Britain?'

1. Who were “born the same day, married the same day and brought to bed the same day”, painted by an unknown British 17th century artist?
2. Which artist portrayed himself together with his pet pug dog in his Self-Portrait?
3. Giovanna Baccelli, painted by Thomas Gainsborough, was famous as which type of performer?
4. How many adoring ladies did Joshua Reynolds paint in his picture of the Montgomery Sisters?
5. Who was the famous Shakespearean actress depicted in a full-length portrait by Sir Thomas Lawrence?
6. Who lies drowning in a stream surrounded by flowers in a painting by John Everett Millais
7. What is the title of the painting of two girls lighting Chinese lanterns in a garden, by John Singer Sargent?
8. Which poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson provided the inspiration for the painting with the same name by John William Waterhouse?
9. Who was depicted in portraits by both Gwen and Augustus John?
10. Who grapples with a giant-sized angel in the colossal sculpture by Jacob Epstein?
11. Which artist was commissioned by the Arts Council of Great Britain to sculpt a 'Reclining Figure' for the Festival of Britain?
12. Who is the 'Girl with the Kitten' depicted by Lucian Freud?
13. What is the name of the cat that appears in David Hockney’s portrait of Mr and Mrs Clark?
14. Which pair of artists dress in suits, refer to themselves as ‘living sculptures’ and create works of art in partnership?
15. Who does Chris Ofili pay tribute to in his painting entitled 'No Woman, No Cry'?

My Favourite Paintings - 'The Hunters in the Snow' by Bruegel the Elder

Wednesday 9th December at 2pm

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for half an hour.

Each talk is on one work of art and I'll share insights, discussing aspects such as the subject matter, historical and social context of the painting, the life of the artist and the techniques and materials they empIoyed. I welcome questions in the chat box and attempt to answer as many as possible.

The next painting I'll be discussing is the 'The Hunters in the Snow' (1565) by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, in the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna.

If you would like to join the next talk of the 'My Favourite Paintings' series, on Wednesday 9th December at 2pm, please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10.

I very much look forward to talking to you about Bruegel the Elder's 'The Hunters in the Snow' on Wednesday afternoon.

My Favourite Paintings - 'Linaioli Tabernacle' by Fra Angelico

Wednesday 2nd December at 2pm

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for half an hour.

Each talk is on one work of art and I'll share insights, discussing aspects such as the subject matter, historical and social context of the painting, the life of the artist and the techniques and materials they empIoyed. I welcome questions in the chat box and attempt to answer as many as possible.

The next painting I'll be discussing is the 'Linaioli Tabernacle' (1432-35) by Fra Angelico, in the San Marco Museum, Florence.

If you would like to join the next talk of the 'My Favourite Paintings' series, on Wednesday 2nd December at 2pm, please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10.

I very much look forward to talking to you about Fra Anglico's 'Linaioli Tabernacle' on Wednesday afternoon.

My Favourite Paintings - 'Dedham Lock and Mill' by Constable

Wednesday 25th November at 2pm

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for half an hour.

Each talk is on one work of art and I'll share insights, discussing aspects such as the subject matter, historical and social context of the painting, the life of the artist and the techniques and materials they empIoyed. I welcome questions in the chat box and attempt to answer as many as possible.

The next painting I'll be discussing is 'Dedham Lock and Mill' (1820) by John Constable, in the V & A, London.

If you would like to join the next talk of the 'My Favourite Paintings' series, on Wednesday 25th November at 2pm, please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10.

I very much look forward to talking to you about Constable's 'Dedham Lock and Mill' on Wednesday afternoon.

My Favourite Paintings - 'The Calling of St Matthew' by Caravaggio

Wednesday 18th November at 2pm

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for half an hour.

Each talk is on one work of art and I'll share insights, discussing aspects such as the subject matter, historical and social context of the painting, the life of the artist and the techniques and materials they empIoyed. I welcome questions in the chat box and attempt to answer as many as possible.

The next painting I'll be discussing is 'The Calling of St Matthew' (1599-1600) by Caravaggio, in the Contarelli Chapel, San Luigi dei Francesi, Rome.

If you would like to join the next talk of the 'My Favourite Paintings' series, on Wednesday 18th November at 2pm, please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10.

I very much look forward to talking to you about Caravaggio's 'The Calling of St Matthew' on Wednesday afternoon.

My Favourite Paintings - 'Arnolfini Portrait' by Jan Van Eyck

Wednesday 11th November at 2pm

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for half an hour.

Each talk is on one work of art and I'll share insights, discussing aspects such as the subject matter, historical and social context of the painting, the life of the artist and the techniques and materials they empIoyed. I welcome questions in the chat box and attempt to answer as many as possible.

The next painting I'll be discussing is the 'Arnolfini Portrait' (1434) by Jan Van Eyck, in the National Gallery, London.

If you would like to join the next talk of the 'My Favourite Paintings' series, on Wednesday 11th November at 2pm, please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10.

I very much look forward to talking to you about Van Eyck's 'Arnolfini Portrait' on Wednesday afternoon.

My Favourite Paintings - 'Chapel of the Rosary' by Henri Matisse

Wednesday 4th November at 2pm

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for half an hour.

Each talk is on one work of art and I'll share insights, discussing aspects such as the subject matter, historical and social context of the work of art, the life of the artist and the techniques and materials they empIoyed. I welcome questions in the chat box and attempt to answer as many as possible.

The next work of art I'll be discussing is 'Chapel of the Rosary' (1948-51) by Henri Matisse, in Vence, France.

If you would like to join the next talk of the 'My Favourite Paintings' series, on Wednesday 4th November at 2pm, please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10.

I very much look forward to talking to you about Matisse's Chapel on Wednesday afternoon.

My Favourite Paintings - 'Self Portrait as St Catherine of Alexandria' by Artemisia Gentileschi

Friday 30th October at 2pm

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for half an hour.

Each talk is on one painting and I'll share insights, discussing aspects such as the subject matter, historical and social context of the painting, the life of the artist and the techniques and materials they empIoyed. I welcome questions in the chat box and attempt to answer as many as possible.

The next painting I'll be discussing is 'Self Portrait as St Catherine of Alexandria' (c.1615-17) by Artemisia Gentileschi, in the National Gallery, London.

If you would like to join the next talk of the 'My Favourite Paintings' series, on Friday 30th October at 2pm, please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10.

I very much look forward to talking to you about Artemisia Gentileschi's 'Self Portrait as St Catherine of Alexandria' on Friday afternoon.

My Favourite Paintings - 'Self Portrait in a Straw Hat' by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun

Wednesday 14th October at 2pm

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom every Wednesday at 2pm, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for half an hour.

Each talk is on one painting and I'll share insights, discussing aspects such as the subject matter, historical and social context of the painting, the life of the artist and the techniques and materials they empIoyed. I welcome questions in the chat box and attempt to answer as many as possible.

The next painting I'll be discussing is 'Self Portrait in a Straw Hat' (after 1782) by Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, in the National Gallery, London.

If you would like to join the next talk of the 'My Favourite Paintings' series, on Wednesday 14th October at 2pm, please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10 or £20 for the next two October talks.

I very much look forward to talking to you about Vigée Le Brun's 'Self Portrait in a Straw Hat' on Wednesday afternoon.

My Favourite Paintings - 'Self Portrait' by Gwen John

Wednesday 7th October at 2pm

Looking at art is a wonderful way in which to focus the mind and lift the spirits, so would you like to spend a little time with me each week considering works of art? If so, please join me on Zoom every Wednesday at 2pm, when I am giving a series of Gallery Talks called ‘My Favourite Paintings' to concentrate your thoughts on Art History for half an hour.

Each talk is on one painting and I'll share insights, discussing aspects such as the subject matter, historical and social context of the painting, the life of the artist and the techniques and materials they empIoyed. I welcome questions in the chat box and attempt to answer as many as possible.

The next painting I'll be discussing is 'Self Portrait' (1902) by Gwen John, in Tate Britain, London.

If you would like to join the next talk of the 'My Favourite Paintings' series, on Wednesday 7th October at 2pm, please message me via the Contact form, and I'll send you the payment details and, on receipt of payment, the Zoom meeting link. The fee for each talk is £10 or £30 for the next three October talks.

I very much look forward to talking to you about John's 'Self Portrait' on Wednesday afternoon.