Thomas Cole

from our friends at "It’s the perfect weekend to visit the Thomas Cole House and see the paintings we lent to their exhibition Women Reframe American Landscape on view there through October 29. This autumnal view of the Catskill Mountain House was painted by Thomas Cole’s younger sister Sarah Cole (1805–1857). Nancy Siegel () co-curator of the exhibition will be speaking at AIHA on Sunday, October 8. https://www.albanyinstitute.org/event/lecture-i-will-overcome-every-barrier-to-success-susie-m-barstow-artist-of-the-hudson-river. Painting: Sarah Cole, "A View of the Catskill Mountain House," oil on canvas, 1848, AIHA Purchase, 1964.40]

Memorial Day... For all who gave their lives for our freedom. painting by.. Frederic Edwin Church

Merry Christmas!

Happy Independence Day, America!

The almond blossom in this painting is a symbol of new life. It was a gift from Vincent to his brother Theo and his wife Jo, who had just had a son, Vincent Willem. In his letter conveying the happy news, Theo wrote: ‘As we told you, we are naming him after you and I wish he will be as persistent and courageous as you.’ The love between the brothers ran deep and strong. 🌻 Vincent van Gogh, Almond Blossom (1890) Van Gogh Museum

Edward Hopper: A collection of 236 paintings (HD) Edward Hopper: A collection of 236 paintings (HD) Description: "No one captured the isolation of the individual within the modern city like Edward Hopper. Hi...

of the Day: Self-Portrait, Winter 1886-87. Oil on canvas, 42 × 34 cm. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

Marry Christmas!!

See the house? Van Gogh rented this yellow house in Arles, in the South of France. He hoped to turn it into an artists’ house, where like-minded painters could live and work together. Vincent had lived at all sorts of places over the years, often in other people’s homes. This was one of the first places that he had for himself, and he felt at home here. 📝 ‘And I’ll begin to have a home of my own’, he wrote to his brother Theo. 🌻 Vincent van Gogh, The Yellow House (The Street) (1888) Van Gogh Museum

Can you believe it? The Institute of Museum and Library Services (Institute of Museum and Library Services) announced today that the Thomas Cole National Historic Site is among 30 finalists for the 2021 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is one of 15 museums nominated across the country and one of only two museums in New York State, along with the New-York Historical Society (New-York Historical Society) in New York City, to be selected as a finalist for this award. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. The Thomas Cole National Historic Site was nominated by U.S. Congressman Antonio Delgado Congressman Antonio Delgado

"The revival and reinstitution of the National Medals by IMLS is another signal of recovery and renewal in the nation’s very challenging—but very hopeful—times,” said IMLS Director Crosby Kemper. “We are celebrating not only the ongoing excellence of the best of our museums and libraries, but their extraordinary efforts through the pandemic, the recession, the racial justice protests, and national divisions to serve, heal, and bring together our communities. Congratulations to all 30 finalists."

“To be nominated as a finalist is an extraordinary honor for the Thomas Cole National Historic Site,” said Elizabeth B. Jacks, Executive Director. “The Thomas Cole Historic Site opened in 2001 and this year marks our 20th anniversary! We are continually working to further our mission to draw inspiration from the artist Thomas Cole and engage broad audiences through innovative educational programs that are relevant today and meet the evolving needs of our community.”



To celebrate this honor, IMLS is encouraging Thomas Cole National Historic Site community members to share stories, memories, pictures, and videos on social media as part of the Share Your Story campaign, using the hashtag, and engage with IMLS on Facebook and Twitter. For more information, please visit the IMLS website.

from the “In “The Voyage of Life: Youth,” Thomas Cole traces the journey of an archetypal hero along the "River of Life." Confidently assuming control of his destiny and unaware of the dangers that await him, the voyager boldly strives to reach a castle, emblematic of the daydreams of youth and its aspirations for glory and fame.

In the painting, as the traveler approaches his goal, the ever-more-turbulent stream deviates from its course and relentlessly carries him toward the next picture in the series, “Manhood,” where nature's fury, evil demons, and self-doubt will threaten his very existence.

In other words, if 2019 were a painting, look no further than “The Voyage of Life: Youth.”

On the other hand, to Security Command Center supervisor at the National Gallery, Denise Milburn, Thomas Cole’s masterpiece hits closer to home. The painting reminds her “of being a young adult, leaving home, and embarking on the journey of self-discovery.”

Thomas Cole, “The Voyage of Life: Youth,” 1842, oil on canvas, 52 7/8 x 76 3/4 in., Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund”

Many thanks to Peter Aaron/OTTO for his photos of both Olana State Historic Site and Thomas Cole National Historic Site (pictured here) for our book "Guide to Historic Artists' Homes and Studios". Peter is an architectural photographer based in the Hudson Valley, but his work has taken him around the world. You can find more of Peter's photography, including his trips to Syria and Yemen, on his website: https://www.peteraaron.net

INSIDE THE COLLECTION: The theme of this 1838 painting by American artist Thomas Cole titled "Dream of Arcadia" is man’s relationship to unspoiled nature. Cole felt that the American wilderness was beginning to disappear as a result of the industrialization of the nation. In this painting, Cole harks back to the land of Arcadia, a rustic, secluded area of ancient Greece. The people who lived in Arcadia led simple, happy lives, in harmony with nature.

Get an in-depth inside look at this artwork from Denver Art Museum curator Timothy J. Standring, here: https://bit.ly/2We6XSz

Image: Thomas Cole, Dream of Arcadia, about 1838. Denver Art Museum Collection: Gift of Mrs. Lindsey Gentry, 1954.71.

Join Cole Fellow Marissa Hamm to learn about Thomas Cole’s color pigments and create your own natural egg dyes with pattern decorating tips from nature. The dyed hard boiled eggs are safe to eat, so no food will go to waste. Find a video tutorial and step by step guide at the link below :)

http://thomascole.org/naturalpigments/

Happy Birthday to me!

Happy Birthday to Thomas Cole February 1, 1848, Cole wrote: “My Birthday. Once more has the Wheel of Life revolved + again advances on the untried road of Another Year.” This year in 2020, we will be opening a new experience in Cole’s home exploring the artist’s writing from the last decade of his life in the 1840’s about the world falling apart, art and its higher aims, and a particularly memorable mountain adventure. More details to come.

Thomas Cole, “Self-Portrait,” oil on canvas, ca. 1836, 22 x 18 in., New-York Historical Society. Purchase, The Watson Fund, 1964.41.