Two Days, Three Museums

My what an outing filled weekend! I made it to three museums and even caught Road to Morocco on the big screen Friday night. The Getty and The Norton Simon I had visited before, but I was so unprepared for The Huntington - expansive gardens complete with classical statues, colonnaded gallery buildings, sweeping lawns a conservatory. Simply glorious; we must go back to see it all! And now some sketches and notes from each destination (click each image for larger view)...The Getty Center, Friday Afternoon
Assignment: Observe, take notes and prepare for presentation on Gerard ter Borch's The Music Lesson, for art history class on Dutch Baroque painting.
Distractions: Taking in views of the city below, enjoying the weather on a cafe chair in the sun. Exploring the permanent collection of 18th century decorative arts (again), and admiring chandeliers. Seeing the special exhibitions - my highlights: (1) monumental volumes of illuminated manuscripts on book stands under glass (2) Portrait photography from the 19th century (among others) (3) design drawings for 18th century decorative objects and architectural elements.
The Norton Simon, Saturday Midday
Assignment: Meet Dutch Baroque class in the 17th century gallery and listen to classmate's presentations. Admire genre scenes and amazingly luscious still life paintings by Flemish and Dutch artists.
Distractions: Sunshine and water lilies in the sculpture garden. Degas pastels in the 19th century wing. Savoring my second visit.The Huntington, Saturday Afternoon
Assignment: View Weng collection painting and calligraphy exhibit at the Boone Gallery and observe the Chinese Garden for Art History of China class.
Distractions: Playing with calligraphy pens at the hands-on exhibit. Taking in the grounds and gardens and wishing we had more time to see the art galleries. Admiring weeping willows and classical statues in the rose garden, all the while feeling a bit like Mary Lennox. Loveliest place.