The artist is the confidant of nature, flowers carry on dialogues with him through the graceful bending of their stems and the harmoniously tinted nuances of their blossoms. Every flower has a cordial word which nature directs towards him. ~ Auguste Rodin
Out in the middle of nowhere on a mountain-side in the Columbia River Gorge overlooking the mighty river below, is a museum, the Maryhill Museum of Art to be exact, located near Goldendale, Washington. The museum is contained within a mansion that was built by Samuel Hill, but not completed until after his death. When he started about the task of building the mansion in 1914, it was with the intention that it would be his home and part of a Quaker farming community. Due to the remoteness and lack of irrigation in the area, his plan came to a halt in 1917.
A friend convinced him to turn the unfinished mansion into a museum and she helped obtain an impressive collection with which to open it, including more than 80 works by French sculptor Auguste Rodin. Yes, you read that right – Rodin. The collection is fantastic and includes watercolor sketches and sculptures, plus a plaster version of The Thinker. I could spend all day looking at just the Rodin collection, not to mention the other works in the museum, including Hill’s personal collection. In 1926 the still unfinished mansion museum was dedicated by Queen Marie of Romania, a personal friend of Hill’s, and the museum’s collection includes her coronation gown, crown and other pieces.
This summer, beginning mid July through mid September, there will be an exhibit of Ansel Adams: Masterworks. If you are in the area, you should definitely make plans to stop and take in the museum’s exhibits. While there, three miles east of the museum is the American Stonehenge, built by Hill to honor the servicemen of Klickitat County who lost their lives during World War I – it was the nation’s first World War I memorial.
This is just beautiful Toni. The framing is perfect and I also like the muted colours and vignetting. A vintage feel to this shot.
bluechameleon’s last blog post..willows (weeping)
I adore the processing on this image Toni. And what great information in your post too. Having a hectic week getting ready to head out of town to give a writing workshop and some personal stuff … if I miss a few days, I’ll catch up when I get back home.
Diane’s last blog post..Taking Flight
I like the careful use of focus and the nice, subtle colors in this image.
It’s beautiful and very appealing. Thanks for the information on the museum. I’d like to visit this summer and see Ansel’s work again too.
don’s last blog post..United Methodist Church
I could probably stand to take your writing workshop, Diane! I slave over every post. Have fun while you’re at it!!
This is beautiful. I really like the point of focus. Cool!
Terry H.’s last blog post..Your Future Could Be Behind You
I like the brown warm tones on this one. your macro shots are just stunning!
Liang’s last blog post..In the Mode
This is one place I keep saying I need to visit, but never stop. Always in a hurry when we past. I would love to go see the Ansel Adams exhibit though. Lovely shot. I really like the post processing.
Teri’s last blog post..116/365
Wow I like the tones on this shot and the composition. Really beautiful!
Andy’s last blog post..Tulip Bud
The selective lighting and focus is what does it for me in this image. Beautiful composition and lovely warm tones.
That museum sounds amazing. I’ll add it to our list of things to do in WA.
Beautiful photo. The processing is lovely.
Jennifer’s last blog post..Please vote!
Outstanding. Very nice tones.
Jack’s last blog post..Buddies (Silly Tuesday)
really? rodin?! hmmmmmm ..
lovely blossoms.
elizabeth’s last blog post..a scene from days of old
Such lovely tones. It’s beautiful.
sherri’s last blog post..a ten foot pole
Ansel Adams, he was a master of the Dark Room, brilliant processing for his time. I think he would have loved photoshop.
I would love to go to this exhibit but it a bit a far for me to travel
Liss’s last blog post..Cohocolate
Love the processing…how you’ve framed this. Sounds like a wonderful museum…maybe someday I’ll get to see it!!!
Marcie’s last blog post..June Taylor Dancers
Looks like you are having fun. Nice processing and presentation.
Bob Bales’s last blog post..Sara
i just watched a biography of ansel adams on pbs. he was an amazing photographer he was also quite the character. i would love to see a collection of his work.
margie’s last blog post..all in a day
The color balance of how the white works here is fantastic.
Christopher’s last blog post..Indian Trucks
Beautiful..has a hint of nostalgia.
xo
rhayne’s last blog post..All Curled Up