I took myself on an Art date yesterday to the Delaware Art Museum. Its a small museum, but has a stellar Pre-Raphaelite collection. I honestly can’t remember how it happened as a teenager. Did I go to the museum and fall in love with the PRB? Or did I fall in love with the PRB and then visit them at DAM? The latter I think. I think the Lady of Shallot started it all, but that another story.
Here I am with Rossetti’s “Veronica Veronese” – one I have long adored. This year I am participating in Sally Russick/Studio Sublime’s “Focusing on life – 52 photos” challenge. Week one was to do a self portrait… I wish I had long flowing Pre-Raphaelite locks…
Howard Pyle – The Mermaid 1910
detail: “Two Women on a sofa” Albert Moore
I loved the stamps! And of course, I never go anywhere without my journal.
detail – “Veronica Veronese” 1872. by Dante Gabrielle Rossetti.
It was a lovely afternoon, calm, serene. For the most part I had the galleries to myself. It was a nice visit with art that has moved me, spoken to me… for over 20 years. Returning to the source of some of my earliest inspirations. And it was a diverse array of inspiration – the galleries have accents of William Morris wallpapers, there are Arts and Crafts style pottery and silver on exhibit, Evelyn de Morgan tiles, and jewelry. The time spent was rejuvenating… if a bit nostalgic, longing for a time I feel called to, yet born too late.
Perhaps today I will wear velvet…
Jenny Davies-Reazor 
Great self portrait, love the backdrop of the museum,and those tiles caught my eye immediately, gorgeous!
LikeLike
Thanks Laura! De Morgen tiles are to die for! Lucky it wasnt crowded as I felt silly taking as many iPhone portraits as I did til I got one I liked.
LikeLike
Lovely take on the portrait assignment. But now we want to see you in velvet!
LikeLike
Wow. What great photos of the art. My favorite is women on the sofa. I love your self portrait as well. The painting is lovely and I love how you are peeking out.
LikeLike
Perfect painting to stand in front of for your self-portrait- matching hair colors! The pictures you shared here today are breath-taking! I would get lost in there for HOURS!
LikeLike
Yes Patti – I was there for hours, and I felt like I was visiting old friends… The redhead models have always been my favorites. Wonder why?
LikeLike
What a great idea to photograph yourself while visiting a place you love.
I almost missed this as your post for the 52 photos as the title threw me off.
LikeLike
Glad you didnt miss it – I was planning the museum post regardless and decided to combine. The trip was on my calendar, and I had to do a portrait yesterday to make it in time… it was fate! Thanks for visiting!
LikeLike
Wow! What an amazing collection. Now I’m going to have to work out some way to visit this museum! One of my few complaints with the Philadelphia Museum is their utter lack of representation of this school.
LikeLike
Love the painting in the background of your self-portrait! Something you like is always great!
LikeLike
How cool that you photographed yourself in front of such a lovely piece of art – so fitting! Great shots of the rest of the place, too. I’m glad you shared it.
LikeLike
I would absolutely love to see that museum! I have always loved Pre-Raphaelite paintings. What a great shot of you peeking out from the corner in that first shot! It’s always fun to go back and visit things we have fond memories of.
LikeLike
beautiful photos.
Nicole from http://instagrampad.wordpress.com
LikeLike
What a great idea for a self portrait. Maybe it would have been easier for me if I had gone to my happy place! Looks like you have a beautiful smile.
LikeLike
Great shot . . . looking forward to the inspirations and what the’ll trigger in us all.
LikeLike
You sneaked right in there didn’t you! I love the shot, not only because you are in it but because the background painting is one of my favorites. I do have to say that I lose my breath when I see the mermaid! There is just something about it that captures my soul!
LikeLike
What a great artist’s date…and such beautiful surroundings…love the selfie…and the ‘props’!!
LikeLike
How lovely to see you in such a place of inspiration and joy. How lucky to have the place to yourself too! I have to say that wall colour is amazing, would love to have it in my home. I can’t wait to see where you take us next
LikeLike
Love the juxtaposition of your self portrait! The expression on each of your faces tells an interesting story.
Thanks for the museum tour too!
LikeLike
I love how your hair matches the model’s in the painting. Looks like you had quite the beautiful art date!
LikeLike
Love all of it, what a great picture and museum. Looking forward to this challenge!!
LikeLike
You may not have the long flowing locks, but your lock do match the color of the painting’s almost perfectly. I adore that shade.
I think you peeking into the photo of the portrait for your self portrait is adorable!
LikeLike
I was going to crop my face a bit more – but I wanted you all to recognize, and know it was me!
LikeLike
I know you were an art teacher so it is natural for you to see things in this way but I love learning from you!
LikeLike