Tag Archives: Pierre Bonnard

The Artist Sees Differently: Blair Sutton

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Blair Sutton, Museum Assistant

Blair Sutton. Photo: Rick Sutton

How did you learn about the Phillips?

I visited the The Phillips Collection on a field trip about four years ago while attending Sweet Briar College (Sweet Briar, Virginia).

Do you feel you are inspired by the Phillips art?

Yes, I am inspired by Gene Davis, Nicolas de Staël, and the intricate colors that Pierre Bonnard used in his works.

Do you listen to anything as you paint?

I listen to a wide variety of music – anything from Van Morrison, Katy Perry, Fats Domino to Diana Ross & The Supremes.

Who’s your favorite artist in the collection?

I would have to say my favorite artist in the collection is Vincent van Gogh.

Do you collect other artwork – or anything?

Yes, I do collect other artwork. I am lucky to own an original Theresa Pollak ink on paper and a Charles Sibley painting on canvas. Continue reading →

Law and Order: Phillips Edition

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Ever been to a dinner party in Washington, D.C. and not met an attorney or someone who went to law school? Wonder what happens when people leave law school behind in favor of artistic vocations?

CakeLove’s Warren Brown stopped practicing law in 2002 to start a bakery, and the Pink Line Project’s Chief Creative Contrarian Philippa Hughes also worked as a lawyer and lobbyist until 2003. I’m sure there are scores of other creatives who’ve joined the ex-lawyer club.

Washington, D.C. takes the legal cake in this map of U.S. career concentration by city from Richard Florida's 2008 book "Who's Your City."

Several artists included in The Phillips Collection initially set out to become lawyers. Here are a few notables; I think art history is glad they changed career paths! Continue reading →