Félix Vallotton - Royal Academy of Art (August 2019)

I had heard seen some of Felix Vallotton's prints and was eager to see his paintings.

Self portrait

Portrait of a friend.  The hands and top hat were very life-like.

The perspective/proportion in this painting seems off (the maid has stepped through the door but is level with the end of the bed) but the detail in some areas were subjects in their own right.

Interesting positioning of the subjects around the edges and leaving so much empty space in the middle.

Helene Schjerfbeck - Royal Academy of Art (August 2019)

I hadn't heard of Helene Schjerfbeck before this exhibition and it was a delightful surprise to discover her work.

Self portraits spanning decades: 

Other portraits:

 

Arundel Castle - September 2019

Arundel Castle, West Sussex

The castle creates a striking view from the train as it passes Arundel and at last I finally got round to visiting.  It wasn't a disappointment!  The castle is massive and a lot of fun to explore, especially clambering around inside the keep.

The Castle Keep

This display case was lined with crushed velvet:

Lots of patterns in the leaded glass windows:

The massive baronial hall

This would make a nice reading snug, although probably freezing cold for most of the year.

A portrait of Charles I by Van Dyck (who else?) with a beautiful sleigh(?) in front.

Mary Fitzalan, wife of the 4th Duke of Norfolk.  Always interesting to look at clothing in Tudor portraits.

The dining room

One of the bedroom toilets.  Presumably still in use, judging by the provision of toilet paper!