ART AFICIONADO

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Matthew Rhys

Acting Appreciation

After putting our child to bed, my ex-wife and I would unwind by watching "Brothers and Sisters," an ABC family drama that followed the lives of the Walker family. The show had an impressive cast, including Sally Field, Calista Flockhart, Rob Lowe, and the talented Welsh actor, Matthew Rhys.

Born on November 8, 1974, Matthew Rhys is renowned for his remarkable acting range and captivating presence on screen. His journey into the world of television and film commenced when he was just 17, while he was a student at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). While at RADA, he made his debut in the BBC police series "Backup" and the Welsh film "House of America." In 1996, he clinched the Welsh BAFTA for Best Actor for his performance in the Welsh film "Bydd yn Wrol."

In 1998, Rhys starred in "Greenstone," an eight-part miniseries set in the South Pacific, and then found himself cast in the Shakespearean adaptation film "Titus." Along the way, he appeared in various romantic comedies and horror films before landing a prominent role as Kevin Walker in "Brothers & Sisters" in 2006.

Yet, one of Rhys' most remarkable portrayals was that of Philip Jennings in the critically acclaimed television series "The Americans," which aired from 2013 to 2018. His depiction of a deep-cover KGB spy living in the United States during the Cold War earned widespread acclaim, culminating in a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2018.

Notably, his on-screen chemistry with co-star Keri Russell blossomed into a real-life romance.

Rhys also graced the big screen, appearing in movies like "The Post" alongside Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, as well as "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" with Tom Hanks.

Source:

Wikipedia

https://www.tvinsider.com/people/matthew-rhys/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0722629/bio/

https://www.vogue.com/article/i-want-what-they-have-keri-russell-and-matthew-rhys

https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/a20965189/matthew-rhys-the-americans-series-finale-interview/

https://people.com/tv/keri-russell-matthew-rhys-relationship-timeline/

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Francisco de Zurbarán

Art Appreciation

Francisco de Zurbarán, born in 1598 in Fuente de Cantos, Spain, is a prominent figure in Spanish Baroque art.

Born in 1598 in Fuente de Cantos, Spain, Zurbarán was baptized on November 7. The youngest of six children, Zurbarán's exceptional drawing talent became evident, leading his merchant father to arrange formal training in Seville. There, he embarked on an apprenticeship with Pedro Diaz de Villanueva and formed a lifelong friendship with fellow student Diego Velázquez.

In 1617, Zurbarán returned to his hometown and transitioned into a professional painter, primarily receiving commissions for religious artworks. Notably, he was tasked with creating fourteen paintings for the Dominican Order of Seville and later accepted a commission for a series of 22 paintings depicting the life of Saint Peter Nolasco, which prompted his move to Seville.

Zurbarán's artistic legacy shines brightly through his masterpiece, "The Apotheosis of Saint Thomas Aquinas," completed in 1631 and now housed in the Museum of Fine Arts of Seville. In addition to his religious works, Zurbarán's still life paintings have earned their own place in art history, celebrated for their meticulous attention to detail and lifelike textures. His ability to infuse vitality into everyday objects, including fruits, ceramics, and textiles, showcases his unparalleled precision.

Today, Zurbarán's legacy endures, as his influential works continue to be revered by art enthusiasts and scholars worldwide. His dedication to exploring the interplay of light and shadow, his embodiment of religious fervor, and his talent for elevating the mundane to the realm of art have secured his position as one of the most distinguished painters of the Spanish Baroque era.

Crucifixion (1627)

Saint Francis of Assisi in His Tomb (c. 1630/34)

Visión de San Pedro Nolasco (1629)

The Apotheosis of Saint Thomas Aquinas (1631)

Source:

Wikipedia

https://www.theartstory.org/artist/zurbaran-francisco-de/

https://blog.mam.org/2017/06/27/from-the-collection-francisco-de-zurbarans-saint-francis-of-assisi-in-his-tomb/

https://www.chicagocatholic.com/chicagoland/-/article/2016/10/02/art-institute-of-chicago-partners-with-archdiocese-for-jubilee-of-mercy-to-4?a=print

Monday, November 6, 2023

Yoga: YOGATX - Yoga for Back Pain - 30 Minute Back Stretch, Sciatica Pain & Flexibility Yoga Flow

via YOGATX

Sunday, November 5, 2023

Shannon Hrib

Modeling Appreciation

Her eyes, smile, and playfulness. That's all it took for me. Back then, around 2003, Shannon reminded me of the girl I fell in love with, the one who gave birth to our child.

Born on November 5, 1984, in Parsippany, New Jersey, Shannon Hrib was one of the first barely legal 18+ girls whose popularity led her to have an online platform, Shannonmodel.com.

The petit 5'2" blue eye blonde hair girl modeled for FTM/Modeling, an online platform that catered on non-nude modeling, where she modeled mostly lingerie and swimsuits. Later in her career, after landing her own site, eventually adding a little soft-porn and kissing.

At an early age, Shannon moved to Spring Hill, Florida, where she graduated from Springstead High School in 2004. She started modeling at the age of 19.

In 2006, a warrant arrest was issued for Shannon. Soon after, her involvement online started to wane. Her Facebook profile indicates she began cleaning houses, survey customers, babysitting at a gym, and becoming a full-time mom.

In searching for the girl who captured my attention, I found her on Instagram. It shows the person that made her extremely attractive to many of us. Her IG photos are mostly of nature and plants and sprinkled with selfies displaying those eyes and and beautiful smile.