Sister Wendy's American Collection

Wow, I'm in love with a nun. She has such thoughtful, playful views of each visual work of art that she puts her laser, contemplative vision on -- but you got to get the video too (Netflix, for "free")

She's getting to be a habit with us, this Sister Wendy Beckett, renowned daughter of Christ, art historian and hostess of a widely-acclaimed small-screen series. Her heavenly philosophy - that there is something for everyone to love when it comes to art - is what has allowed her to become an icon for the great unwashed masses who don't know their beans about Goya. This thick tome, the companion volume to the upcoming PBS series of the same name, focuses on six American museums (including New York City's Metropolitan and Boston's MFA), from whose collections Sister Wendy has judiciously culled her own "American collection." Here, she shares her keen knowledge and indomitable enthusiasm and humor, demystifying art history while educating about style and technique. Quite the artful angel

First- the positive: This is a fresh look at art works that run the gamut from silver bowls to statues to paintings and more. I particularly like the little side squares giving a little big of information about the artist. It might be a story, some facutal information, or information about other art made by this person. In very limited space (one to two pages) Sister Windy is able to convey to the reader what it is she likes about each particular piece of art she included in her book. The brief history she gives about the painting only adds to the understanding of each artwork. I also liked the fact that she didn't spend a lot of time analyzing the paint strokes, chisel marks etc. She didn't spend a lot of time discussing what the artist was trying to say or the political ramifications of each piece. She wrote clear, concise explanations about what she liked about each piece, what each piece was about, a short history of the time and the artist and the art work and left it at that. There are other books that you can buy about each artist, their work, their genre of work etc. if you want a more in depth look and more information that you will never remember. Her enthusiasm for each piece she chose to place in this book is wonderful. The pictures are glorious. The negative: Proofreading. Two or three times I'd take a second look at the picture of the art because what was said in the text didn't match the words. (For example, in one she talks of the lady pulling the man's beard and as far as I can see it's his hair!) Overall, this is a wonderful book. I found it very educational and enhlightening.

I really don't think anyone could dislike Sister Wendy and her fresh and witty approace to art reviews. But the proof readers at the publishers must have been on holiday. Concerning one painting Sister said, "he holds a protractor in his hand". It is obviously a compass. Then Sister Wendy claims that there is a field of "corn" which any child could see is a field of wheat. This critic is disturbed by the sloppy work published in the last 10 to 15 years. Constantly I see errors of spelling and syntax in books published during that period. One Jami Lin even said that the beginning of Spring, the Equinox, was April 20!! Doublt if Jami ever took science! Don't think they have taught grammar in the USA public schools for over 40 years!

This is a wonderful, wonderful book showcasing fine art from museums all across America, in exquisite full-color detail, with fabulous insight from one of the most intelligent minds of our time--Sister Wendy Beckett. If you have seen her PBS specials, you will know just what a treasure she is to the art world. She has a well-cultivated eye for detail, yet instead of being just another critic, is able to convey to people of all ages and backgrounds just what it is that she finds so special about great art masterpieces. And through her words, you can learn what it means to truly appreciate art. This is a fantastic addition to any collection and an excellent gift choice for the holidays ahead.