It’s been a dreary-looking day here, cooler and wet. There is a definite taste of fall in the air–which is just fine with me. However, I do feel the need for a little more of that sunshine that a certain Impressionist artist filled with joie de vivre brings to the table.
One of Monet’s paintings of his beautiful garden at Giverny. A sight to brighten a gloomy day. Not unlike Richard.
As Linda60 pointed out in a comment on the previous Monet post, Richard really manages to capture the essence and spirit of an artist with a true passion for his work. It’s likely that’s true at least in part to the fact RA himself is so full of passion for his own art. The infectious energy and enthusiasm, the intensity and sensitivity Richard brings to the role captivates us, just as he captivates us in real life when discussing his craft and his roles. And we get those sweet smiles and glorious grins with Monet that the “real” Richard also shares with us. It’s all good.
This is not only one of my favorite photos of Monet, it’s also one of my favorites of Richard. I love that three-quarter view. His bone structure is displayed so beautifully; those luminous eyes and and the cupid’s-bow of his upper lip so well defined, the mouth hinting at a smile. It just draws me in.
Camille and their little one together in the garden.
When I finished watching The Impressionists for the first time I IMMEDIATELY brought out my canvas & watercolors and began to create paintings. He just drew the inspiration out of me. Sure, my paintings looked like crap, but still. It was an amazing feeling. All thanks to that Armitage bloke ✩
Hey, Seb! Hope you are feeling better. I bet you weren’t the only one inspired to do so by Richard’s performance. The man is a marvelous muse in so many ways. I doubt he ever has time, but I do wonder if he dabbles any in painting or drawing these days? He’s so gifted in so many areas, I wouldn’t be surprised if he has genuine talent there, too. Hooray for that Armitage bloke!
Many actors draw during down time on the set, so I would not be surprised either. Some actors paint, and some actually have a gift (as in you would want to buy the painting even if you had no idea who the painter was). With music, dance, acting, and writing, Richard is definitely multi-talented, although what he might be drawing could be sketches for DIY home improvement projects.
That’s just in case he ever returns to his house in London…LOL!
Oh, I think he’ll get home this year, possibly in time for the TH premiere, and I hope for Christmas with his family. He might actually get a little time before he has to be back on the set in NZ and then do the publicity rounds for “Black Sky.”
Amen to that!
I’m actually feeling a little panicked at the moment as I can’t find my DVD’s of The Impressionists!!!! I’m guessing I loaned them to someone but can’t think who! *bites nails* That will teach me to write down who I loan things to and not leave it to memory. At my age it could be slipping a little!
Hope you are on the mend, Seb! I have also found “that Armitage bloke” really inspiring!
My dad used to be notorious about loaning out the Foxfire books I gave him for various occasions and he’d forget who he’d given them to. You’ll have to start keeping tabs in the same notebook where you write the quotes.
I had exactly the same thought! I think you’re a mind reader! I always hinted that you were psychic as we so often thought the same things. I guess it’s all part of the GTG thingy.
LOL! I think we are all in tune with each other as true-blue RA fangurlz.
Another acrostic is calling!! TBRAFG!
Does this pass your approval? 
Works for me.
Love it, Teuchter! YAY!!!
I kept a notebook for a while, but it just reminded me how many things I’d lent weren’t returned. I finally gave up and stopped “lending” except “loaner” copies of books that I acquired for the purpose. Two paperback copies of “The Sunne in Splendour” went that way.
I used to hate it when I loaned a book and it came back in less than good condition (such as paperback dropped in bathtub) *sigh*
I used to do that all the time..Drop books in the bathtub, that is! My grandfather used to berate me for it, said it meant that I didn’t have “respect” for the books! But they were my own books, not loan copies!
Somebody once taped a stupid soap opera over one of my precious figure skating recordings! I never lent another videotape to anybody again. Ever.
Amen. I had someone tape some stupid science fiction over one of my favourite operas that I recorded from TV (not available commercially). No, I don’t lend tapes anymore, either.
How very annoying. Which opera was that, btw?
It was “Tosca”, filmed at the actual locations, with Placido Domingo singing Mario (in great voice). They did release a commercial version, but it had been cut.
Ah I remember that one, Ruggero Raimondi was the bad guy (can’t remember the character’s name, sorry), wasn’t he?
Yes, Raimondi sang a truly malevolent Baron Scarpia. You were really glad when he felt “Tosca’s kiss”!
I recall watching “The Impressionists” with a friend who remarked on the attractiveness of M. Monet. It took her a while before she said, “Is that him, the English actor who played Guy of Gisborne?” I just sat there with the secret smile, knowing what an amazing actor Richard is.
You know, I was also listening to those snippets of Richard they have on RANet tonight of him from several of his roles and I enjoyed noting the differences between the characters–Guy, Harry, Monet, Porter, Lucas . . . He really does have an amazing chameleon-like quality in terms of how he sounds, moves, looks.
The 3rd picture is one of my favourites too. RA looks so differently it almost feels as if it wouldn’t be him but somebody else. Though there are his ever so magnificent eyes and this delicate mouth…. His facial expression excudes an ease of mind that never fails to comfort and spellbind me. What an intriguing man!
He has so many great qualities both as an actor and a lovely human being that I find myself quite overcome at times when I think about them. *sigh*
It is overwhelming at times, isn’t it? All that talent and versatility and masculine beauty and charisma topped off with modesty, kindness,good manners, sense of humor—what a MAN!!
Exactly!