What is Wrong With 'The Singing Butler'?
(Charles Buell's post, "Everyone loves "What is wrong with this picture?" type contests." inspired this question re: a favorite painting.)
While this painting has become very well known and a delight to look at, the flaws aren't readily apparent as its beautiful attraction. In a way it has become so 'seen' as to become a bit too common. A romantic, and a dancer, I've loved Jack Vettriano's painting 'The Singing Butler' well before it was very well known, let alone famous. It held special significance for me then and now - the custom framed print has been hanging on my walls for about 10 years. Spending considerable time looking at it, I realized that while Mr. Vettriano is a terrific artist, there is a significant flaw in the subject presentation. Can you spot the flaw? There are a couple. What do you see?
Singing Butler Art Print
Vettriano, Jack
From Shelburne, a few hours in Yarmouth, then on to the Evangeline Trail. No pictures of the Port of Yarmouth! I was sometimes overwhelmed by the continuous photographic opportunities everywhere, of historical architecture, lighthouses, and fabulous ocean scenery - the camera gets in the way of the experience, I find.
Smuggler's Cove National Park, the latest of many previous names, at the Yarmouth end of the Evangeline Trail. Legend has it, the cave was used by rumrunners hiding contraband during Prohibition in the US. Check out the house atop this national treasure! I tried to cut it out, but there it remains ruining my experience.
Driving solo in Canada's Maritimes summer /08, a particular a jazz station or some Putamayo World Music I picked up, kept me tuned. Or, I listened to my reflective thoughts. Still other times, I silently opened myself fully to the allow the area I was in to be my guest and guide.
And this area, partly because of the mists floating and shifting, allowing a few sunny spots, emoted serenity, making it truly a perfect experience for enjoying the many churches.
And I mean MANY churches - more than I could ever want to photgraph! Behind many of these beautiful Churches is the view of the Bay of Fundy, which I didn't get to see much of due to the fog.
I missed quite a bit of this area, due to fog - just kept driving and took advantage of visibility and the sun when it shone. Traveling an extensive area, it's difficult to take in everything, and impossible sight-seeing when you can't see - everything worked out great regardless!
With a haunting sweetness the misty views of pastoral farmlands, cathedrals and churches along Nova Scotia's Fundy Shore, stories of the Evangelines returned from my youth, permeating my consciousness together with present energy. "I'm actually here!" I often feel surreal, when I visit certain historical places. This was one.
In various places in New Brunswick. Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, I felt an emotional connection. Much of Canadian, as well North American history was birthed here, . The Acadian settlement at Annapolis Royal is one of the the oldest North American French settlements - 1604 - 404 years of North American settlement.
A lovely place to sit behind the church overlooking the Bay.
Back door of the Church Residence - the whitewashed rough-hewn timbers appealed to me.
So that's just a very small handful of SO many very interesting examples of church architecture. Many were far more elaborate. I had to wonder what the future is for these old buildings, since attendance has decreased immensely over the years. Nova Scotia is terrific at preservation. I would love to see these beautiful buildings house useful activities.
"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein
Deborah Pearce is a Kelowna Business Woman & webmaster established with locals and internationals in various aspects of Interiors, Art, and Business for over 20 years. LIVING SPACES features over 140 ARTICLES on Staging, Art and Interiors.
Deborah's blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.
The Just Us! Fair Trade Cafe Barrington St. Halifax NS easily became my favorite cafe the summer of /08. Once discovering it, I went out of my way for coffee. For reason of Fair Trade, yes - these folks really take it seriously and go all the way with organic FT chocolate, tea and sugar as well as coffee.
The staff here were terrific young people, always friendly and personable, with great service, making me feel right at home. It was a delight to come in mornings to cheerful welcoming attitudes. Believe me - this doesn't happen everywhere!
In case you are unaware, the coffee industry started with slave labour, and continues in very similar circumstances. Coffee is also the second largest (legal) commodity in the world, next to crude.
Some cafe owners take seriously the understanding and importance of Fair Trade, buying only from fairly traded cooperatives. Hence the Canadian and US regulating body, called 'Trans Fair'. If the coffee doesn't carry this logo, the origin is questionable.
The dollar. This is what it comes down to for most cafe operation, including and especially BIG COFFEE. Many choose to completely ignore the needs of others in this world. Some pay token respect, featuring one coffee a month (this is the case of the biggest chain we know of), one coffee every day or two, or none at all. I have sadly heard people say about the issue, "I don't want to know!"
Then there are those like 'Just US!' who go the distance, following their conscience, paying more for their coffee than the others. How much more? Varies. But consider That cooperatives pay about 1.30 per pound of coffee. I've seen it reported on the Documentary, 'Black Coffee', that the 'BIG GREEN MONSTER' pays around .30 for the finest Ethiopian beans, while the people starve.
There is very good reason to support Fair Trade Coffee, as well as other products. Ten Thousand Villages sells fair Trade products.
Stamos Sotiropolous of George & Lito's on the corner of Windsor and Duncan, in Halifax NS, 'proposes an invite'. When you are in need of a spot for meetings or just a quick "break", a VIP status and appreciation discount is available for your visit.
Call Stamos to arrange details for the entire team. Ask him about his offer - tell him that you saw it here!
Decked out here for Halloween, you are certain to find the charming bistro cafe' trimmed for Christmas soon, as part of the initiative to constantly remain 'fresh' with decor, menu changes and offerings.
An eclectic menu with a Greek & Italian slant, is delightfully prepared to please the senses - and with apparent upmost care. When you are served your fare, regardless of what it is, along with it comes the unmistakable intended perfection from the chef's hand.
To me there are important priorities in life. I always knew without a doubt that a great deal of care was put into whatever I was served here.
Getting acquainted with Stamos at George & Lito's over my summer in Halifax, he always had a friendly welcoming greeting. In an unpretentious, genuine atmosphere that is at once urban, yet homey in essence. I always felt slightly 'transported' to a quaint European bistro, cozy and comfortable.
Remember George & Lito's for your gatherings large or small. Those Christmas events are coming up, soon!
For a slice of relaxed casual chic, once you try, you will love this charming bistro!
902-405-3542
2186 Windsor Street , Halifax , NS B3K 5B8
More on George & Lito's Halifax Bistro
"There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." -- Albert Einstein
Deborah Pearce is a Kelowna Business Woman & webmaster established with locals and internationals in various aspects of Interiors, Art, and Business for over 20 years. LIVING SPACES features over 140 ARTICLES on Staging, Art and Interiors.
Deborah's blog frequently features interior design, real estate, community, environmental, internet, travel, art and human interests.
Business, Sales, Retail, Art, Interior Design & Staging is my background, which for over 20 years defines my life work. The True Life, Earth and Humanity defines my life purpose.
An interviewer once described me as an consummate people person. Her insight aptly discerned a facet of my personality that is important to me & which I cultivate. My service style has always been to carefully determine what clients need & to get it for them.
At age 11 visions of sugar plum interiors sparkled in my head. I didn't think anyone would want to pay me for having fun! Well it seems I have always been doing something creative. Studies in art & design led me to work in interior design. I have specialized in, & taught from my pottery studio, the creation of sculpture & Raku art. I also write and paint.
For over 20 years my work has involved various aspects of interior design, business, art & sales. I have staged real estate properties that sold in 1 to 3 days to the delight of the owners and buyers alike.
Interior design has been an exciting career, starting as an assistant in Lisa Howard's 'By Design' office many years ago now. From there on to retail sales in window coverings, art, furniture, accessories, and flooring, I helped many clientele with primary and vacation residences. Eventually I was designing, supplying and installing entire interiors - and exterior living spaces as well.
Projects:
Staging long before the new terminology 'home staging' evolved, I was seeing professionally adjusted properties sell in as few as 1 to 3 days. Staging is finally getting well-deserved recognition. There is however some need to inform & educate homesellers and realtors on this valuable service, which I address on my website.
http://www.living-spaces-design.com/real_estate_staging.html
I couldn't have asked for a better suited career than the one I created.
An artist, specializing in Sculptural Raku Fired Clay Forms, my work varies from fun (paintings) to precise sculptural hand built suggestive of subtle esoteric statements. Typically I'm drawn to the use of ancient symbols.
Living in Kelowna, the heart of British Columbia's Okanagan Valley, there is opportunity to do business with locals as well as people from all over the world. I have particularly enjoyed distance in absentia assignments for vacation homeowners. Kelowna is a commercial & economic hub in the BC Central Interior.
It i
s also a well known & thriving resort & international vacation destination. Many vacationers purchase second homes, golf & ski resort bungalows & chalets. International property owners require interior design, redesign & staging services. In absentia services are explained on my website. This is one of the marvels of the internet. In absentia involves complete vacation home interior design or redesign in the client's absence. There is a contact form on my website for services & information.
http://www.living-spaces-design.com/vacation-home.html
http://www.living-spaces-design.com/vacationhome.html
http://www.living-spaces-design.com/vacationhomeservices.html
The happiest clients of course have been those whose adjusted properties sold very quickly. This exciting phenomenon of presentation, of couse is always the best advertising!
The Building Contractor/Owner of this local ski mountain vacation lodge called with urgent excitement, "The unit you decorated yesterday has sold! We need you right away to stage more units!"
The entire complex, which had sat the months previous, sold rapidly after staging.
"After the Okanagan Mountain Fire, I didn't know where to turn to begin again in rebuilding. I don't know what I would have done without Deborah's help. She helped us start to finish with the house plan and exterior to all the finishings details, even landscaping design!"
Mr. L.A. Ecraep
After the fire that swept through the neighborhoods of south Kelowna, people were in a state of loss and grief. They needed more than just help with rebuilding, but understanding of their emotional state as well.
"Moving into a new place, we were having a hard time juggling everything - and knowing where to put things in the oddly shaped plan and rooms. Thanks for your help in organizing and arranging our furniture in this place. This is great!"
Mr & Mrs K. Jenna
Sometimes suppliers don't deliver ordered goods on time. I have learned from experience to be on top of the situation, calling my client with updates - before they are calling me. After one such situation, in which goods took a lot longer to arrive than originally speculated, I received a call from Mrs. Saylind. "Thank you Deborah. We love our new living room! It took awhile, but we got just what we wanted."
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