John Virtue

Virtue's responses to the landscape tradition on show in the National Gallery, and to the landscape environment of London.

I find Virtue's approach to monochrome tonality really effective. Of course it's monumental in real life, and kind of dour, but I think his manner of creating and balancing atmosphere is interesting.

Also interesting is the inclusion here f working drawings and earlier work. These are striking to me mostly because they seem to lack the qualities I'm now interested in in Virtue's work. His relationship with the object itself (I mean the final painting) seems to be where most of the work happens, and his preparatory work seems strictly that: the drama doesn't happen until he's actually working with the real materials.… (más)

This is more than a biography, more than a family history and even more than a history of baseball: it's a wonderfully textured history of race relations in the Americas (even the most northern of Americas: Canada) in the 20th century. Racial attitudes are illuminated using baseball as a focal point. Along with race relations within countries and comparatively between countries there is a taste of international relations between countries. Baseball sets a fascinating framework for understanding the times and the greats players - Satchel Page, Campanella, the Babe, they are all here. As well as few not so great owners/managers. SOUTH OF THE COLOR BARRIER is a rich history, richer in quotations, rich in research, and still richest in readability. From Mexico, to Cuba, with stops in Venezuela and Toledo (Ohio) the reader is taken on a historic grand tour from the best seat, the dug out. And its a fun trip, the quotations put the players right next to you. Great index, notes and bibliography as well letting one go to the primary sources. -jwb… (más)