The Bean

I have always wanted to get a picture of the "bean" in Millenium Park WITHOUT people around it.  I didn't think that would be possible until I had the brilliant idea to get up at sunrise and go take pictures before the crowds were there.  My loving hubby agreed to do this with me during our weekend in the city (after all, we might not get the chance to do this again).  It was a good idea...except for the fact that we assumed the park opened at sunrise (which was 5:20 that day).  When we arrived, we found out that the park in fact did NOT open at sunrise, but rather opened at 6:00.  Bummer.  So, we decided to hang out until we were allowed in.  It turned out okay because pictures that early would not have been good as the sky was very overcast and grey, but it would have been nice to have gotten that extra hour of sleep...oh well.  So, I was able to get some pics of the bean.  The sky was a bit overcast, but it lightened up after a bit.  After I took pictures, we went out for an early breakfast, returned to the hotel, and went back to sleep....ahhhhhhh. :)  Without further adieu, here is the bean. :)

  

The Art Museam and Eric's Work

On Saturday, we thought it would be fun to visit the Art Museam.  We did have our first date there (and haven't been back since), and I love art, so we were excited to go back.  I was also pleased to learn that you CAN take pictures of the artwork (no flash) as long as it is not part of a traveling art exhibit....bonus!  We tried to see most of the more famous art pieces during our time there...I am always amazed at the different interpretations of artists, and it is neat to read about them, too. 

These first few are more Renaissance, Medieval, or Modern European style artwork. I love these depictions/interpretations of scenes from the Bible...so beautiful.

"The Assumption of the Virgin" by Domenikos Theotokopoulos (Spanish) 

I love this one (not sure of the name, though).

"The Crucifixion" by Francisco de Zurbaran (Spanish)

"The Resurrection" by Francesco Buoneri (Italian)

"Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist" by Guido Reni (Italian)

"St. John the Baptist Pointing to Christ" by Bartolome Esteban Murillo (English)

Here are some more famous paintings or artists:

"Paris Street; Rainy Day" by Gustave Caillebotte

"Two Sisters" by Pierre-Auguste Renoir

A wall of Renoir paintings

"Woman at the Piano" by Pierre-Auguste Renoir 

"Woman at her Toilette" by Berthe Morisot

"A Sunday on La Grande Jatte" by Georges Seurat

"Self Portrait" by Vincent Van Gogh

"The Bedroom" by Vincent Van Gogh

"Water Lilies" by Claude Monet

A close up of Monet's signature from 1901

"Houses of Parliament, London" by Claude Monet

More Monet paintings

A funky abstract paiting...interesting

"America Windows" by Marc Chagall

"Nighthawks" by Edward Hopper

"American Gothic" by Grant Wood

I think this is a Picasso, but I don't know the name

"The Red Armchair" by Pablo Picasso

"The Old Guitarist" by Pablo Picasso

This is a picture of the old Chicago Mercantile Exchange floor...kind of a cool looking room. 

I tool this picture as we exited out the side door of
the art museam.  To me, this captures what I love about
Chicago...the contrast and variety of styles everywhere
you look.  There is the curvy modern sculpture in front
contrasted with the art deco style building behind it
contrasted still by a silver straight modern skyscraper...
and some trees in the middle of it all!

We were also able to go see Eric's work office, which was cool because I had never been there before.  He has a spectacular view, and his office is pretty cool! 

View to the right...

and view to the left

I just had to take a picture of this because I thought it was so cool...an office supply dispenser/holder!  Seriously, has anyone seen anything like this before?