Aaron Holland Fine Art

The library was set on a bluff above a small creek, surrounded by trees that camouflaged the nearby roads and buildings. The setting was peaceful, and well-lit inside. A wall of glass faced the bluff overlooking the winding stream. Lake Michigan was a half mile to the East, and its proximity created interesting atmospheric conditions that I would often find myself pondering.

All of this was the backdrop to my life at that time…

Dozens of wooden bookshelves divided the large library, and spacious tables were arranged geometrically throughout. The school did not have computers in our library while I was there (I am glad for that, or who knows where I would have ended up!). We actually had books, and lots of them.

There was no talking allowed; It was a very meditative environment. Most people chose to work on homework, it was therefore pointless to sit with anyone else. The majority of us would spread out and work quietly for 50 minutes each day on the huge wooden desks. I chose to spend the time absorbed in the thoughts and actions of great men and women. This was not a grand, intentional effort, but one that was likely a happy result of the surroundings.

I tried to position myself at a table that was near the art-book section in the back of the library, which just so happened to be directly next to the bright windows. I was rarely late for class, knowing that others wanted to sit there also. My habit was to grab a large stack of art books at the beginning of the study hall and work my way through them- one at a time – sometimes stopping to read a highlight or two, other times just looking at the pictures. It was then and there that I learned to appreciate the fine arts in a way that inspired me for life.

‘The Great Painters’ is a reflection on days spent pondering the work of great painters throughout history. I have chosen artists that are deceased for the simple reason that I do not have to concern myself as much with copyright infringement.
Needless to say, this is still evolving and incomplete…

I hope you enjoy ‘The Great Painters’ series as much as I have enjoyed putting it together!

Aaron Holland
2009