Imagine if you could paint the life of America like the jazz music that comes from it. Today's artist did more than imagine that possibility. He created it.
So good! I have never read rules of civility, but now I want to, and I love your tying of Gatsby to the painting! I do like Stuart Davis’s art and I so enjoyed reading your article, thank you so much.
Glad you enjoyed it, Jenn. Believe it or not, I thought of your sketches when looking at Davis’s early work. Of course, I have no idea if you have been influenced by him. But I’m not surprised you like his work. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my post and share your encouraging remarks. Hope you enjoy Rules of Civility as much as I did.
I love the early painting you chose to highlight in this Stuart Davis Art Drop - it reminded me of the filling station in The Great Gatsby, as well. Then, I was really surprised to see the vibrancy of his later work - excellent YouTube link! Lovely way to start my Saturday.
Yes! When I saw that painting, I realized that at least two film versions of Gatsby seemed to draw inspiration from it. So glad you enjoyed the jazzy exhibit of Davis's work on YouTube. Thanks for reading and taking a moment to share your thoughts. I really appreciate it.
I really enjoyed this., Andrew. I wasn't familiar with Stuart Davis's work and loved the video tour and jazz soundtrack. I started a Gentleman in Moscow years ago and put it aside after the first chapter or so. I'll have to give it another try. I heard it's been made into a TV series. Have you watched it yet?
Funny you should mention that a Gentleman in Moscow didn't grab you at first, Deborah. Others have said that to me too. In fact, I found the transcript of the legal proceeding off-putting myself. Especially as a way to begin the novel. Fortunately, the rest of the book soars.
And yes, I did watch the 8-part TV series after reading the book twice. Considering that film is a different medium from print and requires an entirely different vocabulary, I thoroughly enjoyed the video. The novel was infinitely better, of course, but the filmmakers delivered nicely. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my Art Drop today, Deborah. I really appreciate that, as well as your thoughtful response.
So happy to know you enjoyed today's Art Drop, Helen. Now that you mention it, I can see how Davis might have been influenced by Van Gogh. Garage No. 1 is an early piece and not especially indicative of the work he'd do later. But that old car next to the gas pump triggered a number of associations for me. I'm glad you enjoyed the way the disparate parts came together.
Thanks so much. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I re-read Gatsby before digging into Rules of Civility. The similarities between the two novels really struck me. It means a lot to me that you appreciate the connection.
Andrew--your posts are simply the best for so many reasons--art, music (jazz), words--are the things that put the beat in my own heart, and I always learn something new and exciting from you. As for Amor Towles--I have all his books but have been "afraid" to read "Rules" because I loved "Gentleman" so much--BUT now that I've heard your take on "Rules of Civility" it is going to the top of the pile! And Lordy! Stuart Davis' work! And finally--honestly--I could listen to you read a menu. Thank you for these GEMS. What a way to start my Saturday!
You are so kind to say these things, Diana! Thank you so much for being so generous and encouraging in your reaction to today’s Art Drop.
I’m going to step out on a limb here and predict you’ll love Rules of Civility. I read it a few years ago, then read it again after reading Gentleman in Moscow twice. And I gotta tell you, it doesn’t pale by comparison. Now that I’ve read his Lincoln Highway, I will add that Towles is as innovative and versatile as they come. Each of his novels is a deep and convincing dive into a specific world told in a voice that’s radically different but equally delightful. If you think I’m wrong about this, I’ll read the phone book ;)
Thanks again for your kindness, Diana. You’ve made my day.
All comments are easy because they are entirely sincere! And thank you for the additional insights on Towles' books. (I also own Lincoln Highway.) I'm not entirely sure if links work in comments, but I enjoyed this old interview with AT that came out when Gentleman was published--as for where it was filmed? The Russian Tea Room, of course! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUXlagGIH18. Thanks again for this post.
The link does work, Diana, and I enjoyed its aptly set interview with Towles. BTW, I can understand why you might have been hesitant to try one of his earlier books. Usually, a writer's more recent novels are better than previous ones because one grows with each book.
But when I read and re-read the novels preceding the Gentleman in Moscow, I recalled what Saul Bellow said in his review of Goodbye, Columbus. "This is Mr. Roth's first book, but he is not a beginner." It took Towles 20 years, seven of which were spent on a novel he had to abandon because it didn't work, before he completed Rules of Civility.
I know, I know. This is beginning to sound like a hard sell. But it's not. Just thought you'd appreciate the lagniappe. Cheers!
I love this background! I THINK I actually met Towles (he was in investment banking/fund management) when I took the company I was working for public. And as a "fellow escapee" of that "before life"--I particularly love this backstory. Thank you again for the additional color--as well as the Saul Bellow/Philip Roth antidote--also resonant as I'm pitching my first novel which took more than a few years (cough) to get right.
So good! I have never read rules of civility, but now I want to, and I love your tying of Gatsby to the painting! I do like Stuart Davis’s art and I so enjoyed reading your article, thank you so much.
Glad you enjoyed it, Jenn. Believe it or not, I thought of your sketches when looking at Davis’s early work. Of course, I have no idea if you have been influenced by him. But I’m not surprised you like his work. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my post and share your encouraging remarks. Hope you enjoy Rules of Civility as much as I did.
Cultural threads tied together so eloquently. Thanks for another great lesson!!
Glad you enjoyed it! Many thanks to you too for reading and sharing your reaction.
I love the early painting you chose to highlight in this Stuart Davis Art Drop - it reminded me of the filling station in The Great Gatsby, as well. Then, I was really surprised to see the vibrancy of his later work - excellent YouTube link! Lovely way to start my Saturday.
Yes! When I saw that painting, I realized that at least two film versions of Gatsby seemed to draw inspiration from it. So glad you enjoyed the jazzy exhibit of Davis's work on YouTube. Thanks for reading and taking a moment to share your thoughts. I really appreciate it.
I really enjoyed this., Andrew. I wasn't familiar with Stuart Davis's work and loved the video tour and jazz soundtrack. I started a Gentleman in Moscow years ago and put it aside after the first chapter or so. I'll have to give it another try. I heard it's been made into a TV series. Have you watched it yet?
Funny you should mention that a Gentleman in Moscow didn't grab you at first, Deborah. Others have said that to me too. In fact, I found the transcript of the legal proceeding off-putting myself. Especially as a way to begin the novel. Fortunately, the rest of the book soars.
And yes, I did watch the 8-part TV series after reading the book twice. Considering that film is a different medium from print and requires an entirely different vocabulary, I thoroughly enjoyed the video. The novel was infinitely better, of course, but the filmmakers delivered nicely. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my Art Drop today, Deborah. I really appreciate that, as well as your thoughtful response.
Brilliant and incsightful, like all of your work. Garage No. actually reminded me of a favorite Van Gogh.
So happy to know you enjoyed today's Art Drop, Helen. Now that you mention it, I can see how Davis might have been influenced by Van Gogh. Garage No. 1 is an early piece and not especially indicative of the work he'd do later. But that old car next to the gas pump triggered a number of associations for me. I'm glad you enjoyed the way the disparate parts came together.
Excellent! Wonderful and original, very much jazz inflected. Love your evocation of Gatsby for the Garage painting.
Thanks so much. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I re-read Gatsby before digging into Rules of Civility. The similarities between the two novels really struck me. It means a lot to me that you appreciate the connection.
Andrew--your posts are simply the best for so many reasons--art, music (jazz), words--are the things that put the beat in my own heart, and I always learn something new and exciting from you. As for Amor Towles--I have all his books but have been "afraid" to read "Rules" because I loved "Gentleman" so much--BUT now that I've heard your take on "Rules of Civility" it is going to the top of the pile! And Lordy! Stuart Davis' work! And finally--honestly--I could listen to you read a menu. Thank you for these GEMS. What a way to start my Saturday!
You are so kind to say these things, Diana! Thank you so much for being so generous and encouraging in your reaction to today’s Art Drop.
I’m going to step out on a limb here and predict you’ll love Rules of Civility. I read it a few years ago, then read it again after reading Gentleman in Moscow twice. And I gotta tell you, it doesn’t pale by comparison. Now that I’ve read his Lincoln Highway, I will add that Towles is as innovative and versatile as they come. Each of his novels is a deep and convincing dive into a specific world told in a voice that’s radically different but equally delightful. If you think I’m wrong about this, I’ll read the phone book ;)
Thanks again for your kindness, Diana. You’ve made my day.
PS the phone book...😂
All comments are easy because they are entirely sincere! And thank you for the additional insights on Towles' books. (I also own Lincoln Highway.) I'm not entirely sure if links work in comments, but I enjoyed this old interview with AT that came out when Gentleman was published--as for where it was filmed? The Russian Tea Room, of course! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUXlagGIH18. Thanks again for this post.
The link does work, Diana, and I enjoyed its aptly set interview with Towles. BTW, I can understand why you might have been hesitant to try one of his earlier books. Usually, a writer's more recent novels are better than previous ones because one grows with each book.
But when I read and re-read the novels preceding the Gentleman in Moscow, I recalled what Saul Bellow said in his review of Goodbye, Columbus. "This is Mr. Roth's first book, but he is not a beginner." It took Towles 20 years, seven of which were spent on a novel he had to abandon because it didn't work, before he completed Rules of Civility.
I know, I know. This is beginning to sound like a hard sell. But it's not. Just thought you'd appreciate the lagniappe. Cheers!
I love this background! I THINK I actually met Towles (he was in investment banking/fund management) when I took the company I was working for public. And as a "fellow escapee" of that "before life"--I particularly love this backstory. Thank you again for the additional color--as well as the Saul Bellow/Philip Roth antidote--also resonant as I'm pitching my first novel which took more than a few years (cough) to get right.