Leonardo da Vinci is arguably one of the world’s greatest thinkers, artists, philosophers, and innovators. He was centuries ahead of his contemporaries. I’ve been so fascinated by him, he actually plays a role in my time travel novel – or will if I ever finish it. š
A few years ago there was an exhibit here in Denver celebrating the works of da Vinci. It is by far one of my favorite field trips I’ve ever led. We got to try out models of his inventions and learn about the rivalry between Leonardo and Michelangelo. I was especially impressed with his war machines, which he designed then purposely left key elements out of the printed plans so the machines wouldn’t work. We spent hours reading, touching the models, watching a film about him, and of course the tour ended in the gift shop. I bought each of my kids a “Think like da Vinci” rubber bracelet, and this book:
His accomplishments are amazing. His creativity is inspiring. I can’t think of a more diverse man in history. He was the archetype of “Renaissance Man.”
I have a confession. I am not a groupie. There isnāt a band on the planet Iād wait in line to buy tickets for or put up with a huge crowd to see them in concert. My daughter begged me to attend some music festival – Warped Tour? I think my audible sigh was heard all the way in Wyoming when she told me her friendās mom said sheād take them. Thank. God.
I donāt have anything against concerts or people who attend them, I just prefer a more intimate setting, like my earbuds in place. š I have enjoyed smaller settings like living room concerts and jam sessions, and we just finished up the Resound Conference two weekends ago which is a worship conference featuring some great speakers and bands with an audience of less than 500 people. I can do that. Thatās more my speed.
Confession #2: Iāve always had this annoying habit of falling for bands (their music and sound) without being able to name the band members. I mean no disrespect, itās just not my thing. Maybe it should be. I can aspire to that, I guess. Is that surprising considering Iām a people person? If you want to know band member names, ask my daughter.
I LOVE MUSIC! I have tunes to suit my every mood. Iām friends with a lot of musicians and love them dearly. I even remember all of their names. Ha! For timeās sake, I canāt promote them all in this post, so I chose just one. My friend, neighbor, and the most peaceful man Iāve ever met. Heās one of my favorites:
Heās an incredible musician, songwriter, music producer, and recording/mixing/mastering engineer. Dave plays in two Indie Rock bands, A Boy & His Kite and Loud Harp. If youāre my real-life friend, youāve heard me mention both many times.
Photo by Ray Rushing
In 2011, Dave and Asher āaccidentallyā formed the band Loud Harp. Iām so glad they did. Their music soothes my soul! You can read all about them on their site: loudharp.com (Asher is amazing too! Check him out!)
Photo by Jarrod Reno
In 2012, A Boy & His Kiteās single, āCover Your Tracksā was included in the film and soundtrack of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2:
Dave’s lyrics and music embody such depth of soul and spirit.
I don’t know how he feels about his Twilight fame, but I can tell you it is his joy to make great music and help others do the same. He is currently building a new studio and running a Kickstarter campaign to finish it. Want to kick something in? Click here: http://davewilton.com/newstudio/
We’re nearing the end of the challenge! Have you been checking out my other challenger’s posts?
I donāt remember where I first saw Leonid Afremovās paintings, but I remember being caught by surprise by the emotions they evoked. I typically like soft colors, and not being a fan of yellow, I didnāt think Iād be drawn to an artist who uses yellows and other bright colors so liberally. But I am. He won me over.
Mr. Afremov has been hailed a modern day Impressionist, which might explain another draw for me as one of my best friends absolutely loves Monet ā even painting her bathroom like his water lilies. I like Impressionist art. While I donāt think Iād be able to fake my way through a gallery talk, I know just enough to say I appreciate the movement, reflection, and light Mr. Afremov captures with his work.
āLeonid Afremov keeps the majority of his art politically neutral. His paintings are not offensive to anyone nor send any hidden messages. The paintings usually reflect certain personal memories and emotions. Leonid Afremov tries to draw the viewer to have a certain feeling rather than tell a story via the painting, or have the viewer see the world how he sees it.ā
I love art. Mr. Afremov is one of many painters I admire. I hope youāll check out more of his work on his website, especially his dancer paintings!
For more great artists, check out my friend’s posts:
Sometimes I Write 