
My prized find was The Tree Show. A book about painter Mark Rydens Tree Show exhibit in LA in 2007. Yes I am late to the party but I'm so glad I finally came. I am in love with Ryden's wood nymphs, modern Madonna's and his lavish art history references in such modern, fantasy like paintings. Finally a modern artist I can look to who loves Bernini as much as I do. The painting to the left, The Tree of Life, is almost an education in art history all on its own.
The rub: He had a book signing two days after I left San Francisco. I am ok with this as I now follow him on twitter and regularly visit his website http://www.markryden.com/ as I know he has to make it to Chicago sometime.