I spent one quick day in Chicago on a loop through the Midwest. Typically most of it was spent in the Art Inatitute, but it started with tea and borscht at the Russian Tea Room.

I did a fairly comprehensive tour of the main collection at the Art Institute. I didn't do any sketching this time, but I learned about chiaroscuro woodcuts from the 15th century, and I want to look up more when I get home.

I also wrote down a quote from

William Blake about Ine of John Constable's tree studies: "Why, this is now drawing, but inspiration." Constable is one of my favorite artists of all time.

Another is Van Gogh, and it was powerful

to revisit his self portrait. The one here is my very favorite, and it meant even more to see it after staying in Vincent's own Paris neighborhood last year and shopping acRosso the street from the house he shared with Theo.

Walked on to Millenium Park afterwards. I'd never seen the famous bean. I did settle in to do one sketch there.

Finished the day in Evansville in a bar with gorgeous floating lights and the best gnocchi and bread pudding I've ever had. Good day.