Back in 2011 I taught a class in San Antonio, TX. Leslie Tucker Jenison was kind enough to put me up for a few nights. On that visit, she brought me to visit her husband Tim's workshop. His workshop is several huge warehouses, by the way. He had a number of fascinating projects going on — one involving pinball machines and one involving Vermeer.
In case you don't know, Vermeer was a Dutch painter, probably most famous for the painting "Girl with a Pearl Earring."
In the art world he has always been hailed as a master of light. He seemed able to capture light in a way that no other painter could.
Vermeer was so ahead of his time that a lot of people have questioned how he did it. Several people posited that he may have used optics. Unlike many other painters, Vermeer's artworks have few underpaintings. There are no sketches or studies.
Leslie's husband, Tim, is an inventor, a film professional, and a computer guru. He set out to prove that Vermeer used science to create his art.
When I visited his workshop, he was in the midst of the project. And he and his friend Penn (of Penn & Teller fame) were making a documentary about the experience.
Check out the trailer:
Well, a few weeks ago I finally watched the documentary and it is so fabulous! Fascinating and stimulating and just really really great.
When I was there in person and I peeked into the room that he had created in order to test out his optics theory, I was impressed. But it wasn't until I watched the movie that I truly understood everything that had gone into creating that room. It's mind blowing.
I think the documentary asks some important questions about artistry. What is the art of painting? Composition? Dedication? Ability to paint realistically? Methodology?
If you have a chance to watch Tim's Vermeer, do. I give it two thumbs up. I believe it's in some theatres and definitely available on Netflix.
Thanks for stopping by!
—
P.S. Tomorrow I'll be on HSN! The schedule is always up for a change, but I'm currently scheduled in the 8am and 2pm EST slots! Tune in if you can! It helps my nerves to know that there are friendly people out there watching!
Your blog never ceases to amaze, educate and entertain! It’s a great start to my day and I’m so appreciative of learning about Tim’s Vermeer! I’m from Austin, so it’s really piqued my interest and plan to watch it this evening. Thanks for sharing … good luck on HSN!
Your blog never ceases to amaze, educate and entertain! It’s a great start to my day and I’m so appreciative of learning about Tim’s Vermeer! I’m from Austin, so it’s really piqued my interest and plan to watch it this evening. Thanks for sharing … good luck on HSN!
Your blog never ceases to amaze, educate and entertain! It’s a great start to my day and I’m so appreciative of learning about Tim’s Vermeer! I’m from Austin, so it’s really piqued my interest and plan to watch it this evening. Thanks for sharing … good luck on HSN!
Your blog never ceases to amaze, educate and entertain! It’s a great start to my day and I’m so appreciative of learning about Tim’s Vermeer! I’m from Austin, so it’s really piqued my interest and plan to watch it this evening. Thanks for sharing … good luck on HSN!
Your blog never ceases to amaze, educate and entertain! It’s a great start to my day and I’m so appreciative of learning about Tim’s Vermeer! I’m from Austin, so it’s really piqued my interest and plan to watch it this evening. Thanks for sharing … good luck on HSN!
I am anxious to see Tim’s Vermeer. I loved the book and movie AND the painting. I will be watching you on HSN tomorrow. I feel like we are personal friends, now that I met you in person (at RMM). Knock me dead!
I am anxious to see Tim’s Vermeer. I loved the book and movie AND the painting. I will be watching you on HSN tomorrow. I feel like we are personal friends, now that I met you in person (at RMM). Knock me dead!
I am anxious to see Tim’s Vermeer. I loved the book and movie AND the painting. I will be watching you on HSN tomorrow. I feel like we are personal friends, now that I met you in person (at RMM). Knock me dead!
I am anxious to see Tim’s Vermeer. I loved the book and movie AND the painting. I will be watching you on HSN tomorrow. I feel like we are personal friends, now that I met you in person (at RMM). Knock me dead!
I am anxious to see Tim’s Vermeer. I loved the book and movie AND the painting. I will be watching you on HSN tomorrow. I feel like we are personal friends, now that I met you in person (at RMM). Knock me dead!
I meant to say “Knock ’em dead! 😉
I meant to say “Knock ’em dead! 😉
I meant to say “Knock ’em dead! 😉
I meant to say “Knock ’em dead! 😉
I meant to say “Knock ’em dead! 😉
You are the second person who has written about this documentary. It was in the Hartford area recently but I wasn’t able to see it. I’ll check out Netflix.
You are the second person who has written about this documentary. It was in the Hartford area recently but I wasn’t able to see it. I’ll check out Netflix.
You are the second person who has written about this documentary. It was in the Hartford area recently but I wasn’t able to see it. I’ll check out Netflix.
You are the second person who has written about this documentary. It was in the Hartford area recently but I wasn’t able to see it. I’ll check out Netflix.
You are the second person who has written about this documentary. It was in the Hartford area recently but I wasn’t able to see it. I’ll check out Netflix.
While I applaud any investigations into art I really have to disagree with you about the strength of the film. Too many holes. Too many assumptions based on little evidence. No expert testimony. Watching it I felt like being in grad school again where I wrote a long paper on medieval poetry. The prof’s comment was, “you raise interesting points but a real medievalist would be quite amused at your conclusions!” Of course, anything that gets us thinking and talking and arguing about art is worth seeing! Besides, no matter the reaction, the film will promote interest in Vermeer! All to the good.
While I applaud any investigations into art I really have to disagree with you about the strength of the film. Too many holes. Too many assumptions based on little evidence. No expert testimony. Watching it I felt like being in grad school again where I wrote a long paper on medieval poetry. The prof’s comment was, “you raise interesting points but a real medievalist would be quite amused at your conclusions!” Of course, anything that gets us thinking and talking and arguing about art is worth seeing! Besides, no matter the reaction, the film will promote interest in Vermeer! All to the good.
While I applaud any investigations into art I really have to disagree with you about the strength of the film. Too many holes. Too many assumptions based on little evidence. No expert testimony. Watching it I felt like being in grad school again where I wrote a long paper on medieval poetry. The prof’s comment was, “you raise interesting points but a real medievalist would be quite amused at your conclusions!” Of course, anything that gets us thinking and talking and arguing about art is worth seeing! Besides, no matter the reaction, the film will promote interest in Vermeer! All to the good.
While I applaud any investigations into art I really have to disagree with you about the strength of the film. Too many holes. Too many assumptions based on little evidence. No expert testimony. Watching it I felt like being in grad school again where I wrote a long paper on medieval poetry. The prof’s comment was, “you raise interesting points but a real medievalist would be quite amused at your conclusions!” Of course, anything that gets us thinking and talking and arguing about art is worth seeing! Besides, no matter the reaction, the film will promote interest in Vermeer! All to the good.
While I applaud any investigations into art I really have to disagree with you about the strength of the film. Too many holes. Too many assumptions based on little evidence. No expert testimony. Watching it I felt like being in grad school again where I wrote a long paper on medieval poetry. The prof’s comment was, “you raise interesting points but a real medievalist would be quite amused at your conclusions!” Of course, anything that gets us thinking and talking and arguing about art is worth seeing! Besides, no matter the reaction, the film will promote interest in Vermeer! All to the good.
Adding “Tim’s Vermeer” to my Netflix queue, and then having to sit on my hands to not press play!! My husband is out of the country till Saturday and I know he’ll love it, too, so the kids and I will wait to watch it. Thank you for sharing, and how awesome that you were able to meet Leslie and Tim and get an inside view of this project! Can’t wait to watch!!
Adding “Tim’s Vermeer” to my Netflix queue, and then having to sit on my hands to not press play!! My husband is out of the country till Saturday and I know he’ll love it, too, so the kids and I will wait to watch it. Thank you for sharing, and how awesome that you were able to meet Leslie and Tim and get an inside view of this project! Can’t wait to watch!!
Adding “Tim’s Vermeer” to my Netflix queue, and then having to sit on my hands to not press play!! My husband is out of the country till Saturday and I know he’ll love it, too, so the kids and I will wait to watch it. Thank you for sharing, and how awesome that you were able to meet Leslie and Tim and get an inside view of this project! Can’t wait to watch!!
Adding “Tim’s Vermeer” to my Netflix queue, and then having to sit on my hands to not press play!! My husband is out of the country till Saturday and I know he’ll love it, too, so the kids and I will wait to watch it. Thank you for sharing, and how awesome that you were able to meet Leslie and Tim and get an inside view of this project! Can’t wait to watch!!
Adding “Tim’s Vermeer” to my Netflix queue, and then having to sit on my hands to not press play!! My husband is out of the country till Saturday and I know he’ll love it, too, so the kids and I will wait to watch it. Thank you for sharing, and how awesome that you were able to meet Leslie and Tim and get an inside view of this project! Can’t wait to watch!!
I’ve been wanting to see “Tim’s Vermeer” ever since I first learned about it quite awhile back; how cool that you got a bit of a behind-the-scenes peek! And, I’ll be waving hi to you on HSN 🙂
I’ve been wanting to see “Tim’s Vermeer” ever since I first learned about it quite awhile back; how cool that you got a bit of a behind-the-scenes peek! And, I’ll be waving hi to you on HSN 🙂
I’ve been wanting to see “Tim’s Vermeer” ever since I first learned about it quite awhile back; how cool that you got a bit of a behind-the-scenes peek! And, I’ll be waving hi to you on HSN 🙂
I’ve been wanting to see “Tim’s Vermeer” ever since I first learned about it quite awhile back; how cool that you got a bit of a behind-the-scenes peek! And, I’ll be waving hi to you on HSN 🙂
I’ve been wanting to see “Tim’s Vermeer” ever since I first learned about it quite awhile back; how cool that you got a bit of a behind-the-scenes peek! And, I’ll be waving hi to you on HSN 🙂
This movie is the next film in my Netflix queue! I saw an article about it about a month ago and can’t wait to see it! Thanks for spreading the word!!
This movie is the next film in my Netflix queue! I saw an article about it about a month ago and can’t wait to see it! Thanks for spreading the word!!
This movie is the next film in my Netflix queue! I saw an article about it about a month ago and can’t wait to see it! Thanks for spreading the word!!
This movie is the next film in my Netflix queue! I saw an article about it about a month ago and can’t wait to see it! Thanks for spreading the word!!
This movie is the next film in my Netflix queue! I saw an article about it about a month ago and can’t wait to see it! Thanks for spreading the word!!
That film sounds truly amazing. Can’t wait to see it. Thanks for sharing the information. Of course I will be watching you on HSN. I already have a timer set to remind me. You will be wonderful as always. Still waiting for the new Scrapbook Soup to air. Love you on camera. You make crafting so much fun.
That film sounds truly amazing. Can’t wait to see it. Thanks for sharing the information. Of course I will be watching you on HSN. I already have a timer set to remind me. You will be wonderful as always. Still waiting for the new Scrapbook Soup to air. Love you on camera. You make crafting so much fun.
That film sounds truly amazing. Can’t wait to see it. Thanks for sharing the information. Of course I will be watching you on HSN. I already have a timer set to remind me. You will be wonderful as always. Still waiting for the new Scrapbook Soup to air. Love you on camera. You make crafting so much fun.
That film sounds truly amazing. Can’t wait to see it. Thanks for sharing the information. Of course I will be watching you on HSN. I already have a timer set to remind me. You will be wonderful as always. Still waiting for the new Scrapbook Soup to air. Love you on camera. You make crafting so much fun.
That film sounds truly amazing. Can’t wait to see it. Thanks for sharing the information. Of course I will be watching you on HSN. I already have a timer set to remind me. You will be wonderful as always. Still waiting for the new Scrapbook Soup to air. Love you on camera. You make crafting so much fun.
My husband and I watched this film last week. It is awesome, amazing and fascinating! Definitely check it out.
My husband and I watched this film last week. It is awesome, amazing and fascinating! Definitely check it out.
My husband and I watched this film last week. It is awesome, amazing and fascinating! Definitely check it out.
My husband and I watched this film last week. It is awesome, amazing and fascinating! Definitely check it out.
My husband and I watched this film last week. It is awesome, amazing and fascinating! Definitely check it out.
I saw this documentary and I highly recommend it. It is truly fascinating. The dedication he had in completing the project is commendable. All I can say is wow.
I saw this documentary and I highly recommend it. It is truly fascinating. The dedication he had in completing the project is commendable. All I can say is wow.
I saw this documentary and I highly recommend it. It is truly fascinating. The dedication he had in completing the project is commendable. All I can say is wow.
I saw this documentary and I highly recommend it. It is truly fascinating. The dedication he had in completing the project is commendable. All I can say is wow.
I saw this documentary and I highly recommend it. It is truly fascinating. The dedication he had in completing the project is commendable. All I can say is wow.
Very interesting. Thanks for the peek into Tim’s workshop/adventure.
Very interesting. Thanks for the peek into Tim’s workshop/adventure.
Very interesting. Thanks for the peek into Tim’s workshop/adventure.
Very interesting. Thanks for the peek into Tim’s workshop/adventure.
Very interesting. Thanks for the peek into Tim’s workshop/adventure.
I watched “Tim’s Vermeer” this past week and loved it! Very fascinating! I would highly recommend it as well.
I watched “Tim’s Vermeer” this past week and loved it! Very fascinating! I would highly recommend it as well.
I watched “Tim’s Vermeer” this past week and loved it! Very fascinating! I would highly recommend it as well.
I watched “Tim’s Vermeer” this past week and loved it! Very fascinating! I would highly recommend it as well.
I watched “Tim’s Vermeer” this past week and loved it! Very fascinating! I would highly recommend it as well.
This is a great film….Art and Science merging….Just amazing to watch!
This is a great film….Art and Science merging….Just amazing to watch!
This is a great film….Art and Science merging….Just amazing to watch!
This is a great film….Art and Science merging….Just amazing to watch!
This is a great film….Art and Science merging….Just amazing to watch!
Julie, I saw the movie “Tim’s Vermeer”….it was absolutely fascinating! I could see it again, I’m sure there’s more to it that I may have missed!
Julie, I saw the movie “Tim’s Vermeer”….it was absolutely fascinating! I could see it again, I’m sure there’s more to it that I may have missed!
Julie, I saw the movie “Tim’s Vermeer”….it was absolutely fascinating! I could see it again, I’m sure there’s more to it that I may have missed!
Julie, I saw the movie “Tim’s Vermeer”….it was absolutely fascinating! I could see it again, I’m sure there’s more to it that I may have missed!
Julie, I saw the movie “Tim’s Vermeer”….it was absolutely fascinating! I could see it again, I’m sure there’s more to it that I may have missed!
I have been wanting to see this movie for some time now. I loved the trailer but missed it in the theatre. I’ll check out Netflix. I can’t believe you got to see his studio. So cool. Thanks for posting this and have fun at HSN.
I have been wanting to see this movie for some time now. I loved the trailer but missed it in the theatre. I’ll check out Netflix. I can’t believe you got to see his studio. So cool. Thanks for posting this and have fun at HSN.
I have been wanting to see this movie for some time now. I loved the trailer but missed it in the theatre. I’ll check out Netflix. I can’t believe you got to see his studio. So cool. Thanks for posting this and have fun at HSN.
I have been wanting to see this movie for some time now. I loved the trailer but missed it in the theatre. I’ll check out Netflix. I can’t believe you got to see his studio. So cool. Thanks for posting this and have fun at HSN.
I have been wanting to see this movie for some time now. I loved the trailer but missed it in the theatre. I’ll check out Netflix. I can’t believe you got to see his studio. So cool. Thanks for posting this and have fun at HSN.
I ordered the Scan N Cut today, THANKS TO YOU! And by the way, you looked beautiful today on HSN. Can’t wait to scan and cut my intricate stamps AND to make stencils to use with yours on my gelli plate and art journals. You’re just the best inspiration to me and I THANK YOU!
I ordered the Scan N Cut today, THANKS TO YOU! And by the way, you looked beautiful today on HSN. Can’t wait to scan and cut my intricate stamps AND to make stencils to use with yours on my gelli plate and art journals. You’re just the best inspiration to me and I THANK YOU!
I ordered the Scan N Cut today, THANKS TO YOU! And by the way, you looked beautiful today on HSN. Can’t wait to scan and cut my intricate stamps AND to make stencils to use with yours on my gelli plate and art journals. You’re just the best inspiration to me and I THANK YOU!
I ordered the Scan N Cut today, THANKS TO YOU! And by the way, you looked beautiful today on HSN. Can’t wait to scan and cut my intricate stamps AND to make stencils to use with yours on my gelli plate and art journals. You’re just the best inspiration to me and I THANK YOU!
I ordered the Scan N Cut today, THANKS TO YOU! And by the way, you looked beautiful today on HSN. Can’t wait to scan and cut my intricate stamps AND to make stencils to use with yours on my gelli plate and art journals. You’re just the best inspiration to me and I THANK YOU!