Simply put, have artists such as Duchamp or Rauschenberg duped or misled the public into believing what they produced was true art? I’ll discuss my thoughts on this important issue.

In the 17th century, during the Edo period (1615-1868) in Japan, 'ukiyo-e' were wood block prints that became available to the public. I'll discuss the origin of the word, the artists known for their popularity and the Impressionists who were influenced by their beauty.

When we hear 'Bonfire of the Vanities' we think of a novel by Tom Wolfe, with a movie version in 1990. An actual event during the Renaissance, I’ll discuss its significance as it relates to art and the artist Sandro Botticelli.

In my interpretation of Michelangelo’s fresco on the Sistine Chapel ceiling, what did God’s finger bring to Adam? Was it life or intelligence? I’ll introduce a third theory.

Vincent Van Gogh is probably one of the most recognizable names in the history of art. A ‘starving artist’ during his abbreviated life, selling just one painting during his lifetime, his paintings would posthumously realize the highest price ever paid for a work of art.

The Surrealist movement in art originated at the end of WWI. I will discuss the works of Surrealist painters Salvador Dalí and René Magritte.

Michelangelo’s studies for the Sistine Chapel Ceiling have revealed the presence of under-drawing. I’ll discuss how science has addressed the mystery of whether restorers have reworked art by the ‘divine one’.

Claude Monet may be the most recognizable artist who painted series including water lilies and train stations. I’ll discuss his fascination by train stations (la gare) and why he chose them.

A Goya exhibit at the MFA Boston highlights paintings, drawings, and prints by the 19th c Spaniard. Also, American realist artist Jamie Wyeth exhibits some of his finest works. I’ll discuss my impressions from my visit.

Many notable paintings can be seen in Hollywood movies such as the 'Batman' movie of 1989 and the remake of 'The Thomas Crown Affair' in 1999.