A new cyber-acquaintance, Nadine Granoff, suggested featuring Velázquez, as he's currently part of an exhibit at Museo del Prado in Madrid. I couldn't agree more about spotlighting him. After all, he was known as "the painter's painter". His admirers are legion and constitute a Who's Who of famous artists (even Picasso painted studies after his works). And I also happen to think Las Meninas is one of the greatest paintings ever done. Sure, some paintings are more famous, but Meninas trounces most of them in the technique arena. Amazing use of light and color, especially considering it was done nearly 200 years before photography was invented (won't even get started on the span between it and pixels, I promise). It's fun to look at Diego standing in there, too - even if one's eye is irresistibly drawn to the little princess first. I always grin over him "signing" the painting like that. Kind of a big "In your faces, Your Majesties." (Thanks again, Nadine!)