Thomas Cole and The Voyage of Life
In this session, we take a close look at four paintings and turn our gaze
inward. Becoming a wise elder involves looking through our life
experiences, reflecting on lessons learned, and applying those as we move
forward. Thomas Cole, a 19th-century American artist who inspired the
Hudson River School of landscape art, brought these reflections to the
canvas, with his four-painting series The Voyage of Life.
Now, you have the opportunity to examine your own voyage of life in this
guided personal development session with art historian Rena Tobey. Bring a
journal or some paper and something to write with; be prepared for some
quiet reflection. In this 60-minute session, you will be thinking about
your own life using the framework of Cole’s four paintings. We will build
on the introduction to the artist in part 1 with focus on the specific
symbols and meaning embedded in each painting–all to deepen your own
thinking.
Starting with part 1 will provide more context for your personal work, and
part 2 can also stand alone. Either way, come learn about Cole’s painted
arc of lived experience, and use his model to consider your own journey on
the river of life.
Register for Part 1 of this 2-part series.