Hokusai

This is The Dragon of Smoke Escaping from Mt. Fuji, by Katsushika Hokusai. In the billowing smoke near the mountain top, there is the silhouette of a dancing dragon flying towards the heavens.  The warm yellow glow of the landscape reminds me of the sun. This piece has a fierce elegance that sets my soul on fire. Once again, Hokusai has managed to wow me.

Artemisia Gentileschi

This is Allegory of Inclination by Artemisia Gentileschi. It was painted in 1615. The maiden in this piece has a certain girlish innocence in her face that reminds me of Botticelli's Birth of Venus. Perhaps this maiden is Artemis, The Greek goddess of  the Moon, and possible namesake of this artist.