Painting

Three summer shows in Delaware Valley museums NOT to be missed:

Dog Days of Summer: Works by Jamie Wyeth
-through September 13 at the Brandywine River Museum
No, sadly, no Pekingese. In fact, the artist admits he doesn't care for small dogs. Witness the snarling furry pup tucked into a Victorian wicker baby carriage. But it's so clever, even small dog lovers will have to chuckle (especially Peke owners, who've seen more than their share of bared bottom teeth).
Jack Russells, however, Wyeth adores and we see plenty of them (or, more correctly, plenty of tails, as the terrible terriers themselves are always mostly down a hole).
If you love dogs, don't miss this!
(And don't forget to check out Jamie Wyeth's breathtaking portraits of Rudolf Nureyev in the permanent collection, either!)

Forging an American Identity: The Art of William Ranney
-through August 19 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
If you like George Caleb Bingham, then you'll like this mid-19th Century painter who shows us scenes of the American Revolution, the way west (hey, the painter joined the Texas fight for independence), and, yes, gorgeous hunting dogs.

Tibetan Ritual Arts
-through November 30 at the Philadelphia Museum of Art
Spectacular Buddhas and Bodhisattvas adorn a red lacquer altar. Love Asian art? This is nirvana. (Well, almost -- there IS the Rubin Museum in NYC!)