The Art Museums

One of the delights of the past few weeks has been trips to Art Museums.  In San Francisco, Diane and I visited a neighborhood gallery.  Maybe the curator was bored, maybe she took a liking to us...I don't know...but she took us into the basement and showed us some of the works that are not seen by the public.  We viewed Picassos, Chagals, Warhols, Harrings and so many more.  It was a great treat, especially to view these works with Diane's great knowledge and appreciation for art.

Then in D.C. I took a couple of trips to the National Art Gallery.  While there was much to capture my attention, I found myself captivated by the works of Rembrandt.  His dark backgrounds and shadowy figures were mesmerizing.  One picture has inspired me to a short story that I am working on, based upon a peasant figure in the background of one of his works.

Now, here in New York, we visited the Museum of Modern Art.  Again, seeing these works with one so knowledgeable enhances the experience.  From Monet to Matisse, it is fascinating to see the actual works that one typically sees in books.  Among my favorites were Van Gogh's "Starry Night" and Monet's "Water Lillies."  The immensity of Monet's work was overwhelming.  And the beauty and tranquility captured by Van Gogh provided a nice restful moment in the hectic lifestyle of the big city.

The only sad thing is that no photograph can truly do justice to the beauty of the real thing.  Like many things in life, we are left trying to describe the indescribable. 

Beside is a photo of "Starry Night."  From where I stand, there is a lot of beauty in that photo.

Peace, my friends!