Visit toToledo Museum of Art

My family and I toured the Toledo Museum of Art (OH) this past weekend, and I feel renewed with appreciation for the aspects of works of art which can be seen in original works with greater strength than in reproductions. I loved exploring the touches of the artists' hands in the visible brushstrokes, and build-up of paint on the surfaces (facture), and find so much expression in these movements. I still envision the surface of a large Rothko in the collection, with veils of color, and modulated edges, and large scale (size= about two of me!). Exploring the painting reminds me of gazing in to a pond, contemplative, with both surface and depth to gaze not quite in to or through. A photo of the Rothko is posted on my professional FB page ('alicekelseyartist'). I also really liked the DeKooning which was nearby- also a large canvas, with great wide energetic brush strokes (looked like they were made with a 4" house brush), and masses of color so seemingly simple yet in such pleasing interfaces. I also enjoyed seeing the Monet water lily, with thick and thin passages, areas of bare canvas, and radiant color.  Seeing these works in person inspires me to paint freely, 'follow the brush'!