inspired by an old master

I saw my first exhibition of a “grand master” this week. I saw a Picasso exhibition at our national gallery. I had only ever seen works like these in books before (not the same thing AT ALL) I was so excited (I didn't sleep at all the night before). I was so afraid I would be disappointed. I wasn't.

 The exhibition was focused on studies and preparational drawings. There were some paintings but no “masterpieces” or 'big works'. I was so glad to be able to see the way he applied paint and how his mind worked in studying and concluding work. It was fascinating to follow his process to an extend.

What was strange to me is how the work (Picasso as a whole) became real to me. It was as though I believed it for the first time. The work was amazing yet I didn't feel so far from it any more. I felt like it could possibly be attainable. It was real and tangible (I didn't touch it… I wasn't allowed to cross the black line! heehee). I realized for the first time that I might be part of this world. Part of the art world. 

The point is: I really think it is worth the time to see the work of one of a person's  heroes.  I feel less afraid and more excited about my proffession. 

 Anyone had similar experiences?

Re: inspired by an old master

               ” The point is: I really think it is worth the time to see the work of one of a person's                      heroes.  I feel less afraid and more excited about my profession”

I wholeheartedly agree.  Seeing Georgia O'keeffe's paintings years ago at the Hirschhorn was a shocking experience.  It was the first time I stood in the presence of a piece of art done by someone I had intensely admired from afar through the reproductions in art books.  

It was unreal to see these things out there on the wall in front of me.  It also relieved some of the anxieties of looking at art in a book or in a print;  I could see her structure and the scaffolding of her techniques.  Pencil lines that existed underneath, textures that were far more human (both flawed and more delicately riveting) than reproductions ever allowed me to see.  It humanized her painting and made me feel closer to her art and to my own ability to be a creative person. 

Re: inspired by an old master

Yeah!

the pencil line's etc… amazing!  I loved the fact that I could see the planning of the composition of the work in the way he worked with the pencil/charcoal It didn't just come automatically. I love that.

 Thanks Bradley, nice to hear of a similar experience. I would LOVE to see Georgia O'Keeffe's work, I have also only see the printed versions. Man, there is so much to explore in this world.

Re: inspired by an old master

Yes there is ,and don't forget to open your eyes to the very real artists in your own lives. The context of the MUSEUM ups the anti does it not ? “Couldn't sleep the day before” There are hundreds of incredible artists whose worthy works will never see the inside of a museum (at least not during their lifetime). Poor Van Gogh is the classic example. He never sold much during his relatively short ,difficult life (except to his brother )bless him, but he kept at it and we now ,150 years later recognize his genius…

Re: inspired by an old master

Yeah.
I agree. I

Re: inspired by an old master

The first time I went to the National Gallery In Wahington DC, I flew through the halls looking for the Vermeers.  I was so impatient to see 4 Vermeers - all at once.  When I did find them I was first taken aback at how small they were.  When viewed in a book or on poster, they seem larger than life.  When seen in person, they were like small gems  - glowing with an inner light.  I stood in front of them and literally wept.  I stayed there until a guard took interest in my lingering.

After the Vermeers, I wasn't sure there was much I would want to see - I grew up in Chicago and at the Art Institute there.  The Art Institute of Chicago is a world class museum; I had grown up looking at VanGogh and Monet and Renoir (among many others).  But never Vermeer. 

You bring up a good point about appreciating your local art and artists.  Although there is something utterly transcedant about seeing works of art which inspired you to be an artist.

After seeing the Vermeers, I kind of dawdled about for an hour or so, then went to the second, newer building of the National Gallery.  There I came face to face with Diego Rivera.  I fell deeply in love with the vision of his work.  At the end of the day, I could not say for certain which work moved me the most - the Vermeers (which I had driven from Wisconsin to D.C. just to look at), or the Riveras, which were a revelation to me.

Re: inspired by an old master

Yes, I've definitely had several experiences like this. It is fabulously valuable to view an artist's work in person. A few months ago I came across an Andy Warhol exhibit in Chelsea (favorite place to be around art). I've never been more stunned in my life. There simply isn't any way to convey the same effect through a picture or print.