Masterpieces

Sometimes life affords you an experience that is so singular you have to marvel at it's perfection. I had that experience while I was walking through the Birth of Impressionism exhibit at the de Young Museum. It was profoundly moving to be in the same room as some of those paintings. Things I had only ever seen in reproduction were right there in front of me; I could see the true depth of color, notice every brushstroke, look from every angle. I think that I could have happily stayed there all day.

As I was walking through the galleries I caught glimpses of Dagny and Dane as they made their own ways through the exhibit. Seeing them react to the art took my already amazing experience and made it perfect. As their teacher, it was immensely gratifying to see that all the years of studying art had prepared them to understand what they were seeing. As their mother, I was very pleased that they appreciated what they were seeing.

I saw things I liked, some things that I didn't, (I will admit to not being a fan of Whistler's Mother. I know it's an important work of art, I'm glad I saw it in person, it just doesn't do it for me) there were things I was surprised by and things that humbled me. All of that and I didn't even have to buy a plane ticket to Paris.

Obviously no photography permitted in the exhibit, but I did find this video of some of the things we saw.