As the new year starts, I think back about what I accomplished and begin to make new goals for the year to come.
I’m often surprised by one thing that happened that gives me brand new awareness for the future. It happened as 2023 year ended. Often it is a reminder of something that I would like to do but forgot about because of other ideas that jump out at me as the year progresses. (I kind of have a
monkey mind!)
This one thing that surprised me was a visit to the art museum. I went to see Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bound and Bearden/Picasso: Rhythms and Reverberations at the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, MS.
I’m gonna level with you Picasso isn’t my favorite artist. He has some art that I admire because of the subject or purpose but I definitely have other artists I prefer to go see.
So you may ask why did you go then?
The reason I go see art is because I always learn something new. I had never seen or was aware Picasso’s painted landscapes. I only new of his abstract paintings. He also created ceramics. I LOVE ceramics/pottery.
Seeing his art gave me insight to how he thinks and what appeals to him. He painted several viewpoints at once that made me see the landscape differently. This is what makes art so interesting. You don’t have to like it but it will make you look at things in a new way. (I challenge you to slow down the next time a piece of art catches your attention. Look at it and decide what made it catch your eye? Was it the subject matter, color, or style. Make a note. This is why art is important. It makes you feel and think.)
The second exhibition introduced me to a brand new artist I had never heard of Romare Bearden a legendary influence on 20th-century music, art, and social and political movements from North Carolina. He shared Pablo Picasso’s interests and approaches to making art. They were interested in four themes: bulls and bullfights, music and rhythm, doorways and windows, and line and color.
I found both men’s art made me think about the themes that show up in my art; music is one, and hands. I have created some art with bulls but I haven’t presented that to the world yet. I’m still trying to learn how to express some of my deepest thoughts about using them as subjects in my art. I, also, came away with greater appreciation for both men’s creativity.
Then there was the art museum gift shop. Every time I go a museum I go to the gift shop. I love gifts that have some kind of art reference of my favorite artist or I buy something that represents the exhibit I just experienced.
Every single time I think this is where I need to buy presents for birthdays or Christmas. Every single time I forget. LOL!
I believe art is a great, thoughtful gift to give to others. (Of course I would!)
You may feel uncertain about this because most fine art is very expensive and maybe you don’t know much about art.
Here are some pointers on how to pick art for gifts.
If you know someone’s favorite color. Find an art print or piece of art that includes the favorite color or if they love flamingos buy a carryall bag or make up bag with a flamingo on it.
You may know your loved one’s favorite artist is so you can buy a journal or print/poster of one of their paintings.
Pottery is a great idea too. You can find pottery of animals, flowers, vases, trinket holders, etc.
Books about art, artist, or how to paint, draw, etc.
Giving art as gifts has great benefits too!
- You are supporting a local artist or artist you know.
- The money you spend on the local artist is given back to the community.
- You give something unique.
- Enriches the cultural fabric.
- More personal service.
- You learn more about art.
Where do you find original art?
- Local galleries
- Craft Shows
- Art Shows
- Popup Art Shows
- Local Artists
What surprised you about 2023 that will affect something you do in 2024.
I’d like to hear about it.
Did this information help you? If so how and if not why?
I encourage you to go to see the exhibition of Picasso Landscapes: Out of Bounds and Romare Bearden at the Mississippi Museum of Art. Below are links to learn more about the exhibitions. If you go I’d love to hear about your visit.
Click on this link to learn more about these two exhibitions:
https://www.msmuseumart.org/exhibition/out-of-bounds/
https://www.msmuseumart.org/exhibition/bearden-rhythms-and-reverberations/
If you are looking for gifts this year please keep my art and products in mind.
Below is a button to got to my etsy.com shop.
www.etsy.com/shop/kaymeadows
To purchase original art, print reproductions of original art, or children’s books go to the menu above.
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