Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Mad for Matisse!



We returned yesterday from an amazing eleven day trip to California, where we spent the holidays with family and friends. Beautiful weather, fantastic scenery and warm hearted people - how lucky are we?

While in San Diego, I visited the San Diego Museum of Art with my good friend Ann. In the European art section, we came upon a few works by my favorite artist, painter Henri Matisse. Honestly, I just love his work. Something about the freedom of his lines, his use of slightly askew colors, and the textiles he used as props in his paintings - all are elements that appeal to me.




When we got home, I immediately began collecting my various books (including a children's book), note cards and calendars featuring works by Matisse. I'm determined to study his life and learn more about his  way of creating. Already I've learned that, for him, color conveyed emotion. I feel that this artist is calling to me in some way - perhaps to loosen up with my work, to be more expressive and to convey more emotion in the pictures I make. In any case, I know that I will continue to admire the great Matisse!

Hope you are enjoying this first week of the New Year!!

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sounds wonderful! I would so love to go to a Museum of Art. Enjoy your studies and I'm sure much creating will result :).
Stay inspired!

Gwen said...

I also love his work and it is true, colour has a great influence on emotions.
We are always looking for new inspirations and I think that his influence will perfectly complement your style of work. I look forward to seeing how this pans out....
xxx

Simone said...

Your trip sounds wonderful Judy. Good luck with your studying Henri Matisse. You have inspired me to study an artist also - I just need to decide who!!! x

Karen L R said...

what a great project for the new year!

amanda white said...

Happy New Year Judy.
Matisse is one of my all-time favourites too.

sharon said...

Welcome back from you marvelous holiday excursion! Please tell me what flower is in your photo above? Love the way it unfurls...
How rich the world is for her artists.

Anne Butera said...

Happy New Year, Judy!

Looks like you had a wonderful trip and I'm so excited by the inspiration that you soaked up there. Can't wait to see what you create!

Your new website looks great. Nice to see more of your artwork, too!

fromyourmindseye.com said...

So glad you enjoyed your visit to California. You brought more sunshine to our already sunny days. I love Matisse too. And many of the Impressionist painters. The freedom and the color really inspire me.

Jennifer Richardson said...

thanks for sharing the warmth with us....can almost feel the sun
nudging my neck warm:)
(oh happy lemons on that little tree!)
-Jennifer

Nan and =^..^= said...

Happy New Year and your California trip sounds so wonderful in many ways!
That is exciting to rediscover what Matisse means to you and to find that connection and to be so inspired! What a great way to start the New Year!