A day at the museum

I thought it would be fun to share a little art challenge I posted in my new facebook group. Visiting a museum is so inspiring and I for one don’t do it often enough. Wouldn’t it be nice to stroll through one in our area with intention? To take photos of the art that makes us want to create and if you’re up for it, take the time to make a couple of sketches when we see something that’s in line with our art goals?

I think it would be so interesting. We creatives love our bubble (and I am no different, I love being at home in my studio). But sometimes it’s so energising to go out into the world and submerge ourself in art!

I would love it if you would join me in my quest from your end of the world, wouldn’t it be so wonderful if we could share all that amazing art with each other? 

I had a wonderful time at Museum De Reede here in Antwerp! It’s all about printing and those of you who took my class “No Press? No Problem!” know that I’m totally in love with those techniques. One day I would love to own my own press so I can dive into etching and other techniques that require a press. There are many artworks by Francisco Goya, Félicien Rops and Edvard Munch in this beautiful museum.

I honestly hadn’t expected to fall in love with Goya’s work because his paintings don’t really speak to me. But his etchings were mind blowing. This media was much more suitable for his dark scenes. If you’re ever there, you can ask a looking glass at the reception so you can study all kinds of details.

I loved his twisted sense of humor and he was so skilled! I deflowered my museum sketchbook by studying two of his amazing expressions.

Edvard Munch was also very nice. I love that I could see his Madonna up close. Sadly I couldn’t take a good photograph of her due too many spotlights and the mirroring in the glass.

I felt very ambivalent towards Belgian artist Félicien Rops. He was extremely skilled and the first print below could easily be mistaken for a painting, it was magnificent. But there were also quite some works by him that were too disturbed for my taste. Mr Rops had issues and huge frustrations for sure. But the artworks that I liked, I loved!

The volunteers were amazing, enthusiastic and very helpful. I was happy to hear that this rather new, private museum will expand (they just bought the building next to it).

They’re also cooperating with the art academy and feature students’ work (two prints at this time). I thought that was nice!

They are inclusive towards people bound to a wheelchair. There are elevators and they have built the displays so that there’s room underneath for the legs so that everyone can enjoy the art in a comfortable way. This made me love this museum even more and I highly recommend it if you’re ever in Antwerp.

I will definitely go back by myself to fill up my little sketchbook. But next on my to do list is the FOMU (photo museum of Antwerp), because there’s an exposition there of one of my favourite photographers Stephan Vanfleteren. I can’t wait to see his emotive photographs in person. This art challenge appears to be the start of a nice habit for me, I hope it wil do the same for you. Enjoy all the beautiful art and let it inspire you on your journey!