A Visit to the Albright Knox Gallery

Which Artworks made an impact or impression on me? Why?

I really enjoyed my visit to the Gallery! It was the first time at the Albright Knox for me, and I was sincerely moved by many of the pieces. To narrow it down, one of the most impressive and magnificent piece I viewed was The Old Mill by Vincent van Gogh. This was the first time I had ever seen a van Gogh in person, and I was absolutely moved. I think I was so attracted to this piece because of my own work in oil painting. I absolutely enjoyed the amazing texture he was able to create and the continuous use of short brush strokes. Right next to van Gogh was Tow Path at Argenteuil by Monet. I was also instantly attracted to this piece because of the classical style and look of simplicity, which is completely deceiving. Furthermore, it was also my first time seeing a work by O'Keefe in person as well. She has always been my favorite artist because of her style, use of color, and shape. I love the way she creates art period. The use of line and color attracted me to her piece named Green Patio Door. This was probably my favorite piece in the Gallery. Also, in a very different style, Georges Braque created an incredible abstract oil painting named Still Life on a Mantelpiece. I especially enjoyed this piece because of its difference in style that most abstract work. Still in touch with the idea of sharp lines, Braque creates kind of a funky scene with a guitar. Finally, sitting in the same hallway as Monet and van Gogh, I found Georges Seurat. I loved his use of color and dotting to create a wonderful full view painting. The differences in all of these works inspire me to work in different mediums and constantly create new ways of making art! All of the artists were successful and wonderful creators of famous well known pieces we now are willing to travel just to see. That is an inspiration in itself.

Which artworks do I feel a connection with? Why?

There were many pieces in the Gallery that caused me to stop and stare..taking me off to another world, the world of the artist. For some reason, whenever I see a work by Georgia O'Keefe, I always, always disappear into another place transformed by her art. I think I feel such a deep connection with her work because I tend to work in a lot of the same patternistic shape as she has in the past. I find myself using a brush as she once did and creating a lot of the same kind of line as she did. I find her work to be very inspiring. Moreover, I really enjoyed the whole exhibition by Fletcher Benton. I love 3D work, and I feel as if he has taken his work to a whole new level creating a collection of endless possibilities with his steel work. I feel the title of the collection, The Alphabet, is entertaining and appropriate. The use of sharp line create crisp edges and very clean cut work. I love the variety of color he uses as well. Also, as mentioned above, I feel a connection with van Gogh's paintings. I would love to learn to work with more texture in my oil paintings, and I believe his works have a lot to offer in reference to teaching others. I also found myself standing in front of Jackson Pollock's work for some time because of the vast interest I have in his use of splatter painting to create a masterpiece. I believe some people may view his work as less than average, but I think his work is incredible. I have tried using splatter techniques in my own work and I have found it to be very difficult. I love the technique but certainly have absolute respect for it as well. This piece moved me not only because of its huge size but its vast array of colors and constant movement. Furthermore, I wish I had taken more notes to remember the names of some of the pieces, but one of the rooms in the Gallery was filled with very large wall pieces mostly composed of just one color with a pattern in it. There was also a piece more in the center with red string attached to the ceiling and the floor. I found this section to be very soothing and calming. It inspired me not to be afraid to work with just one color, because there are worlds of things to do with a simple color. I would love for one of the pieces to be hanging in my house. I find peace and comfort in a soothing tone. I felt many of the pieces inspired me to expand my own work as an artist, and I felt the visit was not only an educational experience but an eye opening one as well.

Which artworks would I like to know more about? Why?

I think there will always be artworks I simply just don't understand, and maybe, never will. I can accept that because I know everyone has their own style and their own purpose, and perhaps it just isn't meant for everyone to be a part of. I have to admit, I am just not a fan of Pop Culture artwork. There was one piece I really enjoyed. It was of a sink and the "wall" surrounding the 3D sink. For some reason this just made me smile. I love 3D work, and I'm assuming that is mostly what Pop Culture art is, but I am also not really very knowledgeable about it either, so it is certainly something I would like to know more about and try to understand. In addition, I actually was lucky enough to have a personal tour guide who let me go in the closed mirror room, and I loved it! I thought it was an incredible life size piece of work meant for people to experience hands on, and I love hands on art! Walking around in a room full of mirrors is quite an experience. Looking up and looking down as if it goes on forever was something of a trip. I certainly would love to know more about the artist and what other artwork he has produced. I would also like to look more into the abstract area of art. I have seen many abstract pieces, but I still can't always seem to find a grip on the purpose. I suppose I am very logical and I like to look at things and understand them and know the reasoning behind each work, so in that case, I suppose I understand my constant need for knowing, yet I will have to accept, not all art is meant to be understood. Sometimes we just need to feel it.