The MET

I was able to take a last minute trip to New York a couple weeks ago.  Nick had to go there for a week for business and we figured it was a cheap way for me to get out there, so of course I hopped on the chance.  I was very nervous about leaving Briz, especially because it was so last minute but luckily we have some amazing family close by that are so generous and were willing to take care of her for a few days. 

It was particularly fun because I was able to roam around the city by myself for two days.  And then Nick and I had three days together.  I loved just walking everywhere, although I would have liked it a bit more had it been slightly warmer.  I also think I finally figured out the Subway system!  It helped that is WAY more clean than the last time I went (no more vomit or urine smells.  horray!) Nick and I were staying in midtown just a few blocks from Times Square and the Empire State Building so I felt like I was close to everything.  

One of my favorite things I did was go to the MET.  I had never been so I was pretty excited.  Being there was a bit nostalgic and reminded me of going to the National Gallery in London.  We used to go there and study paintings regularly for our Humanities class.  I wish I would have brought something to write with while I was there (plus its nice to sit down cause my feet were getting tired).

Art is amazing to me because it can change over time.  I have never had an affinity to Roman sculptures, but I fell in love with them.  I also loved all of the Picassos (never thought I would say that) and I saw them in a way that I never had before.  

Here are some of my favorites:

My favorite sculpture.  It was just sitting in the corner, not of anyone infamous, just a Roman woman.  But I thought she was so beautiful and the detail in her dress was incredible. If I had any skills in sculpting and I wanted to sculpt an angel, this is how I would do it.

 My friend, Lanae had actually told me about this painting before I went, and said she loved it.  Looking at a picture of it on her phone didn't really get me too excited.  But it is a very powerful painting in real life.  What you can't see from this distance is the mother has tears coming down her cheeks and the expression on her face is all just so real. I almost cried when I saw this painting.

 Don't remember the artist, but its not Monet.   Basically a Monet copycat, but I loved this a little bit more because the use of color to create light was incredible.

 I liked this Degas because its very understated.  Love the light and the way he captures the movement of the fabric. Of course, who doesn't love Degas? And if you answered "me" to that, we can no longer be friends.

 Don't remember the artist on this one either, but I was very moved by the realism of this.  It's a little heavy, but it made me think about the crucifixion in a way that I never had before.

 Even though I have seen a few of the same series of paintings from Monet, it is still so beautiful.

 I had never seen this Renoir before, and I love Renoir.  He might be my favorite.  It's between him and Rembrandt.  Either way, I love this picture because I love how he captures the spirit and energy of the event.

 I don't remember the artist again, but I thought this was a great painting.  I love the colors and the body language of the couple.

 Another Monet that caught my attention.  I am just amazed at the reflection of the trees in the water. This seemed so simple yet so elaborate at the same time.  And it just came across as poetic in its symmetry.

 They had the coolest pianos and harpsichords in their musical instrument collection.  I couldn't believe how ornate this thing is.  Nuts.

 I think this may be Cassat.  I love most things she painted, but again, this was a new one I hadn't seen and I love this simple moment that she caught.

 A harpsichord from the 1400's.  Holy cow.

The front of the MET.

Enough with my thoughts about art.  I loved it.  Loved it loved loved it.  It was such a treat to be here by myself for a few hours.  Wish I was in better museum shape so I could have stood twice as long.