An Art-Filled Day

I did it! I ventured out of the apartment today to explore the city. The first stop was the National Gallery of Art West Building. I conquered 90% of it. My favorite pieces were the drawings and water colors, many of which were hundreds of years old. They made me really want to come home and take out my sketch book. I loved the landscape paintings by Canaletto, this painting stopped me in my tracks, and I enjoyed seeing everyday items captured in paint by John Frederick Peto. 

My least favorite pieces were the dishes and the sculptures. Can't tell you why, but I quickly walked through those rooms. Sorry that there are no photos of the gallery itself or the pieces in it.

After the art gallery I paid a visit to their sculpture garden across the street. Most of the following photos are from the garden itself. 

This spider guy below reminded me of a sculpture that students created for an art show at MHS this year!

My favorite was the tree below, which was metal! I turned the corner and my mouth literally fell open. It was amazing.

 This guy reminded me of my dad for some reason. I can't tell you why. He also made me chuckle when I saw him.

The Black Eyed Susans, or Rudbeckia hirta, also reminded me of my dad. I can't help but think of all of the summer days he would mow our 40 acres, leaving little patches of these untouched. It's so nice to see such nature in a city!

 I made it a short visit into the city. I was too lonely without Tom or any other friend with me. One of the places I really want to visit is the Newseum, which I walked by on the way to the metro. All of the front pages from today's papers were on display. And almost every one of them had Michael Phelps on the cover.