London: The National Gallery

Visiting the National Gallery in London was one of the highlights of the trip for me. To stand inches away from paintings I've only seen in books or the Internet provides an unparalleled perspective of the artists' work. The gallery had moved several of the more notable impressionist paintings into the main corridor, so it was a bit crowded around the really popular pieces.

When we walked through the first archway, I looked to my right and immediately recognized a Degas painting. I double checked the placard and was surprised that I was correct! Apparently all the art appreciation lessons paid off.

The painting was much larger than I had imagined and there were not many visitors crowded around. It seems that just like The British Museum, the vast majority were only there to see the popular items.

For some reason I remember Tiger in a Tropical Storm by Henri Rousseau on a book cover or printed with a short story or poem.

The Four Times of Day by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot is an interesting way of combining different studies of light into a single panorama.

 The Water-Lily Pond by Claude Monet was good to see how the brush strokes do not make sense up close and it's only when you stand back does the picture emerge.

Sunflowers by Vincent van Gogh was the piece that everyone crowded around. Seeing the popularity of his fourth version in the series of paintings, (and the subject of an entire Doctor Who episode) was a melancholy moment for struggling artists throughout history.

www.nationalgallery.org.uk

Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Quick Review: Close proximity to classic artwork. Seating for those who want to contemplate or take a break from walking all day. Only warning would be the large number of nudes (it's not a children's museum).

To read more about our trip to London, click here.