The Gratitude of Art

Hay Stacks by Monet

“The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.” — Friedrich Nietzsche

Thomas Cole

Art needs a viewer. Without ever being seen, only half of the role of art is fulfilled: the interaction of painter and canvas. But art has a second job as well: the interaction of viewer and art. The feeling it invokes, the stirring inside the soul from different viewers.

I was thinking of that this weekend while visiting the Art Institute of Chicago — the joy I felt looking upon art created long ago. The art still has new life every day, with every viewer and the interaction between you and the art when you stop to gaze upon it. I’ve attached a few photos of some of my favorite pieces from my visit to the Art Institute here for you to enjoy.

: Detail of Monet’s water lilies

: John Singer Sargent

All this is circling around to gratitude — the deep gratitude I have for each of you. My viewers. The people who fulfill the second part of my art’s job: the job of being seen. I am truly grateful, from the bottom of my heart, to each of you who follows my art, taking the time to interact with the image by viewing it!

As we all take a moment to give thanks this week, please know how very grateful I am to all of you!

Peace, love, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Stephanie