Masterpieces from Paris @ the National Gallery

Whilst in Canberra I could not pass up the opportunity to see 'Masterpieces from Paris' an exhibition of 112 post-impressionist art pieces that will knock your socks off.

So, I briefed Karl on what we were heading out to see and Michael dropped us off at the door. (Apparently, the number of visitors has made parking a nightmare at best for parents who have no chance at preferential parking). Karl and I spent a lot of time looking at some of the basic technique differences in brush stroke and application particularly for those pieces where the stroke was in contradiction with the object - something you can only ever see in real life.

We then took time to admire the pieces and identify what we liked about them. The amazing thing about art is that different works draw different people in and each is drawn in by something different. In the first few rooms I distinctly remember Karl being drawn to the works of Claude Monet and he spent several minutes studying 'In the Norwegian' in particular.

Towards the end of the display was a children's activity area where Karl took a respite from all that focus giving me a chance to have a closer look for 10 minutes. In that time he worked on his own self portrait and we got some no-flash photos before heading out again.

Upon heading out Karl immediately came across the works of Vincent van Gogh. He was completely encapsulated by his self portrait which had colours in it that one would not normally choose for a face. The idea raised a conflict in him which had him deep in thought. As chance, would have it we had talked about van Gogh before because I was given a Ronan Keating album with a song about him on it.

When I connected the two dots for him he suddenly could relate to this portrait of a man and spent almost 45 minutes pouring over his other works. He is now in love with Starry Night and wants the original (and definitely not a print) for his bedroom wall. If only he knew how tall that ask was!

Overall, the exhibition is inspiring to adult, teen and older child alike and I highly recommend it. You have until 5 April 2010 to check it out so be sure to do so if you have the chance!