Often when I am stuck for an idea for a book or painting, I go to museums. Back in art college, the instructors used to take us to the galleries and make us copy the masters. This was helpful for studying composition, light and color. It also gave me, the ham, an opportunity to gab it up with all the museum goers. I find history fascinating, and every painting has a story behind it, whether the subject is person, place or thing. One of my favorite museums is the National Portrait Gallery in D.C.
It is a treasure trove of kidlt just waiting to be told. From Civil War veterans to presidents to New York rappers, this musuem represents the history of the United States and how we view ourselves. I like to go by myself so I can linger at the paintings and wonder what the subject was like as a kid. Go to a museum--it is yoga for the creative soul.
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