I tottered into the big smoke today for work appointments.  As I left the car I sent a text to MT simply saying Brrrrrr…..  It said it all!

It was perishing cold.  As it has been for the last few days with the southerly bringing it’s icy blast and a deluge of tank filling rain.  There are better places than Wellington on days like today but for better or worse that’s where I had to be.

With a few minutes to kill after lunch I lugged my camera off to the civic square to see what wonders I would snap. As always I notice new things I’ve seen hundreds of times before.

I was struck today by the inclusion of this on the Central Art Gallery building.  I was struck for a moment to know what this means.

Although the Art Gallery is actually closed right now for renovation I could not help feel a sense of irony as I’ve yet to see anything in that place I’d remotely call art, let alone Useful Art.  But hey, what do I know.  I’m no art critic.

I did however enjoy the recent trip to see this.

Billed as the most significant exhibition of Impressionist paintings to ever come to New Zealand I was looking forward to what would be on offer.  We weren’t disappointed with about 50 paintings that included Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Pissaro and Degas to name a few.

What was truly wonderful about this art exhibition was the ability to look close up and stand back and see what impressionism is all about.  I’d never done that before.

You were able to see the sculptural qualities of the paintings and how the impressionist style evolved.  How different the artists’ paintings were but equally how similar in style.

You could see one perspective close up and a totally different view when you stood back from the paintings a little.  The subtleties of light, perspective, mood and colour.  Quite magical.

Just like these flags that Wellington winds were blowing in the breeze.   Each time you moved the painting took on a new view.

I don’t consider myself well informed about art to it was a true education to see such mastery right in front of my eyes here in one of the most remote places in the world.  And you know the best thing about it was it was only $15 to get in.  A very small price to pay for the privilege.

It’s seemed like a long week this week. That’s what happens when the routine and rhythm of work takes over.  At least I’ve been able to say thank goodness it’s the weekend a day early as we head into the long Easter weekend.

The weather is suposed to improve so we’ve an action planned weekend to keep us amused.  I’m hopeful for some concentrated photography time.  Watch this space.