Summer Bucket List: 6 Must See NYC Art Shows

Each summer, I make a wish list of art exhibitions I want to see. I carefully document the closing dates, and try to circle them in my calendar. Often, I will try to find a museum buddy to go with but if the friend cancels at the last minute, I always keep the date with myself. I consider art viewing an essential element of art making and my creative process.  What follows are six shows I have my eye on and why I want to see them.    detail from Central Park Fountain, watercolor by Miriam Schulman

A Parrot Perched on a Mango Tree;  a Ram Tethered Below, ca. 1630–70 Ink, opaque watercolor and gold on paper.

 1. Sultans of India 

until July 26th 2015 Metropolitan Museum of Art

So first of all, I am absolutely crazy about this little watercolor that is included in The Sultans of India. It is a small work measuring only about 9 inches. The watercolor is part of a larger exhibit and I can’t wait to see it… (and also go looking for an unique piece of jewelry inspired by the exhibit in the gift shop….shhh…don’t tell)

Ram inspired an art journal page

I love this watercolor because when the catalog came in the mail in January, I noticed the ram on the cover. Being that it is the year of the ram, I saved the page and incorporated the image into one of my art journal spreads. Notice not only the ram, but the color scheme of the artwork is also incorporated into the my journal page.

a page from my art journal with custom rub-ons and the Ram

Art Journal Techniques

I actually filmed this spread and included the tutorial as part of my class on the 21 Secrets online art journal workshop. You can read more about that in this blog posts: 21 reasons to Discover 21 Secrets

I also offer a free art journal ebook if you are interested in learning more about art journaling. → free art journal ebook

Maurice Brazil Prendergast (American, 1858–1924).   A Fountain in the Public Garden from   Large Boston Public Garden Sketchbook, 1895–97. Watercolor

2. Maurice Prendergast

Boston Public Garden Watercolors

thru September 7, 2015 Metropolitan Museum of Art

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Central Park Fountain, watercolor by Miriam Schulman

My Garden Watercolors

I love painting fountains and gardens myself.
Here is a watercolor I completed recently.

Central Park Fountain

A favorite spot of many New Yorkers, this is an idyllic and romantic spot in the heart of New York City. A fountain in the midst of a small pond where you can rent a boat and paddle the day away on the water.

 

 

3.Van Gogh: Irises and Roses

Through August 16, 2015

Vincent van Gogh Auvers-sur-Oise) 1890

Another garden themed exhibit at the Met reunites for the first time four Van Gogh paintings of irises and roses that were painted and conceived as a series. The exhibition coincides with the real life blooming in the garden… which is why I really need to get to the garden this summer as well.

 

 

Here is a watercolor painting of irises that is inspired by van gogh ( but completely in my own watercolor style)

 

 

Frida Kahlo at the New York Botanical Gardens thru November 1, 2015

4. Frida Kahlo at the New York Botanical Gardens

Alright– yes, I know all three of those exhibits are at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (as is #6- spoiler alert)

reimagined Kahlo’s beloved Casa Azul 

So, to get out of the city this Frida Kahlo is on my must see list as well. The New York Botanical gardens have re-imagined Kahlo’s beloved Casa Azul in the Conservatory and simultaneously are displaying rare artworks in their Art Gallery

This way, I can transport myself to Mexico without leaving New York. I’ll bring my camera and sketchbook to document the process and share this art adventure with you in an upcoming blog post.

5. Yoko Ono

Yoko Ono

This is MoMA’s first exhibition dedicated exclusively to the work of Yoko Ono and  includes approximately 125 pioneering works, ranging from texts, objects, and films to installations and performances. I have to admit, I was mostly intrigued by the event, Make Your Own Yoko Ono Piece, that is free with admission. I already have plans to see that and can’t wait to share that with you as well.

Tune into my facebook page or instagram for updates if the guards let me snap some pics.

 

6. China Through the Looking Glass

Don’t groan…yep, it’s back to the Met. I know there are other museums, but I just wanted to pick the top of the top and the best of the best., Maybe, I just want to get my money’s worth out of my membership or I like the fact that I can park in the museum’s basement. Either way, I know I will be kicking myself if I miss this thoroughly artful fashion exhibit at the museum.

 

other blog posts you might like: Ten Women Artists Every Young Girl Should know About!  21 reasons to Discover 21 Secrets 6 FREE NYC Summer Art Adventures Top Ten Movies For Art Lovers

 What’s on your bucket

list this summer? Going to New York?