Well, obviously, I did. I guess an alternative definition for IBS must be “I be stupid,” because I completely forgot about the incredible visit that I had to the venerable “RA” in London the morning before things took a turn for the unpleasant in my inner regions. But, happily, the memory of a wonderful and amazingly well curated exhibit of the works of “Milton Avery, American Colorist” returned. The exhibition covered his work from the 1930s to the 1960s. His early days were certainly influenced by the American Impressionists, but his later works showed his close relationship with Rothko and other of the Abstract Impressionists. As I hope you will see in the selection of works that I show, his growth is clearly phenomenal, as is the expansive increase in color and the way he experimented with form.

Coney Island, shortly after family move to New York City.

Portrait showing a use of color and form with little concern for facial features.

Friends The colors catch the eye and seem to leave room for stories to be formed by each who view the painting or for one to simply enjoy the color play.

Over the years of my travels, I have seen some incredible art in large and small museums and galleries. Those that often surprised me most were artists I never knew before I took a chance on visiting their exhibition. Patrick Heron, the great English colorist comes to mind. I cannot imagine my life without the moments of joy that seeing his work have given to me. I now Milton Avery to this list. Great art, great music, great drama, great athletic performances, great literature. Seek them out. Make them part of your life.

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