ART/ARCHITECTURE 

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This topic can be overwhelming. There are so many different types of art in the world. The best way to approach this is to visit your local museum. There are a few in Philadelphia but there should be a few options near you. I myself have several memberships to New York museums because of its close proximity plus I travel to New York many times during the year. It's one of my favorite destinations. At the PMoA, fridays are great because you can pay what you wish. It's a great way to explore and support the arts along the way. Give yourself an hour or two and just go with an open mind. Something will stir your soul. Some of my favorite artists are Van Gogh, Edward Hopper and Renoir and a good place to start is to check out the Masters. They are called the Masters for a reason.

As far as sculptures go, in my opinion, the Italian Lorenzo Bernini created some of the finest works ever done in marble. Apollo and Daphne is a myth brought to life. Or Rodin's The Kiss. It's not what you think it is. The list is endless as there are so many incredible works of art. If you can't get to a museum, check out a book from your local library or visit your local bookstore. They make great coffee table books and they make you look smart too. Remember, find what you like, what captures your attention and moves you and before you know it you'll be saying things like " Raphael was a master of balance. Thick brush strokes for the landscape, but the skin tones are almost...translucent" Say that to someone and watch their heads spin :) Thanks to Neal Caffrey for that! If you don't know who that is check out the Influences section for more info. 

To explore architecture, I found a walking tour in Phila that was excellent. You get to walk around the city and have a guide explain in detail the various styles that were used to create these amazing buildings. If you are in a major city, take the time to look up instead of at your phone and really check out the detail that went into what I believe are masterpieces. 

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New York museums - The Met , The Guggenheim, The Whitney Museum

Phila museums - Phila Museum of Art, The Academy of Natural Sciences, The Franklin Institute

Walking tours thru Preservationalliance.com

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