Struck

I remember the first time i saw a painting at a museum that completely captured me.  It was on a field trip to the P.M.A when i first saw "The Moorish Chief".  i was so enamored that my class was long gone when i finally came out of the daze.  (i think it was in 3rd grade.)

https://www.philamuseum.org/collections/permanent/102792.html

My next recollection of such a time is with "Watson and The Shark" on a field trip to the National Gallery.

Again, i lost my class while being lost in the painting.
(5th Grade)

https://www.nga.gov/Collection/art-object-page.46471.html

Over the years i have been lost in a great many works of art.  

It is one of my favorite things.

These works of art are not merely a one time feat - they are produced by years and years of  effort, life experience and hard work.

The next time you can go to a museum or gallery, i ask you to have an open mind.
 Walk through it and let something strike you.  

If something does, keep in mind that this is only one painting on their journey of creating.

They chose a path less traveled for this- the moment when someone (you) stood in front of their work and were moved.

An online gallery (though they have their merits) cannot adequately portray this.

and certainly, no matter how appealing, the "art" isle in a certain goods store cannot give this to you.

To be in the presence of something that an artist labored over with everything they had...what can replace a face to face visit?

As a lover of art, this is one of my favorite things about owning original works of art.