We spent a cultural afternoon recently viewing the Matisse exhibit at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. A vast array of work from the Cone sisters collection, two wealthy sisters that supported Matisse throughout his career. It was amazing to get up close to the art work and experience it first hand. I was struck at how Matisse struggled between realism and abstraction. How he found his unique style all his own.
Wonderful to see the vibrant colors and patterns. 
This landscape was our favorite:
One painting he worked over and over again until he was satisfied....trying many different poses and background patterns:
Coinciding with this exhibit was another one at the museum sponsored by florists called, "Art In Bloom". Interestingly, this display was similar to the above Matisse!
In Matisse's own words:
