D is for Docent

I moved from room to room, soaking up the bits of information he offered like the lemony, buttery sauce on a plate of perfectly roasted chicken.  If I took my time and savored the experience, I could break off a crust of bread and enjoy the small morsels - slowly, with determination.  I could delay looking at all the beautiful paintings hanging around me and focus on the few being discussed on the tour.

I was surprised to find that our tour was being led by a man.  I admit to having a preconceived notion of a Docent as an elderly woman wearing a navy blue blazer, mid-calf skirt, and Naturalizer shoes. He wore none of these.  He knew his Impressionists and he helped me to know them. 

For a little over an hour, he led our group of fifteen through the permanent collection at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, giving us a mini-lesson on the beginnings of the movement and how to LOOK at one of the paintings to recognize the brush strokes, the placement of the subjects within the paintings, and the perspective of the artist. 

I was very happy that he focused on one of my favorites - Camille Pissarro.  My knowledge grew. That always makes a good day for me.

I also gained emotional insight into why the Impressionism period is my favorite.  As we moved past a Classical piece, I felt uncomfortable.  Too many rules.  

Docents don't have to be women. Painters don't have to be realists. I don't have to eat the main course.  I stayed only for the tour and saved that big bird on the platter for later.







©Michelle Scofield, January 4, 2014,  All Rights Reserved