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“I don't understand it, but I love this piece.”

We reproduce what we feel onto the canvas. There's a need to translate our experiences into art.

The evolution of art directly corresponds with the evolution of society. Impressionism first begun shortly after the invention of photography. Once photographers replaced painters in portraiture and other representational fields, the artists needed another outlet. This led artists on a journey to find new ways to express themselves.

Abstract expression started during a time when the world was being crushed by war. A new philosophy that declared “there is no god” and “there is no eternity” emerged and with it a new generation of painters. In this new age, artists chose to let the cerebral and mathematical replace the emotion and romanticism that previous generations of artists embraced.

Art continues to evolve as artists face different experiences. Because of this, there are many different styles of art. It's alright to appreciate these different styles, even if they don't fit your aesthetics. For art stands as more than just an aesthetic piece, but also a witness to history. Art is a testament to the era each piece was created and the struggles and triumphs the artist experienced.

I love painting in impressionistic and abstract styles, and I appreciate so many more. Next time you see a piece of art, ask yourself “what was happening in the world when this was painted? What was happening in the life of the artist?” This may open the door to travel into the artist's mind.