I knew it would be there­. I’d seen the photo on their website and I held in my hand a glossy brochure with its reproduction on the cover. In fact, I’d come to see it. But when I stepped into the room where it was displayed, the crowd separated like a curtain drawing back. It stared at me with a frankness and a simplicity that stopped my heart and welded my feet to the floor. Van Gogh’s painting, The Bedroom, one of many Impressionist masterpieces on display at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, appears simple on first impression, but it packs a punch. I couldn’t tear myself away. The reproductions just could not carry the power of the original. The painting drew me in and held me fast: studying me as I studied it. The painting transformed me.

We carry images in our heads of art museums being hushed-up places where only people with art degrees or mink stoles can feel welcome, but today museums provide recording devices that describe the artworks and the artists. Some even provide programs for children.

Sometime in the next month visit an art exhibit. It could be a display in a public building or even a downtown outdoor mural. Stand before the painting, letting it have its way with you. Don’t agonize over whether you’ve “got it right.” Just let it be what it is with you. Then respond to the artwork in some way: write about it or sketch it or describe it to a friend, or create something wholly new inspired by it.