Over spring break this semester, I visited the Vero Beach Museum of Art to see French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850–1950, an exhibition showcasing 59 artworks from the Brooklyn Museum’s European art collection. The exhibit spans a century of artistic transformation, covering the time between the Revolution of 1848 and World War II, a period of intense social and political change in France.

Paris became the heart of the modern art movement during this era, with artists pushing boundaries and developing Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, Fauvism, Cubism, and Surrealism. The exhibit highlights these avant-garde styles through works by Monet, Cézanne, Degas, Matisse, Morisot, and more.

The exhibit captures a pivotal time in art history when artists moved away from tradition and experimented with color, form, and movement. Seeing these works in person, especially the layering of paint and the subtle shifts in color, gave me a new appreciation for their techniques. Monet’s atmospheric landscapes, Cézanne’s structured brushwork, and Matisse’s bold use of color stood out the most. Each artist brought something unique to modernism, making the collection feel both cohesive and dynamic.

What was most interesting was how these artists balanced structure and spontaneity. Their paintings weren’t about achieving perfection but about capturing a feeling or impression. The confidence in their work was inspiring, especially as someone who’s constantly exploring new ways to approach painting.

The museum itself is a great space to take in art and step away from daily routines. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a visit. The exhibit is a reminder of how much art has evolved and why taking creative risks matters.