Has art inspired you to travel? Where would you recommend others to visit to see the best visual art displays? The following art travel inspiration informed my creative education (during adulthood) as I sought to discover my 'Authentic Path'

When in Italy, a visit to the Sistine Chapel is a must. Michael Angelo might have remained a mythical figure in my mind if I had not seen his art work in real life. His work in the Sistine Chapel was created during the years 1508 – 1512 and demonstrates the Italian Renaissance style. If you book a tour with a guide you will learn so much about that era and the artwork, which depicts scenes from the Old Testament of the Catholic Bible.

London has a wealth of artistic venues to visit and my favourites so far have been the National Portrait Gallery and the Tate Modern. 2003 was the year when Olafur Eliasonn’s dazzling sun was on display in the Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall. This installation was known as ‘The Weather Project’. When I entered this large open space I saw the people were lying on the floor as if lying in the sunshine in a park. I did the same. I have to say it felt like being a part of the art work itself and there was a sense of connection with the strangers in the room who were taking part also.

"In life we are often challenged by elements of our society. Art presents us with these challenges too and causes us to expand our view of the world we live in and to make our own determinations."

Caroline Cunningham, Artist

The Riijks Museum

A passenger on a flight to Amsterdam told me about the re-opening of the Riijks Museum (after renovations) in 2013. While Rembrandts ‘The Night Watch’ (1642) was one of the paintings that most were excited about seeing, my favourite of his works on display was the ‘The Jewish Bride’ (1667). The couple in the painting were so sweetly combined. In particular, I was struck by the real-life sensation of the clothing, as if real threads of red and gold had been woven throughout the painting. It was stunning to behold.

In an additional article, I have already written about a visit to Vienna to visit the paintings of Gustav Klimt. The Belvedere Palace is the venue which hosts the largest collection of Klimt’s paintings including his famous work ‘The Kiss’. The Belvedere also houses the paintings of additional Austrian artists. It was interesting to discover the work of Egon Schiele (1890 – 1918) during my visit.

To my then conservative mind Schiele’s works were startling and fascinating. I felt a sense of sadness in his works, many which portrayed raw, contorted and sexual expressions of the human figure. His short life was not without controversy however. In life we are often challenged by elements of our society. Art presents us with these challenges too and causes us to expand our view of the world we live in and to make our own determinations.

These are just a few of the high-lights of my art-travel inspiration experiences outside of my own country (Ireland).

My art is an expression of stories that awaken dreams and keep them alive. I love vibrant colours and the freedom of allowing imagination to seep through reality.

I invite you to explore my artwork in the interest of feeding your own dreams and keeping them alive. You will find landscapes, trees, scenes from lands such as India and Portugal. You can choose from original paintings in a variety of sizes or a range of prints including some limited editions. For more art inspiration and exclusive invites straight to your in-box sign up here.