The “Fresh Ink” exhibition at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts, up through February 13, 2011, is a must see. I visited twice this week, and with more time to digest the offerings I can still say it is one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time, especially for painters like myself who are immersed in the landscape tradition and the depiction of big spaces. Ten artists chose works from the museum’s collection and then went back to the studio to interpret and be inspired by their selections. The results are impressive, with some artists achieving a level of extraordinary mastery, beauty, and innovation – especially Li Huayi, Liu Dan, Zeng Xiajun, and Qin Feng. I salute their vision, and the challenge they have implicitly offered to Boston artists to reach beyond the possible.

I also wish to thank the Museum of Fine Arts for facilitating this inspired exhibition, located in the lower level gallery of the new Art of the Americas wing.