Go deep into Freud, follow Gwen John home and watch Giacometti melt – the week in art

Lucian Freud's latest exhibition, 'Drawing into Painting', offers a unique glimpse into the mind and process of one of history's greatest portraitists. The show, which runs at London's National Portrait Gallery from February 12 to May 4, follows Freud's drawing process from scratch paper to canvas, revealing his meticulous attention to detail and masterful technique.

The exhibition is accompanied by another fascinating show at the National Museum Cardiff, 'Strange Beauties', featuring works by Gwen John, a pioneering British artist who captured the essence of her surroundings with extraordinary sensitivity. Her paintings of botanical specimens are infused with an intimate understanding of the natural world, reflecting her experiences in Wales and beyond.

Two other exhibitions worth exploring this week include Lynda Benglis's bold exploration of Giacometti's formative years at the Barbican Centre, and a show by Vincent Hawkins that showcases expressive, emotive paintings from his studio in Kent. Margate-based artist Hawkins draws inspiration from pop culture icons like Madonna, creating vibrant works that celebrate individuality.

Back in Scotland, 'Origin Stories' delves into the history of art schools since 1826, offering insights into how these institutions have shaped artistic practices over time. The exhibition is part of a broader initiative to preserve and promote Scotland's rich artistic heritage.

Meanwhile, art lovers can immerse themselves in 'Portrait of a Man (Self-Portrait?)' by Jan van Eyck at the National Gallery in London. This iconic painting boasts piercing clarity, its eyes seeming to drink in every detail around them. Van Eyck's masterful technique creates a sense of timelessness, as if he remains with us today, observing and recording our world.

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I'm so over these traditional exhibitions that just show off old masters' work . Where's the experimentation? The pushing of boundaries? I mean, sure, Jan van Eyck is a genius, but can't we see some contemporary artists taking risks and making waves right now?

Ugh, I love exhibitions but sometimes I feel like they're just showcasing old rich people's stuff ... like, who really cares about Lucian Freud's drawings? I mean don't get me wrong, the guy was a genius and all, but can't we talk about some contemporary artists for once?

I gotta say, the National Portrait Gallery is always killing it with their exhibitions . But, let me correct you, Lucian Freud's 'Drawing into Painting' isn't exactly a new show. I think they're re-running an old one or something? Anyway, if you're feeling artsy, I'd def check out Gwen John's stuff at the National Museum Cardiff. Her botanical paintings are straight fire . Also, have you seen Vincent Hawkins' work in Kent? He's got some wicked pop culture-inspired pieces that'll make your head spin . On a side note, if you're planning to hit up all these exhibitions, you should totally sign up for their newsletter, they always send out the deets on new shows and stuff

I'm totally stoked about Lucian Freud's new exhibition - 'Drawing into Painting' is gonna be mind-blowing ! Seeing how he goes from scratch paper to canvas, it's like a masterclass in attention to detail and technique... I mean, the guy was a genius! What really gets me excited is that these exhibitions are happening at some amazing museums - the National Portrait Gallery, National Museum Cardiff, Barbican Centre, and more. It's like a treasure trove of artistic history and innovation But what I think is even cooler is how these shows are not just about the art itself, but also about the people behind it... like Lynda Benglis and Vincent Hawkins - their stories and inspirations are just as fascinating as their work

Ugh, another exhibition where you gotta pay to see everything . Can't they just make some online content available for free? Like a digital archive or something? I mean, come on, these are masterpieces we're talking about here... shouldn't they be more accessible? And what's with the different shows at each gallery? It feels like too much to take in. Can't they just have one big show with all the artworks?

I gotta say, these exhibitions are like a battle for cultural supremacy . You got Lucian Freud's super precise style going head to head with Gwen John's nature-inspired vibes, both vying for attention . Meanwhile, Lynda Benglis is all about disrupting the norm and giving Giacometti his due props . It's like the art world is having a big argument about what makes a masterpiece – attention to detail or emotional expression?

omg i just got the most epic parking ticket from my friend in berlin last week lol anyway back to lucian freud's latest exhibition... i feel like his artwork is soooo calming, you know? like a warm cup of tea on a chilly day and speaking of art, have you guys seen that viral video of david attenborough painting again? it's so inspiring! he's only 90 or something and still creating masterpieces

I just got back from the National Gallery in London and I had to see Lucian Freud's exhibition 'Drawing into Painting' for myself . The way he works is so fascinating, it's like watching a master craftsman at work. I was really impressed by how meticulous he is, even with his sketches on scratch paper - you can tell he's always thinking about the final product. And then to see him bring it all together on canvas... magic! The other exhibitions they're running are looking good too, especially the one at National Museum Cardiff featuring Gwen John - her botanical paintings are gorgeous . But for me, Lucian Freud will always be a hero of mine. Have you seen his work?

I'm loving the range of exhibitions lined up this week! I mean, Lucian Freud's 'Drawing into Painting' is a total game-changer, it's like getting to see his thought process come alive. And Gwen John's work at National Museum Cardiff is so underrated - her paintings are literally breathtaking. I've also been meaning to check out Lynda Benglis's show at the Barbican Centre, Giacometti's formative years are really fascinating and I'm intrigued by Vincent Hawkins' pop culture-inspired paintings

I think these exhibitions are so underrated . I mean, people always go on about the big-name artists like Freud and Van Eyck, but what about all the others who are actually pushing boundaries? Like Hawkins, for example - her use of pop culture icons in her art is genius . And have you seen her studio in Kent? It's like a shrine to 90s nostalgia . The Barbican Centre show on Lynda Benglis is also fascinating - I love how she's exploring the early days of Giacometti and turning them into something fresh. Not to mention, 'Strange Beauties' at the National Museum Cardiff is like a breath of fresh air . It's all about capturing the essence of nature and making it relatable...