"Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul." Vincent Van Gogh

Monday, August 19, 2013

Proceeding with Certainty and a Birthday Celebration

Proceeding With Certainty / oil on linen panel / 18 x 24
Painting the background landscape was almost as intriguing as painting the horse and jockey!

Today is my birthday and although I have had a difficult time lately, today is a day for celebration and some fun. My husband woke me up early (6:30 am) by playing Paul McCartney's Birthday Song - a rousing start to the day! He also surprised me with some almost antique art books including this one from 1943:


Although the dust jacket is worn, the book is in excellent shape and is absolutely fascinating in mostly black and white. Such incredible, meticulous work. One personal feeling that I get from leafing through it is that I must take my life drawing sessions more seriously. And, as a girl cannot have too many easels, she also cannot have too many art books!

Later this week, we are flying to San Francisco to see the Impressionist exhibit at the  California Legion of Honor Museum. I am so excited as it has been a while since my eyes have feasted on impressionist work. There is no photograph or reproduction in the world that comes near the experience of seeing the actual work, life size as the artist intended. I can hardly wait - what a birthday week!
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24 comments:

  1. Marie-Anne DuhemAugust 19, 2013 at 10:52 AM

    Allow me to be very original... HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN! Wishing you a magic umpth year!!! xxx

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    1. SusanAugust 20, 2013 at 12:55 PM

      Thank you for the birthday wishes! Do you have a blog Marie-Ann? I was unable to find one - but I do thank you for following mine!

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  2. Maike JosupeitAugust 19, 2013 at 11:02 AM

    Happy birthday Susan, all the best! Love your painting as always. Admire so much your colors especially in the background.

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    1. SusanAugust 20, 2013 at 12:56 PM

      My birthday was wonderful - and I am pleased with the action and background on this one. It came relatively easy once I decided on my color choices.

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  3. Gina BrownAugust 19, 2013 at 11:25 AM

    Happy Birthday Susan! (and wonderful painting!)

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    1. SusanAugust 20, 2013 at 12:57 PM

      :) - thank you, Gina. It was a great birthday this year - and actually will be continued on through the weekend - I am so fortunate!

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  4. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comAugust 19, 2013 at 12:06 PM

    What an amazing painting, Susan. I can feel the jockey urging the horse on. We share a box at the Racetrack so this is a view I am famiar with.
    Your Valasquez book is one I am not familiar with. A definite touch of envy at my end.
    Whatever you are having a difficult time with I am delighted to know you took time out to celebrate because you have to allow time for pleasure - especially during times like that.
    Celebrating the anniversary of your birth is a very special time. My thoughts always go to my mother because it was as special for her, but in a whole different way.
    While she was alive it was never just my birthday, but her giving birth, day, which we celebrated together. It always made it seem more special to me. After my own children were born the pattern has been repeated...even when one of the little darlings was not so darling!!!!
    I am going to be sending warm loving vibes your way.

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    1. SusanAugust 20, 2013 at 1:01 PM

      Thank so so much for the birthday wishes and good vibrations, Julie! I am happy with this painting as I was able to maintain a degree of looseness and spontaneity that appeals to me without losing the depiction of the forces of motion at work. Thank you for commenting on that. I have not had time yet to really inspect my Velazquez book - I will wait until after my trip when I can give it the time and attention it deserves. So happy to hear the story about you mother and your special family birthday traditions. In this day and age, I think these kinds of traditions are very important.

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  5. irinapicturesAugust 19, 2013 at 12:46 PM

    Happy birthday Susan! I am glad to know one strong and brave and talented heart is painting horses on the other side of the globe.

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    1. SusanAugust 20, 2013 at 1:02 PM

      Oh, I love those words, Irina - strong and brave and talented! You have warmed my heart!

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  6. JudyAugust 20, 2013 at 1:16 AM

    A beautiful horse and a wonderful book! Happy birthday, Susan!

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    1. SusanAugust 20, 2013 at 1:02 PM

      It was a very special day - and thank you for your warm wishes!

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  7. Studio at the FarmAugust 20, 2013 at 6:57 AM

    Susan!!! A very Happy Birthday to you! [from one Leo to another] It sounds like you are going to have a fabulous week, especially visiting the impressionist exhibit. Your painting is SUPERB! You have captured all the focus and tension of the horse and rider approaching the obstacle. Truly a fascinating painting - so many things to see and interpret.
    Kathryn XX

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    1. SusanAugust 20, 2013 at 1:05 PM

      It's good to be a Leo! Glad to know I share that trait with you and let me wish you - whether early or belated - a very happy birthday as well!
      So glad you like this painting. I had it in my mind for a while and was stressing over the background. I don't like to make my backgrounds realistic but want to make sure they are recognizable at the same time. It was a joy and a relief when I figured it out. Perhaps I succeeded in this one?

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  8. Victor ErringtonAugust 20, 2013 at 10:14 AM

    Hi susan
    A very happy birthday to you my friend. What a lucky girl you are to own that book. This is a great painting Susan. Enjoy your birthda and all the best.
    Vic.

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    1. SusanAugust 20, 2013 at 1:06 PM

      Greetings, my friend Vic. I hope you are all mended and feeling well and strong again. Hope you get back to your canvas and brushes soon. Thank you for the birthday wishes.

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  9. art by Michael PerchardAugust 20, 2013 at 11:56 AM

    "You say its your birthday! Your gonna have a good time!"
    Happy Birthday Susan!
    I love this piece! So many wonderful reasons! Something about this horse that seems almost regal!
    I am sorry about any difficult times! A reason to celebrate is so very important! Sometimes if I don't have a reason to celebrate I create one!
    Have the best day ever! Your birthday and every day!
    Thanks for all your art! Your paintings make my day!
    Michael

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    1. SusanAugust 20, 2013 at 1:07 PM

      LOL - I love that birthday song - its so joyful! It makes me happy that you like this painting - and many thanks for the birthday wishes, my friend.

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  10. HeatherAugust 20, 2013 at 7:58 PM

    Oh wow! Happy birthday! I hope you enjoyed your day. This horse painting is wonderful! And I can see why you enjoyed painting the background. It's great!

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    1. SusanAugust 21, 2013 at 3:48 PM

      Your kind words are greatly appreciated - thank you, Heather!

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  11. suzanneberryAugust 24, 2013 at 7:49 AM

    my apologies for missing the opportunity to wish you a very happy birthday Susan! what a nice way to start the day, your husband sounds wonderful! i so hope you enjoyed the day and that things have gotten easier and the Light has returned.

    and you are so right, can't have too many art books! or books period!

    and this painting is extraordinary!!! great palette of blues and grays. lovely!

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    1. SusanAugust 26, 2013 at 1:11 PM

      Thank you for the birthday wishes. I have just returned from California and the final day of my birthday week celebration. It certainly was unforgettable this year!

      So happy you like this painting as I am excited by it. It moved me a wee bit closer to where I wanted to be.

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  12. Sandra Heading August 25, 2013 at 3:07 PM

    I saw your blog on Tina's ...and saw this well done , and happy belated bday to you , we are a a day apart I'm on the 18th of August ....

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    1. SusanAugust 26, 2013 at 1:13 PM

      Hi, Sandra - so nice to hear from you! I checked out your blog and was thrilled to see what you have been up to and how wonderfully your art journey is progressing! I could not find a way to comment but I was sexcited to see your work! And a very happy belated birthday to you, too!

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!

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