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!