I just finished reading "Strapless" by Deborah Davis.  It is a fascinating look into the story of John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X.   Davis gives us insight into Sargent's career decisions and the life of the wealthy at the end of the 1800s.  I enjoyed it and highly recommend it to all -- especially those who admire Sargent and his work.
Sunday's SFVAC Reception at VIVA Gallery was such a treat!  I got to see special friends who came to see the work AND it turned out that I won two awards, not just one!!  Surprise!!  I knew I had won the first prize for "Harbinger" but I also earned an honorable mention for "Laundry Day".   I was so honored!

I'm still working on "Ti Amo" and realize that despite knowing that I need to emphasize the patterns of darks and lights, I didn't DO it, so I need to work more on it.  My little boy's face is well formed and I've blocked in the colors and the man's face.  But I spent too much time on the boy's face without forcing the darks and lights.  I keep hearing all of my teachers gently (and not so gently) telling me to squint... to step back... to use a mirror.  I guess I'm afraid I'll mess it up..  but who cares if all I've got is a dull plain-Jane portrait... which it will be unless I punch it up.
Ah well, I'll keep at it.  In the meantime today I was inspired by a visit to the fabulous Masters of The American West Show now at the Autry Museum.  WHAT BEAUTIFUL WORK!!   There were so many gorgeous pieces they defy memory.  Mian Situ's work was exquisite and I'll forever try to approximate the way he forms a face full of expression with strokes of just the right value and warmth.  The stories he tells on canvas are inspiring.  I also loved the night scene by another wonderful artist of a horse rider on a mountain looking back and seeing campfires.  Up close the horse was green but from a distance he looked white as snow.   So many of the artists I admire had work in the show...  I may just have to return!  If you get a chance.. go see the show.