In It with All My Heart

The Bois de Boulogne with People Walking, 1886, Vincent van Gogh, private collection

"I am an artist....and as far as I know, that word means: I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart--always seeking without absolutely finding."--letter to Theo from Vincent van Gogh

"Not a day without a line.  by writing, reading, working and practicing daily, perseverance will lead me to a good end."--letter to Theo from Vincent van Gogh

Two Lives? Great Idea!

Interior, 1913 

oil on canvas, Pierre Bonnard

"I am just beginning to understand what it is to paint. A painter should have two lives, one in which to learn, and one in which to practice his art."--Pierre Bonnard

Listen to Your Muse!

Cezanne's Snack, watercolor on paper, Susan Giannantonio

"There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening, that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique.  And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost."  -- Martha Graham