I'm still making my way through Renoir an Intimate Biography by Barbara Ehrlich White.

I had no idea that after working months on Luncheon of the Boating Party, he had a bike accident, breaking his right arm, and he spent the rest of the time painting with his left hand.

Here's a little snippet of his quotes that I love...

"I am working on a painting of some boaters, something I have been dying to do for a long time. I started to get old and I didn't want to delay this little festivity any further... It's expensive enough already. I don't know if I will complete it, but I told Deudon about my hardships, and he nevertheless agreed with me that even if the great expense did not enable me to finish my painting, it's still a step forward: every once in a while you must attempt things that seem too difficult" (p. 100).

I love that this piece was in him and this idea was something he had to see through even if he only got it started and never could finish it due to finances. So often finances can stop us as artists from trying an idea we have mulling around. Or we can make excuses of whey we don't start the idea. The point is just start it. Regardless. As artists we have to dare ourselves to do the big things. It's in the lifestyle choice. And failing is part of the process we have to accept along the way as well. 

And after he broke his right arm mid painting he said this...

"I have been enjoying working with my left hand; it is a lot of fun and it's even better than what I did with the right. I think that it was a good thing that I broke my arm" (p. 101).

For a painting so famous, we so rarely hear of the hardships behind the piece. Once again, I find the human spirit is always the driving force of my inspiration in other artists who can embrace their struggles and persevere in creating their art. 

This year I've taken on a few projects that were big leaps for me. My largest commission abstract painting that I broke into 3 canvases. I've been wanting to turn some of my storybook ideas into an animation with my paintings, so I bought an animation program to start the process and take that leap even if I don't finish or if I don't like the finished product. It's an idea I've had for over 10 years now, and I need to see it through while I can. And the last one is we have a giant wall in our hall that I've been wanting to do a very large painting in. I bought a large canvas and large stretcher bars, and just never got around to building it. And I think this is the year to do it even if it's just get it on the wall so I can imagine what will go on it. I'm thinking a very large floral install.

I hope you find some inspiration from these artist moments I share, and if you want to read the book alongside me, I'd love to hear how you enjoy it too!