Inspiration is lurking somewhere near you

detail from Nicolas De Stael painting

Last evening I began to think about all the artists who inspired me to start painting.   I lived in Corvallis Oregon and there was a small book store downtown. One day on my lunch hour I went over there to browse and this art book just jumped off the shelf at me. Nicolas De Stael.  We didn’t have lots of money, so I wasn’t sure I should buy the  book. I went back to work and worried all day that someone else would buy that book. At closing time I rushed back and bought the book!  I’ve had it with me ever since. When I look at it now, I can’t quite remember what knocked my socks off so long ago. …but I enjoy looking still.  I also saw his work in Seattle at the Worlds Fair.

What’s my point?  I guess one should pay careful attention when their socks are knocked off.  Opportunity comes and goes away.