Like Three Bathers For Matisse

Err, I promise that the title would make sense later on.

A few months ago, I posted my birthday/Christmas watercolor wish list . Although I still didn't get everything on that list, the items that I did get are so much better!

I'm a huge fan of Valerie Chua and her artworks. She is immensely talented, kind and humble (I haven't met her in person yet, but she's so generous when it comes to sharing her knowledge about her craft). I've always wanted to own an art print or even an original piece by Valerie, and I finally have both. Yay! (Check out her shop for her online studio sale)

First is this gorgeous art print:

Tamer of the Lake

Next is this original painting that I've been eyeing ever since she opened her studio sale in December. I was so worried every time I visit her shop to check if it's still available. Hahaha.

Cherry Picker

It's a huge deal for me to own such artworks because Valerie has inspired me to pursue painting and to put myself and my work out there. Looking at her work online never fails to make me happy and nostalgic at the same time, and even more so when I finally saw the Cherry Picker in person.

The "feels" reminded me of Henri Matisse's life story, specifically how he was deeply moved by Paul Cézanne's painting, Three Bathers. Although he was struggling financially when he purchased the painting, it had given him the freedom to explore colors and provided him "the most basic tenet of nearly all paintings he would go on to produce." When Matisse donated it to Petit Palais, he wrote a letter mentioning how the painting has sustained him morally in his moments of venture as an artist, and how he has drawn from it his faith and perseverance. (Source)

So, in a nutshell, I might not have the chance of having Valerie as a mentor (although I'm looking forward to her workshop this year. Hihihi), but her paintings have given me inspiration to overcome my inhibitions and to pursue my passion as an aspiring painter/illustrator.

Ooops, I think I got carried away. Hahaha. I apologize for the lengthy and super cheesy post. 

* Original post from my Tumblr blog.