“Our very business in life is not to get ahead of others…
  but to get ahead of ourselves.”
  — Thomas L. Monson
 
That is so true. I have watched artists for over 40 years who compete with others.  The ones that compete with others do not improve as much as the ones that compete with themselves.

The unveiling of my portrait of Christie Vilsack on Monday, January 8th was quit an experience.  I left for Indianola to varnish the painting I did of Simpson College past president. Then off to Newton to visit Clif’s aunt. Got home about dark and had a perfect day and weather. I am always blessed with orders to paint and draw. The best part I am blessed with the people I meet and teach. I believe I would keep doing what I do even if I were rich. I do not know what I would retire to.
I finished painting Christie Vilsack (the wife of Iowa’s governor). She came to my studio Friday, October 6th, 2006 and picked up the painting.  Again she had my picture taken with her and the portrait.

I am so thankful that both Christie and her husband liked the painting.

I am always blessed with orders to paint and draw. The best part of my life is that I am blessed with the people I meet and teach.  I believe I know the best people in the world.