I read a blog yesterday that resonated on a number of different levels.  It was about a guy who couldn't quite see his way toward purchasing a oil of his daughter that his neighbor, a painter, had created of his daughter when she was young.  The painting was not a commission; instead, the painter was simply inspired by this lovely child.  Twenty years later, the guy contacted the painter and asked if he still had the painting and what the price would be.  Of course, the painting had long ago been sold.  http://hettingerstudio.com/blog/98707/the-entertainment-system-and-the-painting

 

My first thought upon reading this blog was about a piece that I had failed to buy when I had the chance.  About 10 years ago, I was at the Art Students League of Denver Summer Art Market after just moving to Denver.  I didn't have a job and couldn't see the future.  I was afraid.  I went to the Market for inspiration, beauty and entertainment.   I fell hard a wonderful intaglio piece.  It was done in oranges and golds and was just ... stunning.  The price was ridiculously inexpensive; $200 for a 16x20ish sized piece.  I kept going back to look  at it.

 

The artist clearly understood that I had fallen in love with it.  He offered to accept time payments.  I told him that I was unemployed and should not - MUST NOT - be buying art as who knows how long I'd be without a job.  After the third or fourth time of returning to his booth, I finally walked away forever.

 

Soon after, I got a job.  But I've never seen that intaglio piece again nor have I been able to find the artist (or his business card).  I've never seen an intaglio as beautiful as that one.  

 

I think about this piece every now and then.  Every time I think about it, I resolve never to let this happen to me again.

 

 If you fall in love with a piece, do what you have to - move heaven and earth, borrow money from you mother, do whatever is necessary - but do NOT fail to buy a piece that you love.  If you don't buy it, it may be gone forever.