Hockney's "Drawing From Life" Rocks!

It's always a pleasure to revisit the JP Morgan Library in Manhattan. Their priceless collections of Egyptian art, Renaissance paintings, Rembrandt sketches and Chinese porcelains to the soaring library itself never cease to inspire.

One of their current exhibitions (ends May, 2021) is a smartly-curated David Hockney show, "Drawing From Life." Aside from superb self-portraits, these works record Hockney's encounters -- over decades -- with four people very close to him: his mom Laura, London designer Celia Birtwell, lover & later his curator, Gregory Evans and print-maker Maurice Payne.

It's a powerful statement on the passing of time, of his willing sitters and Hockney's deep relationships with them.

When asked to sit for him later in her life, Celia protested. "I'm not sure, I'll look so old." To which Hockney replied, "Well, Celia, you're going to be painted by an old man, after all!"