I just arrived back home from Amsterdam late night Saturday.

       The trip was amazing, and I gathered lots of inspiration. Most importantly I've visited two places of critical importance to me. The first is Rembrandt's house-museum, where he lived, worked and taught his students during his best years - furnished almost exactly as it was back when Rembrandt lived there, and complete with an oil paint making demo in his studio, and copper plate printing demo in his printing workshop. And the second place, which you have probably guessed, is the Rijksmuseum where I could see in person The Night Watch, the most famous masterwork of Rembrandt as well as more paintings from him and some more of the greatest Dutch Golden Age painters, such as the The Milkmaid and Little Street and some others by Johannes Vermeer, The Merry Family and several other paintings by Jan Steen, several paintings by Pieter de Hooch, and much more.

       Being able to set foot in the studio of Rembrandt, considered the greatest painter of all times by many including myself, and then seeing his and other great Dutch masters' works in person and from - more or less - up close was one of the most powerful experiences in my life. And the fact that I could share these moments with my mare kyeramoon made it even more special. I'm such a lucky stallion to have a mare who shares my love for classical art and can truly understand and appreciate my dedication to following in the footsteps of these great artists.

       While the trip was physically exhausting it invigorated my drive as an artist and my dedication to working harder and harder to improve so that maybe one day I may be able to stand up to my art idols.

       In front of The Night Watch I silently sworn that I'll work hard and do my best to become a master painter one day. While it's unlikely that I'll ever be comparable to Rembrandt, the only way to properly honor his heritage is by trying anyway. To never settle, and always strive to do better. To push your limits and go Plus Ultra.

       Sic itur ad astra per aspera.