Depends what I appreciate them for. I do love the Rennaissance painters, Dutch 17th-18th century, contemporary, etc.

But there is a living artist, who has a prolific portfolio and has led a great life of art, teaching and inspiration.

http://art-muse.blogspot.com/2008/01/doris-mccarthy.html

http://www.ccca.ca/artists/artist_work.h...=Doris+McCarthy
She is Canadian and is 98. Still painting. I did buy 1 of her watercolours. I did meet her at one of her gallery exhibition showings...when she was 92. Just incredible. Gold high heels, in a modified sari, short hair, and willing to give encouragement.

She taught art for over 40 years of her career ..went painting in the Arctic and Antarctica. There are 2 autobiographies on her life. She is not your miserable, reclusive artist.

THere is a wonderful photo in one of her books, she is skating on her own outdoor frozen pond in the winter, on 1 leg....at 70+ yrs. old.

To me, she is an inspiration of a creative, giving life well-lived and well-loved.