A Life of Painting

Narrator: New Yorkers milling on Broadway in 1929. A whimsical moon city in 1990. The art of Harry Sternberg covers the decades like paint on canvas. He's been doing this for more than 70 years, and he still does it every day and still loves it.

Sternberg: Each time I go to my studio, it's as though I'm heading for a new adventure.

Narrator: He spent his first 60 years in New York City. Then in 1966, for health reasons and because his wife had family here, he moved to Escondido. Quite a change from the big apple.

Sternberg: Shock. It was a shock.

Narrator: But he found this little studio when he still comes every morning. And he fell in love with Anza-Borrego Desert and the rest of Southern California. You might notice that good-looking fellow over his shoulder. A self-portrait. Harry's done one of those every birthday for the last seven years. Keeps him busy, and he's always busy.

Sternberg: I'm as excited now when I start a painting as I was 70 years ago. And I'm sure I'll keep on till I drop dead at the easel.

Narrator: He did a series of sketches in New York subways years ago and marveled at how many people grumbled about their jobs.

Sternberg: Most people, sad to relate, don't love what they're doing. Sad.

Narrator: That has never been a problem for Harry Sternberg. When he and his wife travel, he finds himself itching to get back to the studio.

Sternberg: Can't wait, even to little old Escondido.

Narrator: And as he works on another self-portrait, he has no idea what he'll paint next but he knows he'll be excited by it and energized by it.

Sternberg: I'm blessed if you want to know. I thank God.

Narrator: He has been blessed for 96 years.

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