The Sister Trip to Hawaii - Installment II (The Arrival)

Waikiki

South Carolina to Hawaii - quite a lengthy flight!  I think Sis and I hit the "Wall" about eight hours into it.  Sis made an bad selection for lunch, that was her wall, and is the preface for the unfortunate choices we made after our feet hit the soil of Oahu.

The morning following our arrival as we were enjoying  managing to eat our complimentary breakfasts (one of us still queasy) we discovered that we were a captive audience for the tour guides, who employed the tactics of used car salesmen. They bombarded us with entertainment options that had to be confirmed immediately because the events (according to them) were practically filled to capacity.  Foggy, jet lagged brains began selecting events for the extent of the stay, the rest is history.

The first (and most annoying) excursion was to  Maui Divers, a jewelry emporium.  This was a bad choice from the get go but it seemed harmless, and was a short jaunt from our hotel. The brochure said two hours for the tour - in our jet lagged lapse of judgment we opted for a quick "Two Hour Tour" then back to the hotel for much R & R.

We knew we were in trouble as soon as we entered.  Each one of us, all forty or so of us, had a sales person who obviously was appointed to follow us (just in case we had any questions).  If we had been stupid we would have been flattered by the attention.  "Don't you like this?  Don't you want to buy this??  Incessant sales pressure.  One important tip, if you are ever in a situation like this, don't make eye contact! We had been had!  Our personal spaces were being invaded and that is just plain rude, this doesn't sit well with Southern Belles or Gents.

The mental image etched into my brain for all time is my ankle tightly held by a M D sales person, dragging behind me as I make my way to the exit door.  Five stars for persistence.


This is the surreal stuff movies are made of - the "Two Hour Tour" had morphed into the longest day.

Hours later we were able to manage our escape.  The cost of our exodus, a seventy-two inch strand of real honest to goodness fresh water pearls for twenty dollars - the memory of this hilarious waste of a day in paradise - priceless!

The Sister Trip to Hawaii - Installment l

Banyan Tree - Oahu

2001 was a very well traveled year for me.  A trip to Italy and a trip to Hawaii.  I accompanied my sister with a group of realtors to Oahu in May.  Many unusual incidents in Oahu.  One I will be blogging about in the near future. 

For my blog visual, I choose to begin with a tree, however, the story has nothing to do with this tree, it is a painting I have lost track of, a gallery that went south and I couldn't retrieve my work, probably, it happens.

I was thinking about 911 today and realized that this Hawaiian vacation was in 2001, four months before the horrific attack we endured.

My sister and I had befriended a young Brit who was traveling alone and staying in our hotel.  He shared many meals with us.  One evening we began talking about the random bombings in Great Britain.  We were curious, and asked him how could he live with the possibility of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, any day, any where in London?  His answer - It is something you learn to deal with because life goes on every day.  One story he shared with us was an evening in a local pub, the patrons realized that there was a package sitting at an unoccupied table  -  the pub was emptied in moments.

We were stunned by this story and extended our condolences.  I will never forget his response - You are such innocents, in time, this will be a normal way of living in your country (USA) also.  You are such innocents.

And we were, innocents, and we lost it four months later, September 11, 2001.

One June morning in Venice!  The view from beneath the Bridge of Sighs. 

Only one day in Venice, not enough time to feel the true local flavor of this intriguing place.  

I saw the entire city in shades of shell pink, blue and green.

The expected fare from an artist experiencing Venice for the first time, I'll admit!

Giverny Luncheon

The day we toured Monet's home and gardens in Giverny, we took a mid day break for lunch.  An alfresco event !  

In an instant, I became a "people watcher".  The sun was cutting through the trees and just happened to illuminate this couple. 

I think this tells an interesting story.

It is obvious that they are at total ease with one another, which I found intriguing.  I am drawn to cafe scenes.  It seems that sharing meals in France is a relaxed social event, no hurry to give that table up for another party, people are allowed to enjoy the total experience.  

Bon Appetit !

The Lily Pond - Giverny

I know, every artist who has ever been to Giverny has painted this scene.  

It is just too tempting not to paint it.  Of course, I put my own spin on it.

The painting is the result of the second Normandy painting trip.  We made reservations to paint in Monet's garden six months in advance.  Six American painters and the gardeners, no tourists for the entire day.  

It was really difficult to paint on location; the gardens are so vast and wildly colorful, even in October, focusing is very hard.  Too much to take in at one time.

One of the painters remarked upon leaving the lily pond that the experience was similar to being in a cathedral, she was right.  It was an humbling experience, the master was here, painted here, ate, drank and made merry here.  

If you haven't experienced this wonderful place, it is a must, especially if you are an artist. 

Rocky of Rouen

Rouen

This is not the typical painting subject matter most artists choose from a trip to Rouen.  The Notre Dame cathedral that Monet painted over and over again, in every season, time of day and weather condition - stunning. This cathedral had been burned into my minds eye before I saw it.  Also I faced the fact that no one could compete with the master's canvases.  Besides, I was going to record my memory of this place.

Upon leaving Rouen that September afternoon, we paused to be refreshed alfresco.  Sidewalk cafes were stacked side by side, it was difficult to locate a table that was not occupied.  The unengaged table we found was indeed engaged by a basset hound named Rocky who was sprawled underneath the table, his right front paw partially covering a huge croissant.  He didn't seem particularly interested in us, however, anytime a male came within ten feet he would bark incessantly.

So, we were told the story -- Rocky of Rouen.  Rocky belonged to the cafe owner. Each morning Rocky would make his rounds, the butcher shop, the seafood shop, the pastry shop and so on.  Rocky would stop in the doorway of each shop where he would be rewarded with a treat from the shop owner --  he consumed these morsels immediately.  His last stop was the bakery, where he was given a fresh croissant.  The croissant would be carried home intact and would be guarded for the remainder of the day until twilight - when the croissant would be eaten.  The waitress who shared this story with us invited us to come into the cafe, where a life sized ceramic replica of Rocky, a gift from a local artist, was displayed.  This dog was the toast of Rouen! 

The painting??  I snapped this shot while my fellow artists were securing our table.  The memory had been captured, the day I met Rocky, the croissant toting basset hound - Rocky of Rouen.

Etretat - The Painting

 Etretat Update

 Etretat - the painting - resides in Tennessee - with one of my favorite collectors.  I had an email from the gentleman this weekend, 9/28/13, assuring me that he was still smitten with the work.  It was so nice to hear from him and nicer yet - that he was enjoying the piece!


This painting was completed in my studio and is the result of a plein air painting trip to Normandy in 2006.  I used a palette knife, it is oil on canvas and the dimensions are 30" x 40".  It is the last painting I sold before the economy took a nose dive.  I would have held onto this one, but my cottage is too small, the ceilings are too low, it needed a proper home, and it found one.

As I was painting Etretat I fell in love with it. When I fall in love with a painting, I tend to slow down the painting process  ----  the truth is I begin to have a relationship with the work and start to experience  premature separation anxiety.  I would go into an altered state of conciousness every session, and when I do this, I am working entirely out of the right brain - I don't think, I create.  This doesn't happen with every painting, when it does - - - euphoria!

There is an inner peace that follows the completion of a work well done!

Just Finished!

Tulips

by Jean Hanna

Check out this great piece of art on Saatchi Online.

Etretat

I love this painting.  What a day that was! Painting on the bluff overlooking L'aiguille, cliff formation.  A powerful sight, inspiring all forms of art. 

We spent the day painting from this bluff, lounging, chatting.  

The name of this painting is "American Painters", a tad misleading, as the beautiful blonde in the middle is my French Sister, Francine.  Francine is the owner of the original, it hangs in her pied d'terre, in Paris. 

This was only the first of several painting trips spent painting the countryside in Normandy.  Two weeks of painting, absorbing the sights, drinking lovely wine, eating incredible cheeses of the region. The ultimate holiday. 

For an artist, immersing oneself in the craft is meditation.  No other thoughts or concerns can interrupt this euphoria when he or she is in the zone.  What a blessing.  Painting and the other basics of life - breathing, eating, drinking! 

This is one of several paintings available in giclee form, on canvas. 

 

The French Connection

Bois-Colombes Bus Stop

Giclee of the Day!

The fall of 2003, October !  The entire summer had been devoted to the preparation of fifty plus paintings that would be shipped to France.  The name of the show was Coastal Attitudes.  The paintings would hang for a week, in the Cultural Gallery of Bois-Colombes.

The painting featured on this blog installment was completed seven years later, in 2010.  The hotel, home base, was a hard right after the flower shop.  We, my exhibiting partner Dian and I, were considered neighbors by the Bois-Columbes residents.  We shared tea, cocktails, dinners, luncheons, etc. with the locals during our stay.  Many artists live in this suburb of Paris, and we were invited into many working studios.  Anna, the sculptress, become one of our special friends.

We were overwhelmed with the turnout opening night!  The french people support the arts in so many ways.  We were the first Americans to exhibit in this gallery, and the reception was mind blowing.  The centerpiece for the food table was a replica of the Twin Towers- - 911 was still an open wound to the world.  They honored us, showing us that they felt our grief, it was an amazing gesture of friendship. 

The giclees I will be showing are for "adoption".

Til next time - -  I will be sharing the highlights of this time spent in Paris in future posts.

Southern Belle "Redefined"

As I was having my hair done, in my "Steel Magnolia" salon this morning, there was much chatter about The Help.  I read the book, on my trusty Kindle, but haven't seen the movie - the nearest theater is twenty-five miles to the north and fifty miles to the south.

I came of age, in the south, in the early sixties, and I had no knowledge of such self absorbed, narcissistic white women.  My dear mother had someone to come in once or twice a week to help, her, but Good Lord, how could anyone with a soul treat another human being with such indignity?

Obviously, we belonged a sub culture of white womanhood, seldom found in novels.  We were the majority, we were taught to tend a garden, preserve the bounty from the garden, sew our own clothing, sweep our own floors, cook meals - my mother's mantra was, "Learn to live off the land, you may have to do it one day!".  We were taught survival skills, as well as impeccable manners -  the value of our extended family and friends, and how to be generous and gracious to everyone. 

I really am tired of being stereotyped as a bridge playing, flatware counting, country club going, back stabbing, nose in the air, Southern Belle. 

We always felt privileged, because we were southern, and still had hangups regarding the "War of Northern Aggression", but we felt that we had the right to feel that way, as many fortunes were lost, and great poverty ensued in it's aftermath.  However, we never felt we had the right to be rude, unkind or disrespectful to anyone, black or white.

Can I Do It II

I know that I am affiliated with a company that has set the gold standard so high, I don't think it can be matched.  I also know that I could not have hand picked a more outstanding group of business partners, they are poised, educated, motivated, helpful, encouraging and honest to a fault.   The bottom line is, I did hand pick them.

I am in the process of beginning my network, or team, and searching for potential partners who have the aforementioned qualities.  It won't be an easy journey, nothing worthwhile is, but the potential is mind boggling.

I have partnered with Rodan +  Fields Dermatologists, the Doctors who created Proactiv. They have launched a new line that addresses aging skin.  This is the new product in the neighborhood that promises to be a household word, as it's sister, Proactiv, is now.  Proactiv is global, Rodan + Fields Dermatologists, hasn't left the United States yet, this is a ground floor entry level.

Two years from now it will be a good opportunity, but today, it is an unprecedented opportunity.

If you are interested in joining me on this journey as a team member/partner, or would like to try the regimes, do not hesitate to contact me.

My contact information?  You can leave a comment at the bottom of this post with your email/ my email is artigal@hotmail.com.  Please feel free to visit my Rodan + Fields Fan Page on facebook, lots of links and information.

This is what started all of the excitement.

Business Partners

 Til next time!

Smart Phone - - !!

My smart phone is making me feel like an idiot.  Four hours in the T Mobile store, I should have taken that as a bad omen.  I couldn't answer the first two incoming calls!  Finally figured that out, wasn't too hard.
  
I was disappointed in my ring tone options.  The price I paid for the phone it should have given me incredible choices:  donkey brays, Carmina Burana excerpts, etc.

I have succumbed  to technology. 

My fear is that this incredible piece of engineering will become "Hal" and the tail will start wagging the dog!

Adages Gone Wild!

My comfort zone for eight years!

Warning, today's post has nothing to do with anything except what is rolling around in my head!

I don't encourage change .  "They" say change is good, compared to what?  Am I adaptable? Check! Am I patient? Check! Do I want to be adaptable and patient, absolutely not!  Here is another one, "Think outside of the box".  How can you think outside of the box if you have never been in it?  What about this one, "What goes around, comes around".  Really? --- never looked back long enough to see if that happened, don't really care if it did.

"Cast your bread upon the waters" - - that was a pond of happy ducks.

The adage I do respect  (I doubt if it is ancient) - - -People do what they want to do --- meaning I have no control, never had it.  The only thing I have control of is myself, and how I react to circumstances, the test of character -- Thank God the front door is locked and no one can witness my temper tantrums!

If no man is an island, why does he usually drown before he reaches the mainland?

Que sera, sera, --and it usually sucks!

If life gives you lemons - make lemonade - - Would rather make wine out of sour grapes!


Dancing to the beat of another drum - - I am a certified drum and bugle corps!

Keep your friends close, your enemies closer ----- That will make your day!

Throw me in the briar patch, I am good friends with the Tar Baby!

Which adages, proverbs, old sayings, etc. would you like to rewrite ?

Time to make a hershey bar run!  

The Bad - The Good - The Epiphany

Happy birthday to me, and a trip to the DMV!  June 2011 had rolled around, it was time to renew my driver's license  --Bad--.  The grace period for renewing online had expired --Bad--. This is a stressful event at any cost, but it was going to be more complicated this time.  There was absolutely no chance that I could pass the eye test -- off to the optometrist for an eye exam - two hours later I was a proud, first time contact lens owner/wearer -- that afternoon the license renewal was completed --Good.

February 25, 2011

So, how did the epiphany occur? The magnifying mirror I purchased  so that I could put my contacts in revealed the epiphany.  Magnifying mirrors, especially when I view my own reflection in them, are cause for hyperventilating and Ben & Jerry binges.  What I saw was incredible -- there were no crows feet around this chickees' eyes.  The skin care regime was working,

Yep that is a photo of my left eye, taken one month into the Rodan + Fields program, the day before my #2 son was married.  If you knew how old I was you would really be impressed. As the Drs.say, "It's your skin, wear it well". I was beginning to wear it well in February.

I hope you will share my journal entries with your friends, on facebook and Twitter, also, I invite you to follow me here!

Bonne Chance!!!!

A few days ago, as I was retreiving my mail , I noticed something tucked into my front door.  Seven pieces of wheat, tied with a gold ribbon.  I have received several of these over time -- I have kept them all -- it is a French good luck symbol for abundance, an abundance of money, income!  One of my French girlfriends had left this for me. 

Zelda Blessing the Wheat

How ironic to receive a wish for good financial fortune when I am starting a new business.  This is truly a good omen.  Zelda my siamese something rescue cat has approved the wheat. 

This morning I have a meeting with a friend who has begun his own marketing company.  I am looking forward to this, as I want to know if I am on the right marketing track. There is a geographical challenge to any business on the coast, as there are numerous townships from Georgetown, SC (my town) to North Carolina with no central hub.  How to overcome this??

Rodan + Fields Dermatologists is the brain child of the Drs. who created Proactiv. The Anti-Age regimes, sell themselves, I need to know I am doing all that I can do to reach the right people, and that would be anyone with skin. Three years ago, they pulled their Anti-Age products from the cosmetic counters of leading department stores, ie, Nordstrom, in order to make their products more assessable to the public, and to create a stream of income for the consultants who partnered with them.  This is my business.


If you are face booking or tweeting, please click on the appropriate button so I know I am not blogging in vain.

Bonne Chance to all of you today!  

Right Brain - Left Brain

Some Of My New Business Partners

The time line continues.

May 2011  - I was spending a considerable amount of time traveling from Charleston to Georgetown as my 90 year old father had recently undergone major surgery.  One afternoon my sister took me with her for a get together with some of her friends on Daniel Island.  This was a business meeting, and I was tagging along - only tagging along.
Several of the women had just returned from an Orlando, Florida training trip.  I was the fly on the wall so to speak.  Their company, Rodan + Fields Dermatologists had launched new products that would be introduced to the public in May.

There were two things I had in common with all of these ladies, our ability to produce income with the career path we had chosen was static, if not defunct; we were all using the same skin care products.

As the discussion was wrapping up, I began to have the strangest feeling that I knew one of the women. 
We belonged to the same Women's Club in Myrtle Beach, SC in the 1980's.  Her former husband is the present Mayor of Myrtle Beach.  This one would not be associated with any endeavor that wasn't triple A rated.

And the time line continues.  I became one of them, in June. I am now a business woman!!!  I had no questions about the integrity of the people I would be doing business with or the stellar products, I was sold on these two points.  I questioned my ability to delve into the world of Left Brainers.  The only analytical issue I ever dealt with in the Art World was the bottom line of a sale, I knew very well how to calculate that. 

The burning question was and still is:  Can I do it?  If you have known a true artist, you will understand. If I knew someone wanted one of my paintings and couldn't afford it, I would give it to them; I still have the romantic notion that my "children", produced through hours, days, weeks and sometimes months in the seclusion of my studio, should dwell where they were truly appreciated.  I would rather destroy a painting than to have it hang on the wall, over a sofa, because it matched decor.

This is a new season, and there are lessons for me to learn, I am completely out of my comfort zone.  This is exhilarating and frightening at the same time. 

The Shoe Won't Fit!!

My first Rodan + Fields convention is less than a week away.  In less than a week my sister (trusted business partner) and I will fly to San Francisco to meet the illustrious Drs. Rodan  + Fields.  We also will be meeting our top line earners for the first time!!  Lots of training, lots of fun ahead!

The most unfortunate accident two Saturdays ago, resulted in a broken toe.  Thus, the reason for the black sequined stiletto!!   There is no way I will be wearing these shoes.  I have back up, but just saying, I wanted to wear them! 

I considered posting a picture of the broken piggy, but that would be out of line.  Painful, painful !

Going polar opposite, my skin looks great!  Have added the roller to my daily skin regime.  New products will be unveiled that weekend.  Changing Skin -- Changing Lives!

More stories about the products and the people who use them in future posts.

Willows

Normandy Willows - Product of My Blue Years

Pears and Roses

This is ultimately the way I prefer a still life, in natural sunlight.  I have painted this set up from many different viewpoints.  Playing with warm colors and deep shadow values.

Moulin des Connelles

 

 Moulin des Connelles!  Have stayed in this charming Victorian hotel twice.  The second story window on the right was my room, and the view was fantastic.

Study: Oak

This study was completed in two short sessions.  Oil on canvas panel 5" x 7".

Oaks are mesmerizing, I think they take on human qualities as they grow and their limbs begin to take on the appearance of knees and elbows.

Some of the "Elder" oaks in South Carolina have limbs that eventually almost touch the ground.  

They are living sculptures and I never tire painting their portraits, experimenting with color and light conditions. 

This diminutive painting is one several of my works, featured in Nosh, a wonderful new restaurant in Pawleys Island, South Carolina.  Drop by one evening, have dinner and visit some lovely original art, created by talented local artists!

Mt. St. Michel

Spent the night on Mt. St. Michel.  Sheep graze along the causeway to this medieval islet.  It was a nerve shattering night, for some reason, this place, even with the abbey, was foreboding.  The morning of our departure I learned that Mt. St. Michel was used as a prison, I have good instincts.  It seemed appropriate to paint the serenity of the sheep.

South Carolina Garden

This painting won my first award.  I notice how freely I painted before I knew so much!  This garden is located on the grounds of a rice plantation in Georgetown county, South Carolina.  The resource material was obtained during the yearly spring plantation tours sponsored by Prince George Episcopal church.

McClellanville

This is a painting of a McClellanville farm, Windfall. I was really into that red hot palette.  McClellanville is a small fishing village between Georgetown, S.C. and Charleston, S.C.  

I am showing my work in a quaint little art gallery/antique shop in McClellanville "Another Time Art & Antiques".  The grand opening is April 30, 2011, this Saturday from 11:am to 8:30pm.  If you are within driving distance, please stop and visit.

Sometimes, Less is more

This painting I dubbed "Surf Skimmer" was one of a series, after a crazy trip to Hawaii with my sister.  

 I donated this painting for an auction to raise funds for the local Chapter of the Boys and Girls Club of America.
This painting is minimalist for me.  The fun was attacking the ocean with a paint knife.  The clarity of blues and greens in the water says it all, and the posture of the child perpetuates the energy I wanted to portray.  A paradox of calm and focused movement.

Snapshot of Giverny Garden

Snapshot

There are so many things to consider while painting plein air.  Twice I have painted on site within Giverny .

Overwhelmed by all of the subject matter possibilities, I chose to paint small sections of the garden, the arbored doors of Monet's house and vignettes of the lily pond.  I have been told that it is impossible to paint an accurate sunrise or sunset, that no depiction can record the beauty presented by the ultimate creator, I felt the same way about this garden. 

Control Freak??

The Grande Allee - Giverny

I have been holding onto this painting for a few months.  It became mental therapy for me.  When the components of my life fly out of control, I take it out on my art.  This is the result.  

Chateau Vierville

Painting Trips Past

Memories and Works

 

This is an interior painting of the banquet room, Chateau Vierville.  Situated in Normandy, just above Omaha Beach, the  13th century chateau was a temporary allied command post just after D Day, World War II.  The owners of this historic home are cousins of my French sister, Francine.  We were invited to spend the day, painting on the grounds and inside the chateau.  The banquet room is where we all shared a luncheon, with our hosts. So many stories were shared, secret passage ways, ties to the French revolution, the confessor of Louis 16, was hidden here before returning to the British Isles.  We were told that he overstayed his welcome and was physically escorted to the ship..  I don't blame him, this is a beautiful place, I didn't want to leave.

Many paintings were inspired from this leg of the painting trip.  The memories are returning.  

I shipped this painting to Francine's son, Benoit, as an engagement gift for him and his fiancee, Sonia.  

 

Giclee Page

www.jeanhanna.com/giclees/

 

A gallery of available giclees has been added to my website.  To view the current offerings, please click on www.jeanhanna.com/giclees/.  If you are interested in making a purchase, please contact me through my email, artigal@hotmail.com.
I hope you enjoy the new page!

Roosters

So, I am deathly afraid of birds.  Have no idea why - nonetheless, I find them fascinating. Georgetown is a mini Key West, roosters and feral cats abounding.  

I had no fear painting this ceramic rooster, he is a retro fifties stick toothpicks in me and I become an hors d'oeurves server.  Hilarious, but he has a certain dignity, and I have never served olives from this boy.

Finishing Touches

Gardener - Giverny 

11" x 14" Oil on Panel

I started this painting a year ago.  The resource material was not the best; however, I decided to proceed. 

I spent a day painting in Giverny,with my students, a day that was closed to the general public and open to painters. Keeping us company were the many gardeners who are employed to maintain the grounds in the style of the master, Monet.  

I have been looking at this painting for a long time, knowing it was unfinished, waiting for the moment of thunder, and it came this morning.  Sometimes it is better not to think so much, just let the art flow.

I hope you enjoy this piece.  It is a memory!

Study of the Week

Study of the Week

Fresh Air Vendor - Bois-Colombes

This is the first offering of my study series.  I was drawn to this elderly vendor on one of my morning walks to the city art gallery in Bois-Colombes, France.  I seem to be drawn to every day people performing every day tasks.  

This oil study is executed on a 6" x 8" archival canvas panel.  It is ready to be framed, the purchase price is $75.00.  

I welcome your comments and interest in my art.

Studies for "Adoption"

Weekly I will be posting original oil studies that will be available for purchase.  These offerings will be created on archival panels, and unframed.  I will discuss the inspiration for each study and the process I used for the painting.  I hope you will enjoy seeing these little gems posted, the first one will be launched tomorrow, April 16, 2011, in celebration and relief of another tax day come and gone.

Waiting for Spring Fever

I am still hibernating. I haven't one symptom of "Spring Fever".  I find myself sequestered in the studio, oblivious to the seasonal urges re: spring cleaning, restocking empty flower pots or mindlessly skipping and or tiptoeing through the tulips.  

Working in dreams, working in semi and full consciousness . .  Waiting for the child artist to reemerge.

Serenity

Three peaceful days, painting, eating, touring and rowing.  The Seine, especially in this particular part of Normandy, exudes a spiritual force. 
It is possible to go back in time, not so much has changed, and see what inspired the "Masters".  The river is not so beautiful, as it is compelling.  The visual impact is not as magnificent as the silent power of the muse that constantly hovers.
The foggy veil of morning mist, the clarity of afternoon, the wistful sprinkling of light as the sun sets,
This place is a gift to all of the arts.

View from my Window - Moulin-des-Connelles

The view from my window was pastoral.  We painted here and rowed on the Seine.  The mist in the morning was just as Monet portrayed it,  in many of his paintings.  What an epiphany!!!  The sunset  orchestrated optical illusions, causing flickering light to play with tree foliage more than a hundred yards from the river.  I have never seen anything like it.  It came and went too fast, I was unable to capture this phenomena on film, I doubt that I could have.

Croissants and Charm

Moulin-Des-Connelles has been a place to paint and relax for two of my painting trips.  The food is excellent, the accommodations charming, the views from the Victorian hotel, a festival of painting options.
The kitchen staff allowed us to photograph them in various stages of meal preparation, but the gentleman creating the croissants was the ultimate.  He was standing by an open window and the morning sunlight was illuminating the process.
There is nothing like the experience of a croissant in France.  Francine, my French sister tells me that it has much to do with the latitude and longitude??  Could be!  Have never had the same taste experience in the US.
The nuances of taste, tweaked by the global positioning of the preparation and ingredients. Interesting!  I think she is right!

Lost in Spaces

For over a year I have been reliving my travels, wishing I could be there, knowing I cannot be there, painting myself into the memories of daily French street life, market and cafe routines.

Having the good fortune to live in the little hotel, around the corner from the flower shop, for three weeks, in the little "ville" of Bois-Colombes.  These paintings bring back the memories.  Watching the baguettes strapped to the back of scooters each morning, racing home for breakfast.  Visiting with the local artists, friendships and connections - - - Maybe in the future I could return to show my work again.  It was a privilege to be a part of their art community for that time.

Digging Out of the Mire: "Economy Crisis"

Two years of creating with little hope of selling. The good news, I have been on a two year learning curve, experimenting, having fun, clipping coupons.

Now the fog is rising, and opportunities have been revealed. Now the real work begins, now is the time to be smart enough to exhibit in the proper places and circumstances.

There is hope!!!