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!!!