Friday, March 4, 2011

I'm back


Bird Watching
Original oil painting 28x22"
by Susan Roux

I've been living in Freeport, Maine for nearly two weeks now and haven't walked into LLBean. Some people would find that utterly sinful. It wasn't about shopping. It was about art. My artists retreat turned out to be even better than imagined. So good infact, that some of us chose to extend our time. I apologize to all my students for canceling classes, but if you'd seen this place, you'd understand.

Six artists in a mansion on the ocean in the heart of winter, wind howling outdoors, makes it easy to stay cooped up indoors. From sunup to sundown, there was always at least one person with a brush in hand. Everyone's process, different. Everyone questioning and talking about art. Strewn about were various art books. Excerpts were read aloud and discussions blossomed. Some of your blogs were shared as you waltzed into our conversations. Ruminating the Profundities had us all rolling in laughter, with excerpts recited by heart at random times during the day. Laughter filled the house. Creative energy bubbled and vibrated within its walls.

The fireplace was lit. Wine was poured. Art videos were watched. Gourmet food was prepared. The jacuzzi was churning. Artists began to experiment out of their comfort zone. Suggestions were made. Confidence grew. Camaraderie settled in.

Then it happened. Champagne Thursday...

I want to thank everyone who came. What a night! Artists entered with their spouses and immediately felt the energy in the house. We had been productive and there was an extensive art show to view. How amazing it was to share our experience within the same walls where it all took place. Don even called that night and felt the explosive energy over the phone lines. He wished he was here... We wished you were here too, Don.

The best way to describe it was checking out of reality. Each day was eat breath and sleep art. Nothing else to worry about, think about, stress about. Everyone who participated wants to do it again next year. I highly recommend this to any of you out there. Houses in high tourist areas rent for cheap in the off season. It's a great way to have a serious work vacation. Jennifer said it was the best vacation she ever had! How cool is that?

15 comments:

  1. It sounds like it was wonderful! So great to have those great times!

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  2. Oh wow:):)) I have waited to hear how it went and it sounds amazing!!!!

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  3. Sounds like a dream. Glad everything went well.

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  4. Wonderful
    work
    thank you for sharing

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  5. wow Susan sounds like it was a dream come true!

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  6. A true dream vacation for an artist! Not to have to worry about anything except making art and being surrounded by others doing the same. Heaven.

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  7. Sounds like an excellent time!

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  8. So glad you had a fabulous experience. Love the painting as well!

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  9. Oh boy! I'm so glad your time was so fabulous, Susan. I really wish I could have participated, just to soak up all that fabulous artistic energy! The painting is, as always, so beautiful, so dreamily perfect!

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  10. Thanks for the invite, Susan, it was great fun. Mike's margaritas more than made up for my limited painting time!

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  11. Tout ton ressenti et ton énergie explosent dans cette peinture que je suis heureuse de pouvoir mieux visualiser ici que sur skype!
    On sent que tu te lâches... l'ambiance, le bonheur de peindre à plusieurs et... les petits verres de l'amitié... tout était réuni pour que tout soit réussi!
    Bravo! c'est un beau feu d'artifice sur une toile...
    bisous

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  12. Sounds like a blast! Glad it all went well for you all. Now we look forward to lots of paintings! Nice blues playing off the warm colors in this one.

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  13. Wow, what a perfect scenerio. I love the painting, too. It has such a peaceful feeling about it. It makes me want to get up from my computer and go see the water :).

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