Don Stone, NA

Monhegan Blues

Original oil painting  20x16"

by Susan Roux

Moments.

Great moments. Special moments. Are you experiencing them?

I hope you're not waiting around for them to simply happen. It helps to set up opportunities that allows them to occur. Put your wheels in motion by sewing a few seeds that just might flourish into something special and deliciously unexpected. It's what keeps life interesting. My summer has been filled with such moments.

Like the day Russia called. Or the moment master artist, Don Stone was inquiring all over Monhegan Island for me. I'm sure he didn't remember my face, but there he was speaking my name to everyone he saw. Imagine my shock and delight when a new acquaintance approached me with the news that Don Stone was looking for me! I'm certain my jaw hit the ground briefly, but I quickly tried to regain my composure like it was a natural occurrence. Don Stone, NA uttering the name Susan Roux. To this day, it still makes me laugh to think he was talking to everyone about me.

Where is Susan Roux? She told me she'd be on the island this week and I'm still waiting for her to come visit!

Yes I did write to Don with my arrival date. I expected to introduce Stas Borodin, my Russian master artist to him. But we were only a few short days into our stay... All the stimulation Monhegan holds, makes it difficult to find time to take the short uphill walk to Don's studio.

Stas was reluctant to go. Taking precious daylight painting time to go visit an artist's studio was not his idea of fun. But I dragged him away anyhow, all the while agreeing to his 5 minute visit allotment.

Who's that greeting us at the door?

It's none other than Don Stone himself waiting for us at his studio. I have to tell you, the visit lasted longer than 5 minutes... After all, how can you rush the opportunity to view his incredible art? Even master Stas was amazed! 

If you find yourself on Monhegan, do yourself a favor and go meet this witty charming man. You won't regret loosing painting time to this experience. Tell him Susan Roux sent you. He knows who I am now...

It was wonderful to see two great artists appreciating each others work. Here is Don at an impromptu exhibition I set up for Stas on Monhegan. Yes I do it all. Paint, hosts artists, introduce artists, set up exhibits and be the immediate PR person. It might be a lot, but it leads me to some really amazing special moments. Special moments that make my heart smile.

I hope you're having some of your own too!

Note: Monhegan Blues is how you feel after you return home from Monhegan and reflect with all those amazing photos you took of the place...