Monday, December 10, 2012

Company


Purple Passion
Original oil painting  16x20"
by Susan Roux

Company. Isn't it part of the holidays? The best part, I'd say. I have to confess I love having people stay over. Whether loved ones arriving or casual acquaintances, it puts the house in an air of celebration.

Purple Passion developed quite differently than my previous still life. When I look at it, it reminds me of the feeling of holiday company. There's a big difference in hosting a holiday meal and having overnight guests. The meal has the house filled to capacity with a fancy table and wonderful smells wafting through the air. Overnight company, on the other hand, is filled with special quiet moments that can remain in your heart forever. 

Like early morning conversation when only two people in the house have awaken. It doesn't matter that your hair is a mess, nor that you're in your bathrobe. Some nice quality time emerges while sipping your first cup of coffee. Don Hatfield and I met like this every morning when he visited a few years ago. As you can imagine, conversations were always deep and about art. Priceless... The same is true with the evening. Cuddled up in front of the warm fire sipping whatever makes you feel cozy inside. This is what I see when I look at this painting. The fancy of company with warm hugs surrounding it all.

My middle son arrives today. I'm ecstatic. Yes I still have plenty to do before my house is company ready. It's exactly like what I read recently on Sally Rosenbaum's blog, the reason women have difficulty rising in their careers to the same capacity as men is: We don't have wives! Consequently, if we're devoted to our work, the house suffers. Let me tell you, I've been very devoted to my art! So after this post, I'll be busy with a plethora of household chores...

I know I'll miss my routine of painting. I always do in December. My classes will still run as usual for the most part. Students really need the break from holiday madness this time of year. They're so thankful for a reprieve and a bit of stress-free time with a brush in their hands. I too am happy to pick up my brushes. What I miss the most is time to paint on my own. 

Come January I'm usually ready to explode on canvas! (not a bad thing.)

So if I don't post again before Christmas or don't stop by as often as usual, know that I'm cozied up in front of the fire sipping something special with my very welcomed company.

Happy holidays to all of you. May you find time to enjoy those special quiet moments amidst the hustle. I also want to take time to thank all of you for stopping by throughout the year. Whether you leave a comment or not, I love that you take time to pop in. And for those of you who are so dedicated to leaving me a little note, know you're the ones who put a huge smile on my face... Blessings to all and have a safe and happy holiday.


16 comments:

  1. I agree with the overnight or quiet time conversations - when it's just 2 or 3 of you in your robes and sipping tea or coffee and working out the problems of the world :) Beautiful painting!

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  2. Enjoy all of your company! It's the best part of Christmas! Merry Christmas to you!

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  3. I'm not sure my comment took so I will say it again--Merry Christmas to you!!

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  4. Merry Christmas Susan! Here's to more great painting next year!

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  5. Dear Susan - haven't stopped by near enough this year - hope to do much better next yr. Your painting is beautiful - Please enjoy your company and have a Merry Christmas.

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  6. Merry Christmas, Susan, and enjoy your family and the wonderful times being together brings. I love your painting - it reminds me of comfort food - warmth and satiety for the soul!

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  7. What a beautifully written explanation of the holiday warmth with friends and family, Susan. I enjoyed your sentiments as much as your beautiful painting. Karen Beard

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  8. Je te souhaite ma chère Susan à toi et tous ceux que tu aimes de joyeuses fêtes de Noël... qu'elles soient remplies de joie, de couleurs et de sourires...

    Cette belle peinture me fait penser à cette autre adorable nature morte que tu avais en allant vers ton salon... avec la tasse fumante.
    Je pense que son atmosphère me la rappelle...
    Sur cette peinture, je ne vois plus la tasse ! tu es partie avec et je t'imagine...

    Très belle oeuvre... gros bisous ma chère soeurette!

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  9. This painting does have the glow of those quiet moments--beautiful. Merry Christmas.

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  10. I so identify with your comments, Susan. It is wonderful to have family and friends gathered 'round but yes, my house needs to be cleaned! We are in the middle of renovations (ongoing projects to fix and update crummy stuff) and I panic a little when I know company is coming. I'm thankful they we can simply enjoy being together and overlook the transitional state of the environment.

    Wishing you and yours a very blessed Christmas!

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  11. Merry Christmas, Susan! Looking forward to more of your lovely paintings in 2013.

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  12. This is a very beautiful painting. The colors set a calming, reminiscent mood that I really love. I know exactly what you mean about overnight company. Something about being in your jammies with your hair messy, allows you to let your guard down and just be yourself. I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

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  13. joyeuses fêtes susan ! biz elf

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  14. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2013.
    I wish you all the best, happiest, healthiest and the most fulfilling and rewarding year that you ever had in your life. Also I wish peace, harmony and understanding for the world that we all live in it.

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  15. Another interesting and wonderful post. I hope you had a marvellous Christmas and that 2013 brings you all the joy and happiness you deserve.

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  16. Belle année 2013 avec de belles créations à venir!
    cath.
    Je suis en admiration de votre peinture depuis que je blog, merci de tous vos jolis posts!

    PS: venez visitez mon nouveau blog photo WeekendAbstrait en lien sur mon blog
    Merci encore!

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