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?

When to stop?

Sanctuary

Original oil Painting

by Susan Roux

When do you stop painting?

I'm certain I'm not alone on this subject. How many times have you brought a painting to completion only to feel it was better awhile ago. I'm guilty of it in the studio and notorious for it on location.

Have you ever stopped because someone told you to stop? At that point when you still had a vision to continue, it can be very difficult to put your brush down. What do you do to all those spots you planned on developing further?

I'm here today. Stopping and pondering.

This is the painting I worked on in the Chicken Coop. I took a different approach from the start. Paint the poetry! That's what was in my head (and on the little Monet post-it note in my studio) The scene is from my photo shoot following Stapleton Kearns workshop. That glorious morning when I saw the sun dancing in and out. Armed with my camera, I parked and walked many times while leaving the island.

I'm not always a fan of photos. (sorry my dear husband...) I couldn't wait to paint this lovely scene, but once I looked at my pictures, they hadn't captured anything I remembered. I didn't care. I set out to paint the feeling I had when admiring this waterfront property. How dreamy this floral place was! I could just sit there for hours breathing in the wonderful scents. The various flowers, the salty air...

This precious place slipped my soul away into a relaxing dream.

It was all about the feeling. I used the photo as a reference to put down a basic layout of my composition. Move things, change things. Nothing mattered. I wasn't trying to duplicate the image before me. I have to tell you I had more fun painting this than I have in a long time. It was pure emotion. I thought of my friend Jennifer Wadsworth who always lets the canvas speak to her and direct her. Is this what she's been talking about all this time? I was manipulating the paint to whatever felt right. Choosing colors that projected the feeling I desired. I found myself holding brushes in ways I never have before. It became a tactile experience. I was romancing the canvas.

I think Nora enjoyed watching me as pure emotion led me in its development. By day's end, she told me I was near done. She warmed me about overworking it. That evening, artist friend, Svetlana Beattie visited. She loved the painting. Sign it, she said. Her description of it was moving. With her whole body and up on tiptoes, she demonstrated her feelings towards the tree. Its like a girl, looking out at the sea and leaning towards it. Her arms gracefully out and pointing down, breathing it all in. She's like a ballerina...

Its so interesting to listen to others describe your work. She went on and on about the rhythmic movement and the colors and concluded that any additions would ruin this feeling. She made me listen to Debussy's Reflections in the Water. She said my painting made her feel like that. Everything she said sounded like poetry to me. Had I actually captured that?

So here I am today. I have spots I still intended to develop further. Do I stop? Do I continue? The longer time elapses, the more I seem to overlook the passages that struck me as unfinished. There's no rush. Maybe I should begin another and then see how I feel about this one, remaining at this stage.

Perhaps I'll stop here and consider it an achievement. I can take my next one a step further to see if I can carry the poetry to the very end without loosing it.

Ooooh, so many stimulating thoughts... Its like being in competition with myself. Its a win win situation, or lose lose, depending on how you look at it.

Invite an artist

Rose's Colossal Delphiniums

Original oil painting 24x18"

by Susan Roux

I need your help.

As you know, I've been trying to recruit artists to join the blogging world. To some the invitation is casual. "Come check it out. You'd like it." To others, the invitation goes much further. They would truly benefit and are in need of the motivating support-circle we all share.

One in particular.

Her name is Jennifer. She's an artist whose devoted a great deal of time and energy promoting others, with little recognition. She goes out of her way to establish great venues to host exhibitions and invites artists, by the hundreds, to participate. Yet, she stands understated in the shadows. She thrives helping others get exposure in a quiet humble way, never stealing the limelight for herself. Life has been difficult at times. She's battled the difficulties and is a survivor.

Recently, we met for tea. I talked to her about blogging and we both agreed it would be good for her.

Here's where your help comes in...

When life isn't always grand, motivation to start something new is often lacking. My request to you is simple. Here's a pre-written letter to her. Would you please paste it into your mail, fill in the few blanks and send it to this address? It would be wonderful if the art-world finally gave back to her...

gulfislandart@yahoo.com

Imagine her surprise if everyone who reads this, sends it to her? It gives me happy chills, just thinking about it! Thank you in advance. I know I can count on you.

Hi Jennifer,

I'm . I'd like to invite you to start blogging at www.blogspotcom. I understand you're an artist too, so we're bound to have a lot in common. I look forward to getting to know you and share in your creative works of art.

Please come follow my blog: and let me know as soon as you start your own.

I look forward to following yours too!

Sending you smiles,

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You're all so great. Thanks for your help!