The painting

Artists Union Exhibition Center

Saint Petersburg, Russia

Some stories are so unusual, they scream to be told.

One of my galleries has not updated their website in a number of years. They'd lost their graphics guy and one thing let to another, with the owner uninterested in the internet, well... it never got done. The website stayed frozen in time. Frozen since 2007.

I'm not judging here. My own website has been frozen in time as well and I can update it myself. No need for a graphics guy. I'm just giving you this information because it's important to the story.

Nothing on the site revealed that it hadn't been updated and recently a client contacted the gallery inquiring about a particular painting. The gallery owner couldn't give him an answer. He must have been embarrassed because the site has since been updated. Yeah! I received an email from the gallery asking if the painting was still available.

At first I didn't even know which painting it was. You understand how that is, right? I recognized the title, but I painted it in 2006. I've done a few paintings since then. Embracing the Sea. What painting was that? Then an image came to mind. Yes, I knew for certain that painting had never sold and was still available. I immediately went looking for it in the haphazard stash of canvases that continue to grow in a corner of my cellar.

It wasn't there.

Think, think. Where can it be? My mind quickly traveled to other various venues where art is hanging. No. Not at any of those places.

Then it hit me. Please continue to read on. My continuity switches here, but it's all for the story...

In 2008, I exhibited 22 paintings in Saint Petersburg, Russia. That in itself is a long story, but not the one I'm telling you today. I was invited there by the Russian artist, Stas Borodin. He was having an enormous exhibition of 200 paintings and asked that I share this experience by exhibiting in the next room. Suffice to say it was very exciting and an experience I will never forget.

It was the first time I flew across the Atlantic. I had been writing to Martine-Alison in France for several years and the thought of being so close and not swinging by to say hi seemed sinful. After all, all the flights to Russia seemed to stop in Paris. How could I touch down there and not leave the airport? Impossible.

So on our way home from Russia, I went to meet her for the first time. It was really cool to have just exhibited, because not only did we get to see each other, we also got to see each other's art in person. I can still see us on the floor looking at all of it. I decided to leave four behind as she promised to exhibit them along side her own.

I can tell you're connecting the story now...

Yes, Embracing the Sea was in France. No wonder I couldn't find it in my cellar.

We needed it shipped. If you're following Martine-Alison's blog, you already know she was away for several weeks. The painting sat. The potential buyer had a deadline. A big celebration was to take place and he wanted the art for the occasion. Anxiety set in. The gallery owner called. Where is the painting? The client will be here tomorrow!

The painting is sitting in customs.

I suggested he tell the client why the painting was in France. I guess this story of the traveling painting intrigued him, because without ever actually seeing it, he bought it! Yeah again! Most likely he won't have it in time for his special event, but he does have an interesting story to tell his guests. I'm currently preparing a package including these photos to send to him.

Now aren't you glad you read the whole story?

Note: Embracing the Sea is the blue and white painting behind the ponytail in the bottom photo. Did you notice Golden Marsh, from my last post, also went to Russia?

Unusual comment...

Roaring Twenties

Original oil painting 30x10"

by Susan Roux

Martine-Alison flew out of Boston last night, returning to France. Contrary to my earlier post, our visit was wonderful!

While here, a local newspaper published a press release I'd sent them, announcing her visit. These two paintings posted were published alongside the front page article.

Floraison Gourmande Agrandie

Original oil painting 20x20"

by Martine-Alison

She was surprised and happy to see her work in a United States paper. Friends and neighbors brought copies so we'd both have several to keep. It isn't every day that our work can be published together, so it was exciting and made for a great souvenir.

Last night I returned home from a few days in Boston, where together, we took advantage of the sights, including the Museum of Fine Arts. I wished Martine-Alison could have still been here when I opened my mail.

There I found a large envelope address to both of us! It was sent by a stranger living nearby, in West Poland. What joy it was to open this surprise envelope. Enclosed was a copy of the press release along with this:

Bill Eldridge did a copy of our work from the faded images printed in the newspaper! Mike and I laughed and giggled all night at receiving such an unusual comment! Thank you Bill. I don't know who you are, but rest assured I will soon find out and thank you personally. I'm happy we inspired you to re-do our paintings. I like the added Portland Headlight in the background and the way you integrated both our works. It was a perfect gift to arrive to when returning without my already missed friend.

Don't you just love surprises?

When people take time to go out of their way for someone else, it makes my heart smile. Bill, you made my heart smile... Again, thank you.

PS: I leave Saturday for a week of painting in Blue Hill, Maine. See you afterwards with art to post... Have a great week!

Here she comes!

Martine-Alison is coming to visit!

From France to Maine. For three glorious weeks, I might add... Can you see me jumping with excitement? Getting together with other artists is such a rewarding experience. Today, Leslie Saeta posted about meeting Dreama Tolle Perry, an artist she blogs with. If you still haven't had this experience, I urge you to try it as soon as possible. You're in for a wonderful surprise!

Through a nutty impulsive act, I got Martine-Alison represented by the Blue Heron Gallery. Though we are nations apart, we revel in the fact that our art hangs together. Martine-Alison and Susan Roux, side-by-side as we wish to be...

I suppose you want to hear the story.

As I've already mentioned, Roy, the owner and I have a very good relationship. To truly understand what happened, I must inform you of his love for the female form. Every year I paint him a "babe" or two to keep him interested and happy. This year I delivered Roaring Twenties and Golden Shimmy. You get the idea...

I recall, a few years back during a phone conversation on the off-season, he told me to try painting in the nude! Sales were on the decline and he thought I might loosen up and pour my passion onto the canvas if I was completely free. I laughed at his suggestion, because my Catholic upbringing made this totally impossible. Not to mention that if he really wanted me to relax, this was not the way to do it!

He then suggested I paint my "beach babes" (as he likes to call them), without clothes. It was a very humorous conversation, I assure you. At every suggestion, I laughed and laughed. Did he have any inclination of my sensitivity to public display?

"But your an artist!" he continued. "You're suppose to be fine with nudity. You're suppose to be open minded and free. You really should try it!" He urged on.

It wasn't working...

Later that day, Martine-Alison had just completed a painting. As usual she emailed me the image. This is what she sent:

Valentine

by Martine-Alison

We were instant messaging at the time and I was telling her of my conversation with Roy. We were giggling and all sorts of crazy, silly things were flying out of our mouths, or rather, our fingertips... When we get going, a whole lot of ridiculous gets fed upon by both parties and its no wonder the expression "fruitcake" comes into the conversation! One silly idea leads to another silly idea and being as visual as we are... well you can only imagine the level of hysterical we touch upon.

So somewhere in the middle of being totally foolish together, I get the idea of sending her image to Roy.

A few giggles later, with her daring me to do it, and I was emailing Roy.

It was a very brief message. It read, "Is this what you mean?" and Martine-Alison's image.

As you can well imagine, I received a response very quickly! He knew instantly it wasn't my work, but he certainly wanted to know who's work it was! (I wonder what Leo is looking at?)

And so it happened that with one foolish act, my friend became represented by the Blue Heron Gallery...

For those of you who keep wondering how to get gallery representation? It isn't always a fine art. Sometimes craziness is the way in.

So Martine-Alison is arriving just in time to attend the Grand Season Opening! Let me tell you, Roy puts on a fabulous opening party! It will be held on Saturday, May 29. The gallery is in Wellfleet, MA on Cape Cod. If any of you are nearby or will be visiting during Memorial weekend, please do come meet us. We will be the two silliest girls in the building. You'll find us be following the giggles...

Go meet artists. You'll spark such stimulation in yourself, you'll be amazed! Any time together or simply communicating together will be precious.

You already have so much in common...

Parents

Rene and Doris Pinette

Thank you Grigorij for inquiring about my parents in yesterday's comment. I will indulge in the pleasure. Its so fitting, because today is Mom's birthday. Happy Birthday Mom!

I'm one of the fortunate ones.

It was only when I got to college that I realized I didn't grow up in a typical family. We were far from it. It surprised me to find out. My parents and us kids (3 of us) were all born and raised in Berlin, New Hampshire. Its mountainous and rural and the livelihood was it's, now closed, paper mill. All my relatives lived there. I used to complain because we had no one to go visit out of town. I was envious of my girlfriend, whose older sister lived two hours away, and periodically they would go visit for the weekend.

I was the first to leave Berlin...

Adventure was in my blood and now I want to experience the world.

Our household was filled with love. We didn't have much money. My parents struggled a lot financially, but that didn't stop them from giving us all the love and support we needed, and more. Dad toiled at the paper mill while Mom stayed home. It was very unusual at the time. All the women of the town had gone to work at the new Converse factory, making shoes. Mom was determined to raise her own kids. She did without a lot to be with us.

She made everything! From baking to gardening to sewing and lots of crafts. I loved doing all these things with her. To this day, we have always been very close. More like sisters than parent and child. I remember shopping with her and schoolmates would approach saying, "I didn't know you had an older sister?" Mom was fun and beautiful (you still are, Mom). How we've laughed together over the years!

The radio was never on. As Mom worked, she sang. She sang so beautifully. She could hit those high notes, few can. Sometimes still today, as I move about my own home, those childhood songs will start playing in my head. Dad's favorite was Lara's Theme (Grigorij, I bet that surprises you!). He also loved Edelweiss and any old movie that ended with a kiss. Mom sang a wide variety of songs, from fifties hits to movie themes to honky-tonk songs like Oh Susanna. She sang that one often to me. Somewhere Over the Rainbow would echo out of the laundry room as Mom folded and ironed endless amounts of clothes. She also sang funny songs, which the titles of slip my mind at the moment... Many of the "Fifties" songs had crazy noises in them. Like the Abba Dabba song, which we wiggled and danced to. She would be so animated with those, making crazy eyes and silly faces as she sang them to us. Another often heard favorite of both Mom and Dad's was The Impossible Dream. Dad's voice was so rich in those deep notes, Mom's so heavenly in the highs...

They were a wonderful duet in all aspects. An unbelievable example to guide us.

Laughter and love. Its what I remember from my childhood.

Also the never-ending words, "You can be anything you want to be!" It was repeated over and over, from both my parents and my relatives. Particularly my aunt Lorraine, who we simply called, "Ma Tante". She played a very active, positive roll in our lives. Relatives gathered to celebrate every milestone, no matter how small. (Every mile-pebble and every mile-grain of sand, if you will...) Hugs and kisses were abundant.

They still are...

We are French. Our ancestors were from Canada including my grandmother. So was the case with many other residents in Berlin. French was spoken widely and as a child it was my first language. Now, as a grown woman communicating with people from France, I realize my "Canadian French" is quite far from the actual beautiful parisian french. But it still works...

Religion was a big factor in our upbringing. Its a wonderful gift to have been given. I've made sure to share it with my own children. I thank God for all the blessings He's given me, including my wonderful parents.

Fortunately, at 70 something (we need to keep some secrets...) they are both still with us, happy and full of life. They're job of supporting us through everything has not stopped. This winter, rather than spending their time in Florida, they have weathered the cold to be with my sister in Massachusetts whose dealing with tragedy.

Mom and Dad came to spend last week with me, while my sister and her family went on vacation in Florida. (Odd how we've all gone to Florida while Mom and Dad remain here...) I enjoyed my week with them very much! Last summer, Mom became one of my students. Painting together is yet another pleasure we share. Here is what she painted.

Original Oil Painting 16x20"

by Doris Pinette

Its difficult to sum up such strong influences in our lives with only one post. There is so much more that could be said. But love, laughter, God, strength, kindness, hard work, perseverance and shooting for your dreams are the lessons of my childhood.

Thanks Mom and Dad. You're the best!

50th wedding anniversary

July 2006

Friends forever

There is another artist I visited a few years back.

I've only mentioned her briefly on an earlier post, Let the journey happen. I haven't been able to find the words to capture our relationship in one post, so I've resisted giving you more information. All the while, it doesn't do this artist justice. You see she is my dear, dear friend and our relationship has grown so deeply over the years, we call each other sisters.

Oddly, a lot of you already know her.

She is Martine-Alison and she lives in France. My twin across the pond! When I visited her in Lyon, we had been writing to each other daily for over two years. I still remember our first communications together. It was instant excitement for both of us! Emails were flying back and forth, like we were trying to imitate instant messaging. Luckily for us we understood each other's language. This enabled us to write in our own language. Sometimes reading a foreign language gets challenging. When I open my web browser, WordReference.com is what I see. This gives me instant access whenever I need to pop a word in for translation.

We've been through everything together. She is my best friend.

Our communicating evolved to instant messaging and eventually to skype, where we get free video connections. Its more than a phone call, its like a visit. Long before we found blogging, the daily evolutions of our paintings were shared with each other. The wonderful support we all find here, she and I have shared for many years.

She has been my faithful follower since day one. After some time, she too decided to begin a blog. Her work is as colorful as her personality is. You will find it completely unique. She paints a female, her "petite femmes" as she calls them. They are from her imagination. She never uses a model. She also designs all the clothes she dresses them in (when in fact they are dressed...). She could have been a clothes designer, easily! How I'd love to have some of her wonderful dresses.

These petite femmes live in her imaginary world. Her flora is interesting and exciting. Animals are a constant in the picture, even to the point that Leo the toucan narrates her blog.

After our three day visit, she promised to come here to Maine. Her petite femmes tell the story of her life and if you go see her latest post, you might agree with me that it surely appears like she is headed to America! I'm very excited. I do hope it will happen...

She calls her studio her dollhouse. And a doll house it is! So beautiful and romantic. We've dreamed of painting there together. Eventually we did. Through skype on her laptop, we've painted side-by-side in different countries! Its hard to say which one of us is the nuttiest. She likes to call herself a fruitcake. As you might imagine, laughs are a constant between us. She has even skyped me during some of my classes to meet my students! Its as though we live near each other. All of our friends know about the other and when she does come here, I have a long list of people who can't wait to finally meet her in person.

Susan Roux and Martine-Alison

She has put so much sunshine in my life. I hope you go follow her. Martine-Alison has plenty of sunshine to share...

(Photographs by Michael McAllister)

Its Booked!

Blue Hill, here we come!

I rented this place on Blue Hill Peninsula (Maine) for a week in June. As you know, I've been looking into it. I want to go paint lupines by the ocean as posted in Booklets.

Well I finally made my decision on where to stay. One that wasn't very hard to make. Just look at this wonderful cottage??? no... house that I found! How could I resist? Affirmative confirmation from an artist friend was all I needed to clinch the deal. As soon as I received her phone call saying she would come, I was on the phone reserving it. What a beautiful doll house to go play in!

Pack your paints Baby, here we go!

I don't think it will be difficult to find a few other takers to join us. Martine-Alison, my wonderful artist friend in France, is even thinking of it. Buy your plane tickets, honey. Let's make it a reality! A painting holiday with wonderful artists friends... Just what the doctor ordered.

How could I resist this wicker sunroom or these charming bedrooms?

There's four in all!

The kitchen is huge and fully equipped.

We even have two outdoor decks that run the length of the house.

Carol, the owner, was most pleasant and helpful. She informed me of a lupine festival that will be going on when we arrive. She'll be leaving a brochure, which by the way, has maps and directions to all the largest lupine fields in the area. Perfect!

I must really be ready for a vacation. I leave Wednesday for a week in sunny Florida and I'm booking a place for June...

I told Mike, I must need a break more than I realize.

Shifting art

Welcome

Original oil painting 30x40"

by Susan Roux

France. The medieval villages of France... An inner warmth overcomes me just thinking about it. Its one of the places on my "must-return" list. I blogged about it in December when I mentioned my artist friend Martine-Alison who lives there. One of these days I need to introduce her to you...

I painted this on a large gallery-wrapped canvas with the painting continuing around the thick edges. Its fun to peek and see the roses extend their dainty climbing dance and the buildings, doorways and walkways continue. It gives it space. I like that it isn't framed. At 30x40", it becomes an addition to a room and it feels like you could just walk in! I think a frame would confine it, separate it; halting some of this openness quality it has. I titled it Welcome due to this pull it has to make you want to just step inside.

Its currently exhibited at Central Maine Medical Center until the end of this week. I heard a write-up about the show was in the local papers, but since I don't get the paper, I never saw it. Today I accidently stumbled upon it. Here it is if you'd like to read it. I thought it would be my artist statement, but was pleased to find only elements of it. The revised version made for a better news article. Thanks June for that!

Several of my France paintings will then be hung at Maine Street Music Lessons. Next week I'll be "curating", reorganizing, shifting, deleting and hanging. I think the France paintings will compliment Sandy Dunn's violin paintings better than what is currently there. The color palettes are similar. If I remember to bring my camera, I'll take pictures to post later for you.

Have you been busy shifting art lately? My studio could use some shifting too, but that's for another day...

Whether you're shifting art, creating art or dreaming about art, I hope you enjoy your day!

Artists hosting artists

In the post "Let the journey happen", I mentioned Martine-Alison. She lives in France. I found her over the internet, much like I keep urging you to do. Let me tell you how it happened...

At the time I was looking for French artists. I had the idea to connect artists from Maine and France. I wanted to have them communicate together for a while. My plan was to invite the French artist here to stay for two weeks at which time we would take them painting in plein air, sometimes the whole group, sometimes alone with our guest. At a later date, the Maine artists would be hosted in France. I envisioned lots of marketing around the event, involving the media, both TV and print, to rouse interest. Next, I wanted to have exhibitions of our combined work in both countries following our creative exchange. Can you imagine such an international exhibition? I can.

I thought it was the perfect idea. Artist traveling to different countries for the cost of a flight and the agreement to host another for two weeks in their own home. We would get to meet artists we otherwise would never have met. We would paint together, exchange ideas, view different creative techniques and ultimately stimulate and inspire each other.

I never did find the artists needed to partake in this idea, but it never left my mind. Some artists here thought it was exciting, but many showed no interest. I would still love to see it realized, or a version of it. I had imagined five artists from each country, making us ten all together. Though it would have been fun as a large group, it might be more reasonable to lower the number and keep the huge media hoopla and exhibit out of the picture. Still, it would be an awesome way to gain recognition and improve everyone's resume!

This idea still seems amazing and possible to me. As I've mentioned, I sought out Irish artists before visiting Ireland. I suppose I'm trying to do a small portion, a small version, of it alone. Though no hosting was involved, perhaps it will evolve. I think getting to live together would be a huge added benefit. Imagine all the conversations that would occur during so much time together...

Imagine, imagine, imagine...

Perhaps someday I'll find enough artists interested in doing this with me. If that's you, please let me know. Post it in the comment section so we can all find each other. Maybe together we can make it happen.

This is how I met Martine-Alison. We have been communicating daily since. Its been nearly three years now. She has become more than a friend. I call her my twin. An ocean divides us, yet we are bound together. She has left inspiring comments on many of my posts. If you can read french, you should go back and read them. In the future, I will tell you more about this amazing person, friend, artist from across the pond...

Awfully awful, part 3

I awoke before everyone else the next morning. It was early, but I couldn't stop thinking about this "cottage" we arrived at in the dark of night. Awful Offaly was in my head. We hadn't seen anything on our drive in. I couldn't contain my curiosity so I tiptoed to the bedroom window to peek behind the curtain. How interesting. Plantings, flowers, trees, could this be a garden? It was hard to tell; the window was at ground level and there were pots and plants everywhere. I went out into the grand room. Directly across from each other were two enormous glass doors where red flowered curtains were drawn. One one side I could see our car and many other stone buildings. Oh my, it reminded me of Perouge, France! Had I landed in a medieval paradise? The other side revealed walkways, stone stairs, cerulean blue iron filigreed gate and railing, large urn-like pots with white hydrengeas and directly facing me across the large lawn in formal fashion was a fantastic glass house! My body tingled with excitement. I didn't know what to think.

Everyone was sound asleep. I wanted to shout for joy! I wanted to share my excitement! I wanted to go outside and walk around! My nightgown seemed inappropriate, plus I couldn't open the door...

I went up to the loft where Ciaran was sleeping to look out that window. Why wasn't anyone waking up! How could they sleep with all this interesting stuff around us? The loft window was really a door. It opened out to a small deck which overlooked a very large garden. In the garden was the most interesting gazebo I've ever seen. It will no doubt be the subject of a future Susan Roux painting. The garden was filled with trees and plantings that it obstructed my view. I saw only parts of this expanse and I wanted to see more.

The property was magnificent. The garden, though mid-October was still splendid. We later found out at a distant pub that the owner, Angela Jupe, is the best master gardner Ireland has. Awful Offaly? It turns out that Offaly is Irelands best kept secret! It is old, medieval and very beautiful.

I asked Angela if she minded if I invited other artists to come paint with me in the garden. She was overjoyed. Turns out she had just purchased one of Mat Grogan's (www.matgrogan.com) paintings six months prior. She was excited to meet him.

...and so this was how this wonderful little gem became the sight where I finally got to paint with Irish artists. The highlight of my trip!

As for the terrible accent, it seems the man from the pub who gave us directions had probably been in the pub awhile drinking a few too many Guinness's...

(Photographs by Michael McAllister)

Meeting the people

I'm not much of a traveler. Yes I've spit out places like Russia, France and Ireland at you, but traveling has been a new addition in my life. It is something I've always wanted to do, but never could. Now I just want to go and experience new places and new people. My mind expands and my creativity is stimulated to levels I've never experienced. My favorite thing about traveling is meeting the people and experiencing their culture. This started when we exhibited in Saint Petersburg, Russia and were placed with a family for two weeks. Being in their home, living side-by-side with them, stumbling our way with language barriers was not a typical relaxing holiday, but it opened my eyes and gave me a new perspective on how I'd like to travel.

This fall we went to Ireland. As soon as I made our flight reservations, I began to write to Irish artists. I was hoping to meet with some of them as part of our trip. At first my letters were simple. I inquired where an artists might find inspiration in their country. Every response that returned to my computer sent me in different directions. I searched each one. How awesome a connected network such as the internet is for bringing complete strangers together! Many artists never responded. Some were only interested in giving me a few suggestions and then there were the special ones. The ones who kept writing to me for four months and invited me into their homes.

Now this is what I'm talking about.

People meeting with people, exchanging ideas, experiencing new cultures, finding our similarities, learning from our differences... Its perhaps the most stimulating experience an artist can have. Anyone can go to a new country and see the sights, but going there to meet the people is far richer. Its double the experience! Of course you still see the sights, its impossible not to. Eventually our entire trip was carved by the various people we would meet. It sent us in many different directions and we got to see marvelous places we never would have otherwise. Artists know those wonderful little places in the world that can be quiet yet so beautiful and inspiring. Places where the spirit can soar and be energized. Places where the light of day or dawn or dusk passes through the landscape with such delicate beauty or sharp contrasts that merely seeing it can stop you in your tracks.

We returned from this trip more relaxed than ever. A calm joy filled our hearts and we knew there was no way this trip could have been any better. Now I know for certain how I want to continue traveling. The places you see stand in your memory, but the people you meet are who you talk about to others and become the highlight of your trip. (plus you can still stay in touch with them afterwards...)

Next time you find yourself going on a holiday, I strongly suggest you connect with some strangers before you go. The internet makes it so easy. If you're an artist, go meet other artists. They're everywhere and easy to find. Go exchange ideas. Meet them in a coffee shop for tea. Go paint together. Anything. If you've been communicating with them for months, you won't fear meeting them. After all they weren't on the internet stalking you, you're the one who contacted them...

Think about it. It will be the best part of your trip!

Let the journey happen

I'm putting together my exhibition for the hospital. Its fun going through past art looking for pieces that will compliment each other. Its almost like a treasure hunt. Ever notice how some pieces seem better than you remembered? I guess we stop looking at only "that spot" we struggled with. I had to compose a write-up; never my favorite thing but they are getting easier. I'm less apt to cram too much information in as in the past. I'm preferring to focus on a theme or idea and develop it. After completing that, the exhibition pieces seemed to select themselves.

My France paintings are going. That's a definite.

I had the opportunity to visit France last year. We detoured there on our return from exhibiting in Russia to visit a very special artist, Martine-Alison (http://alison.livegalerie.com/). I'd been communicating with her for several years and she is to this day quite a dear friend. I painted a series of the medieval village of Perouges. It was a very special day when Martine-Alison walked the streets with us. I'll never forget the feeling. The sun was bright and warm and it lit up the old stone as I had only seen in pictures. We walked and giggled and practically danced our way around every turn taking an enormous amount of pictures! Ivy hung like garland from buildings and roses grew out of the cobble stone ground. Flower pots were tucked in everywhere. I was in an artist's dream.

The sights were grand! Giant window shutters hinged at the bottom dropped down to form shelves where people sold their goods. They were instant counters. Mike bought a sugar cookie that was baked in pizza shape and sold in wedges. The smell from this tiny little bakery filled the air. Mike claims it was the best cookie he ever ate. Somehow I think the whole ambiance around that cookie combined to make it the best, but he claims not. (French cooking... it was probably the butter!) Suddenly Martine-Alison slipped us into an unmarked door. It was dark and a narrow winding staircase attached to the stone wall led us down into a cellar. Not an ordinary cellar. A wine cellar! The lights were amber making the dark wood glow in such richness. At the long bar was a friendly gentleman who offered us tiny glasses of wine to taste. Along the walls were cases and cases of wine invitingly displayed like tiny little still life's. Of course we purchased a bottle for later...

My memories and delight for this place are still very vivid. What other art would match this series? It is so unlike my seascapes from Maine and Cape Cod. I chose to match the softness and the feeling. I've added meandering garden pieces and a special one I painted this fall in a magical garden in Ireland. I'm pleased with the international flare this exhibition took on. Take an idea or a feeling as your starting point and let it lead you somewhere, on a journey. A famous singer song writer said that about writing songs. Its the same with art and today with selecting a group for an exhibition. Don't try to plan it all out in the beginning. Start with a feeling and let the journey happen. The result will be far richer and the little surprises that occur along the way will make you smile.