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!

Sandy Dunn

This is my friend Sandy Dunn, also known as Sandra Leinonen Dunn. Not only is she a wonderful artist, she's a painting!

Don't you think?

(Her photographer husband thinks she's a photograph...) Its inspiring just being around her. Sandy is very gifted, intelligent, wonderfully kind and giving. I really enjoy our limited time together. We're meeting today for lunch. I'm so excited! Its been since before my trip to Ireland this past fall that we've seen each other. Schedules get in the way...

Getting together is always creative stimulation. I know I'll return energized with wonderful new ideas. Its always the case. Don't you love it when ideas just flow with positive energy? It nourishes your spirit. Nourishes your soul.

We've exhibited in two-person shows many times. I remember one exhibit we titled "Pear-ing up", for Sandy is known for her unusual colorful pears. Currently we exhibit together at a local music lessons establishment. Sandy loves to play the violin and incorporates her pears to paint pear-shaped violins! They are quite different and popular. Maine Street Music Lessons is a great place to exhibit these unusual pieces.

Sandy and I love to paint together. Whether from each other's studios or out painting plein air in fragrant gardens , we compliment each other, supporting and lending advise. I know her help has aided my advancement in plein air works. Constructive criticism can be so helpful. Hopefully we can get together to paint again soon...

Do you have special artists that you paint with, exchange ideas with? Its wonderful to find someone who you trust to give you sound advise when you need it most. Art is such a personal thing. You reveal something very deep about yourself. It can be difficult being critiqued. When two people can function well in that situation, both gaining from the experience, its a gift.

Sandy lives one hour away, but she's my "near-by" gift. I'm very glad we found each other...

I'd like to leave you with her cheerful flowers. Hope they make you smile...