The beginning

Through the Grass

Original oil painting 18x24"

by Susan Roux

I almost didn't post this painting. I just completed it with my class and it looks so different from the series I'm working on in my private time, that I hesitated to show it.

It's interesting when your work evolves and you're a teacher, because what you're teaching still resembles your older stuff. I think of my galleries and wonder, what they will do with these varying looks? I'm not sure they can even hang together...

But there is a story behind this work.

Class started this painting before Christmas. It's been a long road, between cancellations for snow days and holidays. It was also a good challenge for both students and myself to direct them through this complicated scene. Fields of wild grasses are one of my favorite subjects. How I love to let my paintbrush dip in colors and scribble the canvas. Most of it is spontaneous and therefore hard to describe to a student. The other difficulty was having several figures. Those figures are where my little story lies.

My studio is downstairs. It's too small to teach in, so I hold my classes in the dining room. Every week after classes, I'd remove the plastic from my table, replace the tablecloth and assemble the chairs around it. As time passed and the number of classes increased (I'm teaching 5 a week now) my dining room became a second studio. It's a rare occasion when I pull out the wall-matching tablecloth and replace the chairs. As one class rolls into another and I try to paint on my own, the partially painted canvasses collect. I often place them against the hallway wall where the staircase is. Some of them make it all the way down to the real studio, but lately most of them line the hall. It's sort of like a floor-level gallery.

One day as my husband came up the stairs, the figures in the above painting were directly in his sight. I hadn't painted figures in my work in awhile at the time and he complimented me on them. He seemed so delighted that when Don Hatfield called that week, I mentioned having put figures in my work. I asked if he wanted me to send him an image? Totally expecting him to give me an enthusiastic yes, I was quite surprised by his response.

Rather than ask to see the figures, he began to talk to me about the danger of painting figures in a scene. He spoke of how they too often jump out at you and in actuality they should be part of the scene. I remembered how he taught us to let our strokes move from the background into our portraits and reverse. My mind started to wonder (like it doesn't already do enough of that on it's own...) and inspiration emerged.

I pulled out a fresh canvas and a photo of a girl. I had one thing in mind. Make the figure be part of the background. Frolicking is what I created and this is how my latest series started... The big difference was not drawing my figure. When I do, I want to stay within the lines. This time I began with paint, not a pencil.

So it's for this reason that I've posted this painting. Sometimes it's nice to know where and why something new began.

This brings us back to Champagne Thursday... which will be held next week, February 24 at 5:oo pm. The address is 94 Shore Drive, Freeport, Maine. Please come. Admission is champagne and an appetizer. I'll be away painting all next week. Sure hope this sinus thing moves on before Saturday!

Follow your passion

Orange Roses

Original oil painting 18x14"

by Susan Roux

I received these lovely roses from my dear Anastasia this weekend. What a beautiful surprise to see her and many others at the exhibition. If you're reading, thanks for coming...

I was up way before the crack of dawn yesterday, even with the time change. I'd been lying in bed painting in my mind. Does that happen to you? It seems lately I've been painting in my mind more than on canvas. Juggling life and your paintbrushes can often be challenging.

I decided to make yesterday a painting day. I had a class to teach at night and aside from a few loads of laundry, I made a date with my easel. Sometimes I just have to overlook everything that needs to be done around here and allow myself painting time. So from the early hour, I was perusing my extensive photo library in search of a picture I could be passionate about. I was tossing a variety into a new folder as a means of narrowing my choices down. There were lots to choose from and the folder was filling quickly.

Daylight finally broke, so I went to this folder only to find my inspiration for any of my choices had fizzled. By now the house was up and I told Mike, what I should do is paint those roses. Why don't you?

Ever notice how we argue with ourselves?

Well... my excuses began, I never paint roses.

He knew that. Mike buys me flowers all the time and I watch the roses slowly droop and die off. I even keep them in the vase because I see beauty in the dead blossoms. Sometimes he buys me more just so I'll finally throw away the crispy ones... How many times has he heard me say, I should paint the roses?

Beautiful as they are, they're in a constant state of change. At first opening, then sagging and slowly fading. I've never had a day observing them without change. The thought of painting them was a bit terrifying. There are people like Nora who paint them so well and honestly I hadn't a clue how to begin. But there they were staring me in the face and my most stimulating inspiration at the moment.

As you can clearly see, I attempted it. It turned out to be lots of fun and not the nightmare I expected. I stopped thinking about them as roses and not knowing how to paint roses. Instead I focused on how wonderful they made me feel and that feeling is what I painted. It didn't take long that I practically stopped looking at the real roses, so if they were changing, it wasn't an issue.

I even brought it to completion and began another painting all before my class arrived. Then I painted again with them. I was on a roll. Sure hope it lasts...

Go paint what you're inspired to paint. Even if you don't think there exists a buyer out there for what you're painting, or if you don't think you have a clue how to do it. Its the passion that counts. Paint what you're passionate about and you'll be the most successful with that subject.

If only I'd remember my own advice...

It took all day...

I bought a bushel of green tomatoes the other day from a local farmer who sells them cheap. In time when they ripen, I'll enjoy making spaghetti sauce for winter. That was my thought. Well in the heat of the house, "in time" came much faster than I anticipated! My boxful was turning redder every day. It became apparent, I needed to take time for my tomatoes.

I began by scrubbing them all. The skins were marred and scarred. Not your picture perfect specimens, but great for the pot.

I felt like painting. I mean I really felt like painting. The weekend had been filled with countless other activities and my paintbrushes were calling, actually hollering, to me. Fall duties had come to the forefront. Saturday brought a big family surge, bringing-in and stacking firewood. Now an overwhelming amount of tomatoes awaited. Somehow I felt like a squirrel preparing for the cold season ahead. I tried to remind myself how happy I would be, come winter, that all this preparation had been done.

I remember loving the process of making spaghetti sauce. This time it seemed a chore. Its a very tactile process. All the peeling and cutting with juice pouring between your fingers. The smells. Garlic, various peppers and fresh herbs explode with wonderful aromas. My chopping knife kept very busy...

Can you smell it?

I thought there would be time while it simmered to go paint or catch up on the ever mounting pile of laundry. No. There wasn't. I had a one-hour "go retrieve my son" break and that was it. It actually took all day. Beginning from: after blogging with morning coffee 'til supper.

At some point during the day, I began to embrace the process and enjoy it. Its hard to see and smell all this and not be affected. All my senses participated.

I've become increasingly obsessed with painting lately and anything that gets in the way seems so disruptive. I read about some of you with painters block, lack of inspiration, even toiling with the idea of quitting art all together. For me, its the opposite. I want to quit everything else! These days, filled with activities and duties that pull me away from our art, only add to the burning desire to paint. When the brush can be picked up again, watch out. Inspiration and desire to push paint around will be peeked!

Yes it took all day, but look what I achieved. Fifteen quarts in all!

... and a box of quickly ripening tomatoes! Yikes!

Pasta anyone?

Date confirmed

Beach Walkers

Original oil painting 16x20

by Susan Roux

I recently finished this painting with one of my classes and delivered it to The Wright Gallery on Monday. This is Goose Rocks Beach. Its located just down the street from the gallery. Charlie told me last year, that in this bad economy, paintings of recognizable local scenes might sell better. This is my attempt to see if he's right.

My life has been bustling.

As you know, Martine-Alison is coming for a visit. She arrives on Thursday and will be here for three weeks. As the time closes in, its difficult to express my true feelings and excitement for this reunion. It goes beyond words... We plan to take photos of our time together and post them here, to share with all of you. Last minute preparations are continuing at both ends. She's finally figured out how to transport art on the plane and has it packed securely in a carry-on. Her frames are unassembled to save space. Glueing them on the first night is a priority as we are delivering them to the Blue Heron Gallery the following day. As for myself, I'm trying to finish my gardening projects and failing... There will be more planting to do later, together. And... last but certainly not least, does anyone have a cleaning lady they can share?!!

But this is not all the excitement brewing here...

Yesterday I confirmed the dates, July 16-17-18. This is when the great, comical, witty, dynamic, ever-talented paintbrush pusher, Don Hatfield will teach a workshop in Maine!

Yes, I said in Maine!!!

It is my great honor to have him as my guest and I am currently busy setting up and organizing his workshop. Its an interesting experience, as I have never done this before. It will be an indoor, three-day workshop in Lewiston, Maine. If any of you are interested in traveling here and want to participate in this wonderful opportunity, please contact me here, before it goes out in an announcement to the general, local public. I'm certain the limited space will fill up very quickly! Cost is $325.00 for the three days. Such a bargain for this talent...

Is your life bustling with excitement, too? If not, create some... New experiences and new acquaintances can really stimulate the creative juices! I spoke to you many times before about going to meet each other. I hope you're taking my suggestion. You blood will tingle through your veins like Fourth of July fireworks do in the sky!

On the go

Work in progress

by Susan Roux

I just returned from visiting my sister and I leave again on Friday to see my college son, who's turning 21. I am "Susan on the go" these days! I'm here. I'm there. I'm everywhere!

Eventually I'll plant my feet back on the ground, but that may not be until the end of April... Spring is here and I've sprung in all directions!

So please bare with me as I trot around. I'll try to stop in as often as I can...

My paintbrushes miss me. My hands ache to hold them. I haven't painted since my last class, Thursday night. At these moments, thank goodness for painting class. Otherwise I probably wouldn't get to paint at all.

Maybe today I'll indulge in some personal, playful painting time. My spirit could use it... (Plus Mike was such a dear and did all the laundry while I was away! Thanks Babe. You're awesome!) It may have created space for some much needed "Susan-time"...

Do you recognize the painting posted? It changes so much with each painting session. The direction I'm going with it, is also changing. The blue patches of underpainting in the foreground look odd and out of place in this photograph, but they really compliment the painting in real life. I've decided to keep them. Its been a challenge, because trees pass all along the front of the building. I'd planned to paint them in. But now if I want to keep the blue patches, I need to abandon that thought. I spent much time last session trying to decide how I would alter my composition mid-stream. That can be a recipe for disaster!

Tonight we continue.

There's a traditional weathervane that rises above the existing pinnacle of the building. I think its important to the composition. It will help set dominance. Warm light will need to find its way into the sky. Currently we have a warm light/cool light situation happening here. Seeing we only have one sun, the same light that drapes itself on the landscape is also present in the sky. It came as an unpleasant surprise to my students when I announced that we would be returning into our sky's...

Luckily the paintings are all dry. Returning to painted areas need not be scary. Any additional strokes, if unwanted, can be easily removed with the magic eraser, mineral spirits! I have no doubt they'll be able to adjust their sky's to the correct light quite easily.

The thought of painting energizes me.

Happy painting all of you wonderful artists! May you find time in your busy lives to nourish your own spirit. As Spring pops and the temperature warms, let yourself flourish with creativity and color.

I sense amazing works will be popping up everywhere...

Share smiles

(Still deciding if its done...)

Original oil painting

by Susan Roux

Yesterday a few of us from my Wednesday night paint class went to see Tricia Griffin sing. She too is from this paint class. We are all aware of her singing talent. So many times during class she graces us with her beautiful voice. As she relaxes and the paintbrush flows rhythmically, she begins to sing. Often a few other ladies chime in as well. Soft beautiful music followed by giggles from the bunch becomes the backdrop for class.

I'm so blessed to have them for students.

She's invited us many times, over several years, to her performances. I've never attended. Most times there was a conflict in schedule. (I'm teaching...) Tricia is in a singing group, but at times she sings solo with her guitar. So was the case yesterday.

We found her at a nursing home/assisted living facility, donating her time and talents to cheer the residents. I admired her. What greater gift can you give someone then an unselfish act that brings others pleasure? The residents and the director all wanted her back, and for longer...

I found myself fighting back tears. She sang songs my parents loved. Songs my parents would sing around the house when I was just a child. I could hear my Dad's voice in my head as she sang Edelweiss... My body swayed in total calmness with the melody. Funny how music can put you somewhere in your past. The ultimate time travel machine! Simply... music.

Though awake, you find yourself in a dream.

There I was in our gold-painted living room. Mom at the old, bulky player-piano, fingers flying in every direction and Dad to her left, singing in merriment. His voice in the cellar, hers in the heavens. They sounded so beautiful together. I tried to keep up, but could never hit the notes they sang. Mom's voice (and my childish one trying to imitate her) were suddenly in my head as Somewhere over the Rainbow flowed amazingly out of Tricia's mouth. A little old man, who seemed to be sleeping throughout the performance, shouted out, "Judy Garland!" as she began. I wondered, about this simple half hour gesture and how it impacted these residents. Where did these songs take them? I like to imagine, they were twirling around on a dance floor with the love of their lives!

The more common songs, brought the room to life. In timid quiet voices they joined in softly, without overpowering Tricia. Bravely, without a mike, she created a giant sing-a-long. I saw the wrinkled faces twinkle and smile. What a gift she gave them!

Tricia, you're a wonderful person...

Too often, we don't stop and think of how our small acts can really lift the spirits of others. You never know what a stranger is going through. What battles they're facing. Whether they're at the brink of falling into depression, or not. Maybe they are totally content. Either way, even a simple gesture like a smile or a hi, can suddenly change their day around. Let's not forget this. I know all you lovely bloggers have loads of smiles to share! Let's go share some...

Olympians? no...

My neighbors work for the olympics.

Its a very unusual thing, I know. When they first moved in several years ago and mentioned working for the olympics, our reaction was, 'Wow!" We don't often stop and think of the people working for the olympics, but there are many.

How glamorous it seemed. They were off to Torino! They were off to China! They were off to Vancouver! But it isn't as glamorous as it first sounds. Depending on their job, people can be assigned to be on location for 4 or 5 months. During this time, they work every day for very long hours. We can't even communicate via email; they have no time to read it or respond.

Can you imagine such a demanding job?

No time to paint...

Chris is one of my students. This time, four months away felt very long to me. No neighbors next door for a whole season and more. A missed student in my wonderful Wednesday night ladies class... Early on there were postcards. We all delighted in the short words that came. Every Wednesday someone asks if I've heard from her. The time seemed so long.

Well I'm happy to report that they returned while I was away in Florida. My neighbors are back! (Some of you probably have neighbors you'd like to get rid of for months at a time, but these are not that type of neighbor...)

I got my much needed "Chris hug" yesterday. Its been so long, she didn't even know I blogged. We have so much to catch up on. She hasn't painted since she left at the end of October and really misses it. Her "art fix" was to sneak off to a few art exhibits in slight moments of down time. I'm going to put a paintbrush back in her hand as soon as I can!

Chris may be starting her own blog. Something about fish tacos... She's very smart and comical so I'll let you know when it begins.

Posted is Chris during one of my workshops last summer. Welcome back Chris!

(Photographs by Michael McAllister)

Long road

When compared to painting nature, everything man-made takes on a different challenge. Unlike organic forms, these are structured and stationary. Both the mind and the paintbrush discover a change and need to adapt to capture the difference. I recently left a comment about this very subject on Jean Townsend's blog and last night, my students were struck by the difference...

I wanted to focus on the building but thought it would be better to quickly find a few simple elements on the right. "Lets put in the road quickly", was my suggestion. I must say, "quick" was no where to be found in this activity. Those two little ruts that extend only four inches up the canvas took us better than one hour to achieve!

We laughed at how little we had painted. One hour and two stripes!

My students were determined to get it correctly. (I love seeing that determination. Way to go ladies!) No matter how much I broke it down, perspective gets confusing when you put it on a hill, throw in a curve, and have it disappear down the other side. Thank goodness for the "thinner eraser"! Each rut needed to narrow as it receded. So did the space between the ruts. One rut comes towards you while the other approaches at a sharp angle. The mind tells you they are parallel. The hand wants to listen. Over and over, they redid it trying to get it right.

Finally we could move on...

I feared the building, thinking it would take us longer than an entire class after the road fiasco, but symmetry proved simpler. By the end of class, we managed to block in the remainder of our canvas. Everything is so stark and rigid right now, but its necessary when you're trying to teach it to a class. Breaking elements down to be understood by others can be an interesting challenge for a teacher. Last night felt like a mathematical lesson.

Its not the first time I do this to my poor Wednesday night ladies. Last time I had them painting a garden bench that covered two-thirds of the canvas without ever drawing it. Again I wanted the background to be free and continuous, so we painted it before ever trying to find the bench. Its a wonder they stick with me. I continue to push their limits. In doing so, they are really blossoming.

That makes me smile with pride...

Again, way to go ladies!

Posted work in progress oil 18x24" by Susan Roux

Elfi Cella

Herbe

by Elfi Cella

I came upon this lovely painting yesterday and I wanted to share it with you. Its from Elfi Cella's blog. I don't exactly know what it is that grabbed me so much with this painting, but I love it.

Its such an original piece. The composition, the texture, the color. It has roots and paintbrushes! How can you hate that? I hope you take a moment and click to enlarge it. Its worth your exploration. The texture at the top is actually writing...

Remember when you were a child and you ironed waxed paper over leaves to preserve them? (Maybe some of you still do this...) When I enlarge this painting, it reminds me of that. I feel like the bumpy writing and the paintbrushes are part of what got waxed in and the roots and herbs are placed on top of it all. My eye dazzles and I'm transfixed on all the nuances this painting has to offer. Its a mesmerizing piece.

I love this about blogging. I love that an art exhibit awaits at my fingertips! Since I've started blogging in December, my enthusiasm has spawned at least four people to begin blogging too. Its a contagious thing, isn't it? When I think of contagious, I think of a cold or the flu, but this type of contagious is more like laughter. A good contagious.

I feel as though I've made new friends already.

As you continue to visit each others blogs and share in their art, in their thoughts, things get personal. I can only imagine how connected I will feel after blogging for a year or two.

I'm so happy you're all out there. Out there taking time to post your works. Taking time to share your wonderful thoughts. Taking time to leave much-loved comments. Wasted moments of my day are no longer wasted. Its become time spent with my new connected friends.

Thank you all for that...

Class fruit

I never paint fruit.

That realization hit me last night while talking to my husband. I found it especially funny since painting the apple is my first lesson with beginner students. The lesson is how to capture form. Why did I ever choose a subject I never paint?

Puzzling...

I just started a new class of such beginners last week. Its a grueling night for people who've never picked up a paintbrush. In two hours we go from how to put paint on the palette and hold a palette knife, to painting an apple, four times! When I say beginners, I really mean beginners. I advertise my class as not needing to know how to draw...

No class this week, due to school vacation. Class is held at the high school. To my grand surprise some of my students asked if they could come to my house. They knew I taught classes here and they wanted to continue painting. Wow, apple night isn't the greatest fun, yet they were inspired to paint!

I just love it when people are instantly captivated with oils. The joy on their faces is why I do this. Its so rewarding to give the gift of painting to someone who's never experienced it.

So last night, I planned an additional exercise for three students.

Its only their second time with a brush in their hands. I wasn't sure what to prepare for them. A simple still life was my decision. I gave them the option to do only part of the arrangement if they felt it was too complicated at this stage. They all chose to do the entire grouping.

Posted is the demo I did during class. They followed along with me and left with striking paintings. We all had a unique angle of the still life, making light and shadow different for each student. It turned out to be a great lesson.

I had fun with the tiny still life. I was working on canvas paper, but I'm inclined to finish it just the same. Painting fruit is colorful and fun. I was just getting into the reflections, which is a favorite subject of mine.

So later, teacher will give herself a lesson...

2010

The blank canvas. The big white blank canvas stands before us. Endless possibilities. Hope is in our hearts. Hope for change. Hope for improvement.

What will you do?

Its your canvas. You're in charge. You're the definer of much that will be painted on it. What color will you start with? Will you be timid and begin with a soft pastel or will you be bold and make yourself known with vibrant red? Its your life and I hope your living it. We only get one.

Forget the typical, I'll lose weight. I'll exercise more. Yes of course they're good and healthy, but think bigger. Dream. Really dream! Then set yourself on a path towards it. You don't have to be afraid of doing it alone. We can march on together. Your giant internet support group awaits you!

Have you taken steps to meet a stranger yet? Its a great place to start. Everyone has so much to share. Meet someone new and your mind will suddenly be exposed to new possibilities. Share your ideas and in conversation, a different point of view will add to it, encourage it, inspire it. Suddenly you'll feel the power to try, the power to act on it, emerge and grow. You can make things happen. You can reach out. You can be proud of who you are. You can stand tall and march on with enthusiasm! Dare to imagine and then go do it!

Grab that paintbrush. You know, the biggest one you have and go dip it in red!