The island

There was magic on Deer Isle.

I thought I was going to Blue Hill to paint the lupines for a week. Blue Hill is both a peninsula and a town on the peninsula. The lovely home I rented was off the tip of the peninsula, on Deer Isle. Little did I know, once on the island, you don't leave...

There's no need to. No desire to.

The quiet charming beauty grows stronger on you as the days go by. By midweek, we were all contemplating buying a house here. The island had a magic pull and it caught us, full force. The people. The ways of the island. The magnificent flowers. The amazing coastline. The incredible light.

Yet another artists' paradise...

A slowed down pace was the heartbeat of the island. Karen, Chris and I set our easels up in the lupines. Literally.

It was on Ken's property. We never asked permission to be there, though there was a phone number posted on a tiny sign. The lupines had cast a spell on us and we simply couldn't resist jumping right in.

It wasn't long before a red truck pulled up. Was it Ken? The three of us were giggling as the man parked. Would he kick us out? What would he say? We were after-all, in his yard.

It was Denis. He said Ken would arrive soon. No, not a problem that we're there. Just the opposite, in fact. It was seen as a great compliment to have artists on your property! Lucky us. They even took a series of photographs. The three nutty ladies... painting in their lupines.

We returned to the lovely spot on the cove for several days. Over and over, several times a day, Denis stopped by to chat. Didn't he need to be at work? The daily pace here on the island was reminiscent of that of Ireland. People, free and happy to stop and talk with you. Like they had nothing else to do that day... How I'd love to figure out how to live that way! It really makes me wonder why we spend so much time rushing around. Could it really be unnecessary? These people seemed to think so.

Smiles beamed from the local's faces. There was a great sense of excitement in the air that folks had come to visit them and their precious island. They were genuinely happy to greet their tourists. Wow. That doesn't happen everywhere...

We were very productive during our stay. I have many paintings started and will be working to complete them soon. Karen Choquet has her first exhibit, a solo exhibit at that, scheduled to hang on Thursday. She too will be putting finishing touches on her new works soon!

Its been a great week...

Thanks for stopping by. You're visit is much appreciated.

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!

Water Ballerina

Water Ballerina

Original oil painting 11x14"

by Susan Roux

I took Martine-Alison for a walk. From my home, we can easily walk to two different ponds, though the forest keeps them hidden. She brought her camera. It was a beautifully warm, sunny day and we took our time strolling, benefitting from the pleasures nature offers. Our senses enjoyed the many sights and sounds, from birds to frogs to packs of just-emerged dragonflies that danced around merrily and even landed on us as tiny hitchhikers.

It was a day of simple pleasures.

The beach was filled with mothers and toddlers. Older children were still at school. We sat for awhile watching the activity. Martine-Alison instantly focused on a darling girl swimming in a ballerina tutu. Captivated from the little girls movements, her camera pointed at no one else. She thought she was taking pictures for me to use, as she knows I adore painting children at the beach.

But that didn't totally turn out to be the reality...

Once home, she decided to paint her too. We've always wanted to paint the same person together. Now we had the chance.

To make this happen, during our quickly diminishing visit, she had to deviate from her normal process. Typically she paints her 20x20" canvases with brushes smaller than my signing brush. Can you believe it? Smaller than a signing brush..?

It takes her nearly a month to complete one, though she paints day-in day-out. It was obvious we needed to speed up her process.

I passed her a cluster of larger brushes. At a half-inch wide, they seemed enormous to her! I laughed. She wanted to attempt my method. "Teach me," she said. (like she needs teaching...) So, bravely abandoning her comfort, Martine-Alison played with paint on a canvas whose finish is much rougher than her own. She's never painted so quickly!

Water Ballerina

Original oil painting 14x11"

by Martine-Alison

Four artists gathered here to have a painting party. It was the perfect activity for a rainy day. Svetlana Beattie saw what we were painting and she too decided to paint the little girl. Music was turned on. Of course it was Luka Bloom... Such a wonderful serenader for the activity of painting. Our bodies swayed like our brushes to his magical, dreamy music. The artists all said it was the best music to paint to.

It created a mood. An energy in the room. Suddenly Svetlana asked, in her strong Russian accent, if Luka just said, ballerina?

Oh yes, I replied. Ballerina, just like we're painting. Its my favorite song, Water Ballerina.

Water Ballerina? Its exactly what we're painting! she remarked.

Oh yes it was. And there suddenly, came the title to all of our paintings...

Water Ballerina

Original oil painting 14x11"

by Svetlana Beattie

I told Svetlana how I bumped into Luka while strolling castle grounds in Ireland. Our encounter amazed her. His spirit was circling in the room, affecting how we painted. She said I must write to Luka to thank him for his inspiration. So Luka, if you're listening, I just want you to know how wonderfully inspiring your music is. Its the perfect accompaniment for painting. You continue to chant me away to my glorious painting-zone...

We have three artists versions of a sweet little swimmer. They are as different as the artists are. One impressionistic, one an experiment and one that I'm finally happy with.

Too bad the child's mother will never know her daughter is artistically-captured for all eternity. Three times..!

Martine-Alison arrives

Susan Roux and Martine-Alison

Martine-Alison arrived in New England from France on Thursday. Ever since, we've had a terrible time. Never a good moment!

I haven't ever been so miserable...

It poured every day and there wasn't a good drink to be found anywhere!

Hope you're all having as terrible a time as I am...

Are artists ever satisfied?

Geranium Garden (detail)

Original oil painting 12x16"

by Susan Roux

I visited Rahina Q.H.'s site this morning and she admitted destroying a lot of her paintings during the past few weeks. It reminded me of a conversation I just had yesterday with artist/friend, Sandy Dunn.

Is an artist ever satisfied?

Sandy thought yes. Masters who know exactly how to capture what they want to convey and are in total control, must be satisfied. As we talked further on the subject, we were both left really wondering.

I recently did a painting and got to the point where the canvas was covered and appeared complete. It struck me because, years ago I would have been very satisfied with my achievement. Now however, I was not. There was a feeling I'd set out to capture that wasn't present. I contemplated for a few days trying to decide how to continue. I did return to the canvas, improving the feeling, but wishing I had nailed it better.

We discussed this. As an artist improves, does his or her expectations increase? And if so, will we ever be satisfied? Or... do the artist's expectations continue to increase at an equal rate to their seasoned ability, never allowing satisfaction?

I think we'll never be satisfied.

That's not to say there won't be a few paintings along the way that we are happy with. It just seems to me the further I get in this art world, the more I try to push myself and the less I feel satisfied with my work. Perhaps this on-going tug is what propels us. What drives us. Dare I say, sometimes insanely, to create and capture that which we have never achieved. I seem to want to be in control. I feel I should be in control. But too often, I feel like I don't even know what I'm doing!

Painting is hard.

I think it will always be hard. No matter how seasoned an artist we become. Yes, we'll figure out some things and be in control of those. But we'll always want to be in control of more. Like a crazy carnival ride that has us feeling like were flying by the seat of our pants, each painting gives us that same exhilarating rush. We're forever addicted to this seemingly idle activity, that really has our insides jumping and twisted completely out of control!

Sandy and I painted outdoors for the first time this year. Relaxed in the haven of my garden, we both found ourselves anxious. Forgetting how to paint in plein air fell upon our shoulders... Each year it seems occur. How to incorporate what we've learned in the studio during the past year, to the outdoors. It was less scary doing it together. Sandy and I are good for each other. Encouragement eased the anxiety.

Posted is a close-up of the painting I did. Here is the full painting.

The detail version was my favorite part of the painting. I decided to try another capturing that dreamy feeling. This is the outcome.

I want to attempt a third, using the top version as my guide. It will be interesting to see if I can achieve this feeling again... (note: the harsh visible darks are only present in the photos.)

Are we ever satisfied?

Perhaps the real question should be, "Do we ever stop learning?" And the answer is, "I don't think we do."

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!

Beach morning

Beach House

Original oil painting 18x24"

by Susan Roux

This painting was off to a great start. You remember how exhausted I was when it first started pouring out of me? Well it wasn't without some toiling and suffering before it reached completion.

Its becoming a trend.

I'm not sure why, but it seems they all have a great start. I'm encouraged and inspired. But when it comes to the finish, it starts to breakdown. After this happens on too many paintings its easy to get yourself hoaxed, creating an unnecessary fear.

Yesterday Svetlana came to paint for the day. She said my problem in finishing was only that I was tired. She thinks I'm spreading myself out too thin and when the mind is tired, completing a painting becomes difficult.

Her words were comforting to hear.

So with a tiny bit of additional strokes this painting found itself. I have so much trouble capturing my art in photos, so I'd like to inform you that it is soft and dreamy and not stark as it appears here. For some reason, the softness shows up much better in the close-ups. Therefore I've included some for you...

I really neutralized the background to depict distance. Detail on the house is kept to a minimum. I left a one-inch hard edge on the sun/shadow corner and a longer strip under the overhang to lead the eye. The windows however were left ghostly. I wanted the feeling of a house without the painting being about the house. I was interested in capturing the morning light.

Svetlana called this my waterfall of leaves.

I remember this day at the beach house very well. My brother-in-law does work for the owners and often invites us. Its a rental property on the ocean with a private beach that expands a long way. Nearby is a small public beach. The two are separated by a long rock jetty that is only exposed at low tide and covered with slippery seaweed. Few people trudge across the breakwater, leaving the private part very private.

We had been invited to spend the weekend.

How glorious an invitation! We slept in the bedroom at the left front window. Its yellow and sunny with a white sheer curtain that blows gently into the room when the window is open.

The window is always open...

The sound of the waves either keep you awake, or put you to sleep. I love listening. The window overlooks the ocean which is facing east. As the sun began to rise, the wonderful morning light woke me up.

I slipped out of bed quietly, put on my clothes, grabbed my camera and tiptoed out the sliders to walk the beach.

I stayed out for nearly an hour. In complete solitude I enjoyed the morning light, brilliant with intensity, warm my body as it rose. I was so absorbed in the moment, cherishing it all. I watched as the colors which kissed the seascape changed from yellows to pinks.

The waves with their rhythm broke gently as they reached the shore. Seagulls danced at the edge, their white feathers catching the light.

Oh, it was a wonderful moment indeed.

As I returned to the house, I caught the image that inspired this painting. It too was standing there watching and absorbing the morning sun...

I wasn't alone to view the splendor after all.