We escaped to Quebec last week for some much needed rest and relaxation. We first stopped in Montreal and marveled at this beautiful and vibrant city. I was there years ago when I was too young and stupid to appreciate it, so I'm glad we stopped and got to spend some time soaking up the atmosphere. There is one thing that I couldn't quite understand. It's a city of extremely attractive people with an unbelievable ability to consume large amounts of cheese, charcuterie, foie gras, and red wine without looking like little dumplings. Is it the red wine that compensates? I'm just glad that I brought plenty of ENO because my WASP stomach was barely up to the task.
We then moved on to North Hatley, Quebec and stayed at Manoir Hovey which was a place that I'd been itching to go for years. As luck would have it we got bumped up (love when that happens) and got to spend a few days in utter paradise. It was so quiet- even the chipmunks were quiet- ok, I guess they are anyway. I've shared a few photos including one of my handsome husband looking like an' intelligent man with deep thoughts'.....who will likely not be very pleased that I posted it. That other one is the best shot of me from the whole trip.
So now we're back and I'm twiddling my thumbs waiting for some twinge of inspiration to overtake me. I think my mind wasn't used to completely shutting off. Or perhaps it's all the food that has caused a total creative block. I could very well end up painting only chipmunks this week or perhaps cheese. Just warning you.
Oh, and thanks for all of the kind comments about my work in the previous post- it means a lot!
May 13, 2012 | Filed in: Random
The Barbizon Hotel 1953, oil on canvas, 16"x20". For sale on etsy.
I know that I'm really stretching it here with my fantasy interpretation of the Barbizon Hotel For Women in New York during the 1950's. I'm sure the rooms didn't have fireplaces and I think the colour scheme was more in the pinks and greens, but I'm going wild with artistic license here. I think that this hotel is long overdue for a great film or series- perhaps with the same tone and style of Mad Men. It was mentioned on Mad Men at least once as Don Draper was dating a young lady who was staying there. It's a fascinating part of history and had many intriguing residents including Edith Bouvier Beale of Grey Gardens notoriety (pictured), Grace Kelly, Sylvia Plath, Joan Crawford, and Lauren Bacall to name a few. It was a place where women could stay in New York and keep their reputations intact as the rules and regulations were so strict. A dress code was even in place. Sounds like the perfect ingredients for a great story.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW PAINTING ON ETSY.
May 5, 2012 | Filed in: Interiors,Paintings
Champion, oil on canvas, 11"x14". Sold.
On occasion I find myself wondering if my work is too pretty. I know it's not exactly dark and brooding but does it cross a line of being too decorative? I was pondering this the other day while I scuttled around the house putting my income tax return together (last minute). I then jumped in the car and drove in the pouring rain to the post office. During my two minute drive (yes, lazy of me) I encountered a pretty bad road rage incident (thankfully not directed at me for once). When I parked my car at the post office, I got out and witnessed a big red faced guy shouting at the parking meter guy about a ticket he had just received. His language made me blush and I don't blush easy. I then stood in line for about twenty minutes amongst a group of grumbling fellow taxpayers. No one was happy. Everything was damp and grey and loud and it dawned on me that maybe it's not such a bad thing to paint the prettier things in life. Especially on the days where beauty seems scarce. And that is my deep thought for the day.
May 3, 2012 | Filed in: Flora And Fauna
The Runner Up, oil on canvas, 8"x10". Sold.
May 3, 2012 | Filed in: Flora And Fauna
Girl Talk, oil on canvas, 5"x7". Sold.
It appears the cousins have grown tired of dress up and have decided to spend some time in the sun with some health food to fortify themselves.
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW PAINTING ON ETSY.
April 28, 2012 | Filed in: Black Walnut Manor
