"Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul." Vincent Van Gogh

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Art Mash 6 and Anniversary Celebrations!

Gary / oil gray toned on canvas panel / 18x14
Gary, with bushels of gray and white hair, was our very poised and professional model in open studio this beautiful Sunday afternoon. He never waivered from his pose and resumed the exact same position after each break. Even so, when we started out, I once again had a bad case of the jitters. Taking a few deep breaths and plunging ahead, I found I could not fit his right hand on my canvas. From past experience, I knew that wiping off and trying again would likely leave him without a foot or with his head cut off, so I decided to press on. I am always amazed by the amount of color that my eyes see at these life sessions - I wish I could always paint from life. But, alas,as that is not possible, I can only hope that lessons learned here will translate into my studio paintings.

Its been a busy month as my husband and I decided to celebrate our anniversary for a full 4 weeks! Last week I had a chance to dress up as we went to the Nightingale Concert Hall to listen to the Reno Chamber Orchestra play an all Beethoven program. The music was powerful, majestic and quite emotional.  I was absolutely swept away by Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano in C major, Op. 56.  This piece was an impassioned conversation between the violin, cello and piano and was completely unforgettable. We are so very lucky that Reno has this level of classical music.

Stephanie Sant'Ambrogio on violin, Ditri Atapine on cello, James Winn at piano and Theodore Kuchar conducting
Our next stop was to the Shriner's Circus at the Reno Events Center. It is a delightful, small town circus that benefits Shiner's Children's Hospitals.  It was apparent that all the animals in the eclectic menagerie trained by this red headed lady loved her immeasurably and equally apparent that she loved them. The entire circus was thoroughly enjoyable and the blue cotton candy the best I have ever had!!



On Wednesday, we are off to the east coast for a true vacation. We are headed to Washington DC and hope to see the cherry trees in bloom, explore the Smithsonian and National Gallery of Art and see as many iconic monuments as we can! See you when we get back!

20 comments:

  1. The hand doesn't matter when you manage to capture the weight of the pose. He certainly appears relaxed and comfortable and that is not easy for sure.
    Great way to celebrate your anniversary and to continue with a vacation. Have a marvelous time - the both of you.

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    1. Thank you, Julie - an anniversary to remember for sure!

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  2. Your jitters are very strange, your life work is as impressive as your studio work and this is no exception. Its a great painting and you really got the gesture and your way with colour is unique and magical. Happy anniversary and enjoy Washington. If the Small French Paintings room is still in the National Gallery it alone is worth the trip in my opinion. Enjoy.

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    1. What a nice comment about my work - thank you so much, Tina. I am back from the trip and loved all I saw in the National Gallery - I will share more of my thoughts and some photos later. What a great trip it was - and the French paintings were astounding!

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  3. I would be jumping up and down if i had painted it and very proud!! I think it is amazing! So painterly and seemingly such confident brushwork. You are an awesome Artist. Accept that and be proud :0)

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    1. I am so very happy you like it! I am usually very hard on myself but I do admit to liking this one!

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  4. Amazing bright colors in Gary's painting! Happy anniversary and enjoy your vacation!

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  5. Susan, it seems like you are having the celebration to beat all celebrations!!! The concert and the circus sound wonderful. And I wish you a super trip in Washington!!!
    Kathryn

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    1. It was a spectacular trip - and hopefully I will share some of it here on my blog as soon as I get a chance!

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  6. How cool to celebrate for 4 weeks ! And the portrait of this distinguished gentleman is really awesome, love the freedom you have with colors !

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    1. Many thanks, Jane - I am happy with this attempt.

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  7. Your painting is wonderful. i wish i could see color the way you do, so adventurous, so alive!

    and Happy Anniversary! what a wonderful idea. have an incredible time and congratulations!

    and thank you so much for your support and caring, it means a lot!

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    1. Thank you so much, my friend. I give you a hug in my heart.

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    1. Thank you, Ashok - my confidence in painting from life is slowly building.

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  9. Excellent life drawing, Susan!! and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!

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    1. It was certainly an anniversary to remember! Now that I have returned, I am anxious to get back to the life sessions!

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!