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

Saturday, March 23, 2013

The Return

18x24 oil on linen
Its been quite some time since I posted a new painting in my blog. This past month has been one of struggle and introspection. I would like to begin painting and posting regularly and hope this painting marks the beginning of a new and productive phase for me.

One of my clients was kind enough to send me a photo of a painting that she recently purchased and framed. I think her attention to framing the piece so beautifully has really made this little painting sing.  As I always have a bit of separation anxiety when a painting is sold, it helps immeasurable to know that it has found a good home and is highly valued by its new owner. Thank you, Dana, for cherishing this painting.

Equine #7  14x18 oil on linen, framed

36 comments:

  1. Welcome back, Susan! You have been missed!

    You've taken the first jump already, I see, a painting full of action and verve. The horses look so pleased that you have let them out after all this time :0)

    Nice when you get an unexpected photograph of your work, isn't it?

    Nice to see you posting again!

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    1. Thank you, John - for the first time in weeks, I felt comfortable with brush in hand. Its a bit of a relief to say the least!

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  2. Susan , dit is weer een mooi schilderij geworden, vol strijdlust.
    groetjes,
    Simonne

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    1. I really enjoy trying to capture the powerful thrust of horse and rider through space. I think the challenge appeals to me :)!

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  3. Welcome back Susan! You and your wonderful art were missed!
    I absolutely love all your work! But, your horses are my favorite! So much movement, excitement, frivolity and so much more! Makes me happy just picturing you at work. I am wondering if you ever giggle with joy while you are painting. Seeing your work makes me think there is no agony just ecstasy!
    Peace and Art!
    Michael

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    1. Thank you for the warm welcome, Michael - it was a very long month of trying to paint and not being successful. I have had this composition in mind for a while - and I do admit to smiling once in a while when I step back to see how the work is coming along. The connection between horse and rider is one of wonderment and majesty to me.

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  4. "The Return" is very joyful. I sure enjoy your horse paintings, Susan, and other genres too. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next for you. Sometimes there are just other matters of life that take our time and energy... it is good to know you are still painting.

    Thank you for sharing about how you feel when you sell a piece. I loved your statement that you "always have a bit of separation anxiety when a painting is sold, it helps immeasurable to know that it has found a good home and is highly valued by its new owner". That is true for me, too. It's so important to know that others treasure our work and will enjoy it in their homes and offices every day.

    Most of us labor in solitude, doing the work. I realize that some artists don't need to show others what they do, but I think for many of us, it is important to be able to share our art. The viewer is part of the process, like the audience of a stage play.

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    1. I appreciate your thoughtful words so much, Diana. Posting on my blog has become important to me and that causes me surprise. I do work in solitude and those who follow this blog and are kind enough to share their thoughts with me have become a necessary part of my life and of my personal artistic process - something I never thought would happen. I love your final line - the viewer is part of the process, like the audience of a stage play. I am just now really beginning to understand that. Thank you for your support.

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  5. I saw "The Return" painting, and my immediate reaction was "those are HIGH-FLYING horses! Beautiful, so energetic!
    I think Dana has wonderful taste - she selected my favorite painting, and had it exquisitely framed. It looks superb!!!

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    1. Hi, Kathryn - I just saw the video of you and Bruno and I am green with envy. In my mind can see you two flying together just like the horses and riders in this painting!

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  6. both beautiful Susan. I also love the framing of the sold piece, and feel the same way when I see a painting being placed into someone's home as a treasure. You capture something in horses like no one else.

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    1. Hi, Gina - and thank you so much. I don't know why but I am unable to comment on your blog site. But I want you to know that your recent Eiffel tower and wisteria (sp) :) paintings show such freedom and joy! You are painting extraordinarily well!

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  7. Missed your paintings, so glad to see another masterpiece. Also nice the picture of the framed painting!

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    1. You are way too kind, Maike but it certainly felt good to paint this piece - and about time! I love the action you pack onto your small post cards - they are a wonder!

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  8. Welcome back again Susan...I have checked on you several times, and how lovely to see another one of your happy and full of movement paintings :-) Framing just does wonders to a painting even though this one was stunning from the start .

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    1. Thank you so much, Jane - it feels so good to be painting without the recent level of frustration I was experiencing. I agree about framing - it can make or break a painting and, when done well, the painting looks its best!

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  9. So glad to see those soaring horses (and I think I love the background almost as much as the equines)!
    Isn't it wonderful to know that a painting is beloved by its new owners. The frame is so right for that piece.
    Welcome back.

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    1. Hi, Shirley - Its always a bit of a relief to see that a painting is, indeed, well loved and taken care of after it leaves its original home. Foolishly, once in a while I find myself thinking about a painting that I sold years ago and wonder how its doing!

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  10. absolutely wonderful and alive! glad you're back!

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    1. Many thanks, Suzanne - it feels good to be back!

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  11. Tout comme toi ma chère Susan, j'ai toujours une sorte de petite larme qui coule lorsque l'une de mes toiles est vendue... Un étrange sentiment de bonheur et de tristesse... tout comme un enfant quitte la maison...
    C'est très gentil de la part de vos clients cette photo de votre "bébé"...
    Je suis très heureuse d'apprendre que tu nous montreras prochainement de nouvelles oeuvres.
    Cette dernière est pleine de puissance avec ces nuances de couleurs remplies d'énergie.
    J'aime apercevoir au loin le groupe d'admirateurs... peut-être y suis-je ?!! très sûrement !... Il apporte une belle profondeur.
    Gros bisous

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    1. You have expressed the feeling exactly - a strange sense of happiness and sadness when a painting is sold. And thank you for your kind words about this new painting - perhaps I am done with this month of frustration now.

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  12. I am glad you are back and you are fine and creative. The flying horses sure look like start of new productive phase.

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  13. I feel the same way when I sell a painting I love and a photo means so much! I agree - the frame is beautuful... perfect for the painting!
    And your new painting is fabulous! :0)

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    1. Thank you, Sandra. It feels so good to once again feel good at the easel!

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  14. Hi Susan! Glad to see your work again. Hope things are going better now. This painting is amazing. Those horses fly against that beautiful background. So nice you get to see your painting framed too.

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    1. I think I have regained some of my lost confidence Stephanie - I will put it in the past as another artistic slump. They happen to me now and again.

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  15. I have missed you. Love this limited palette and, as usual, such HARMONY!

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    1. Thanks so much, Debbie. Your comment makes me smile! :)

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  16. I have MISSED your paintings, Susan!!!! So glad to see you back again! This one is fantastic..with movement we can really feel...I love the misty atmosphere in the background as well! Wonderful work!!

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    1. Thanks very much - I just finished browsing your site and think you have done a wonderful job with the Master portraits! They were a joy to see!

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  17. Hi Susan, I just love the dynamism and joy you get into your paintings. I hope this one heralds the beginning of the new productive phase you are hoping for.The onset of spring will no doubt help with the feelings of renewal.

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting, Wendy. You are right about spring and the feeling of renewal and renewed ambition!

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!