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

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Portrait Painting and New Gallery

Tuna / 14x11 / oil on canvas
Life is slowly returning to a more normal routine now that I have returned from vacation, recovered from jet lag, shipped my two entries off to the Women Artists of the West exhibition in San Diego and attended the portrait society session this week. Tuna (yes that is his name - apparently it was a nickname that stuck) was our model and he did a great job for his first time modeling. He will be running for public office in Reno in November and spoke a lot about the real estate market as we painted him. Interestingly, I was so focused on the painting that I can't remember any of the details of the conversation or the office that he aspires to.  All I remember is that it is not Mayor!

Susan Roux of the Roux and Cyr International Gallery of Fine Art in Portland, Maine was kind enough to send me some photos of the gallery in the final stages of renovation. It will be ready and open for business in May. The gallery has new paint, new carpeting, refinished hardwood flooring and wonderful art from around the world waiting to be hung. In addition to being a beautiful, light filled space to display art, the gallery will have weekly classes and host workshops. It promises to be a dynamic and exciting venture and I am happy to be part of it!





The Mayor of Portland will be participating in an official ribbon cutting ceremony on May 2 at 5:00 PM. It marks the soft opening of the gallery and the commencement of  First Friday Art Walks and will be open to the public. Then the Grand Opening celebration will be on Saturday May 24 from 5:30 - 8:00. I wish I could be there! I heartily invite any of my blog readers who are in the Portland area to stop by and enjoy the celebrations and the international fine art that will be displayed.
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20 comments:

  1. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comApril 24, 2014 at 2:49 PM

    You are obviously becoming so very comfortable with capturing the life portrait with paint. Maybe drawing the portrait would now seem strange? You do them both very, very well. Do you have a preference or just enjoying the challenge each way brings?

    The new gallery will be marvelous for both the artists and the area.

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    1. SusanApril 28, 2014 at 1:42 PM

      I suppose I am becoming more comfortable in painting from life - and in front of other people! It took a while : O ! I love drawing but since switching to oils during the life sessions, I almost regret that I did graphite sketches for so long. Now, if I don't feel like painting, I almost feel guilty - like I am losing a wonderful opportunity to paint from life! Thank you for the nice comment about the gallery - I have great hopes for its success!

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  2. Linda RothApril 24, 2014 at 3:03 PM

    Following in your footsteps, I'm going to a figurative drawing open studio tomorrow, but taking paint didn't even occur to me! Maybe a few sessions down the road? Charcoal will be a good enough medium to break the ice.

    I would have loved to have gotten to Portland when we were in Seattle. I guess we will have to go back. The gallery looks terrific--and the idea of offering classes and workshops is terrific. Another good idea is offering musical entertainment--quartets or pianist, etc--wine tastings--every now and then to bring in the non painting, painting buyers. Artists usually trade their work. The public buys art. Those are the folks to go after. Too pushy a suggestion? I hope not. I just tallied up what I spent on supplies in March. I never kept track before. I don't think I want to again. :-))

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    1. SusanApril 28, 2014 at 1:45 PM

      Good for you, Linda! I can't wait to see your life work. Its such an exhilaration to draw and paint from life. I have no doubt that you will become addicted - as I have!
      This new gallery is in Portland, Maine! Susan Roux and Paul Cyr are really putting a lot of thought and planning into this new space. There are Art Walks on Fridays during the summer and I have a feeling that music, wine and cheese will be part of that! I never tally up my expenses either - I am afraid to!

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  3. hmuxoApril 24, 2014 at 5:23 PM

    Oh Susan! This is going to be such an exciting time in your life... the gallery looks amazing and even better when your paintings are on display!! I only wish I can visit...maybe someday. Your portrait is beautiful! I always love all the colors you use on the face!!

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    1. SusanApril 28, 2014 at 1:46 PM

      Oh, Hilda - you are such a dear! Yes, its all very exciting and I could not be happier about the new gallery. I hope I can get to visit it in person one day as well!

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  4. Maike JosupeitApril 25, 2014 at 12:16 AM

    Congratulation Susan to your beautyful painting ( as always) and your new gallery. Hope you will sell a lot:) all the best from Germany, Maike

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    1. SusanApril 28, 2014 at 1:46 PM

      Many thanks, Maike - I must admit, I would not mind a few sales. My house is stuffed with paintings and I need to make room for more!

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  5. Studio at the FarmApril 25, 2014 at 5:00 AM

    The news about the new gallery is exciting, and, even in its unfinished state, it looks like such a stunning and captivating venue for paintings! I wish you all the very best with your business there, Susan!!
    Kathryn

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    1. SusanApril 28, 2014 at 1:47 PM

      Thank you so much, Kathryn - I have such a good feeling about this venture! I hope I am correct!

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  6. suzanneberryApril 25, 2014 at 8:58 AM

    Beautiful portrait my friend and all the luck in Susan's new gallery!

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    1. SusanApril 28, 2014 at 1:48 PM

      Hi, Suzanne! So nice to hear from you, my friend! Thank you for your good wishes!

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  7. Sandra BusbyApril 26, 2014 at 2:06 AM

    What a fabulous portrait! All those colours and lively strokes... Wonderful!!
    And congratulations on the Gallery! That is SO exciting!!! 0)

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    1. SusanApril 28, 2014 at 1:48 PM

      I just signed up for your quarterly new letter, Sandra! How fun!

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  8. martinealisonApril 26, 2014 at 7:59 AM

    Bonjour ma chère Susan,

    Bienvenue chez toi Susan !
    Ce dernier portrait que j'admire est grandiose. J'aime ta touche particulière qui lui attribue une attitude seigneuriale... Une belle peinture.
    J'ai beaucoup apprécié évidemment de recevoir comme toi ce gentil mail de Susan nous informant l'évolution de la rénovation colossale des lieux où va naître sa galerie. J'aurais été heureuse de pouvoir assister à son "baptême" ce 2 mai prochain... Toutefois je suis très heureuse que certains de mes bébés partageront les murs avec les tiens... Je te fais de gros bisous et te souhaite une excellent weekend.

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    1. SusanApril 28, 2014 at 1:51 PM

      I am so delighted that your lovely, sensual and feminine women will be next to my large sensual and athletic women in this new gallery! Together they should make quite a visual feast! Thank you kindly for your support, MartineAlison!

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  9. Simonne's fantasiestudioApril 26, 2014 at 2:39 PM

    Prachtig portret Susan, precies een sprookjesfiguur.
    Succes met je nieuwe gallerie....
    groetjes,
    Simonne

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    1. SusanApril 28, 2014 at 1:52 PM

      I hope it is a great success - thank you, Simmone!

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  10. irinapicturesApril 27, 2014 at 12:57 PM

    I see strong progress in your portraits paintings.
    Good luck to your girls in Portland!
    I like so much your vacation photos, time to plan my vacation, too.

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    1. SusanApril 28, 2014 at 1:52 PM

      Many thanks, Irina - I am becoming more comfortable in painting from life.

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!

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