Artnotes: Seeing

 

Pink Poppy  Laurie Pessemier  acrylic/black paper  11.5 x 8"    29  x 21 cm   120.00

It’s gone from the Flood to Dante’s Inferno this past week.  We are over 90 degrees in Rocca Malatina, and 100 in Stimigliano.   I take Berlino for a walk well before 7, when the oven turns on and the wildlife runs for shade – we were just a few feet away from a deer the other day.  His friend was in the bushes, harrumphing – it was the first time I heard deer talk.   I am desperately seeking lodging in the much cooler Munich area for the month of July, where we will paint and study the Blaue Reiter group of painters (and drink beers and eat wurst with Berlino in the beer garden).  Remember Rain?  Blair Pessemier  Acrylic/canvas  12 x 12"  30 x 30  490.00 I have been trying to get my chapel in the back yard finished before it’s too hot.  Sadly, it’s in the sun from about 11 AM until 4 in the afternoon.  I am not mentioning the two scorpions I found there, one as large as a shrew or small mouse.   Were these factors not bad enough:  the building is too short for me to stand up in.  I feel like Alice in Wonderland. About Bavaria   Blair Pessemier  Acrylic/canvas  16 x 16"  40 x 40  550.00 I recall Alice as a true Wonderland experience.   I was given a ViewMaster picture viewer as a child, and the story of Alice in Wonderland was one of my first reels.   I could look through the oculars and there she was, wearing a blue dress with white pinafore, and the rabbit was standing next to her.  It was a super-clear, extraordinary photograph, and I would sit for long periods, studying the details: the bench, the garden, a gazebo.  I also had a reel of world cities, equally mesmerizing, with castles and mountains.  What’s the big deal, you ask?   Because I was near sighted as a child, I could never see the details of anything – who knew?  I could stand on the bridge in the center of town and not be able to make out the ripples in the river below.  I could never read a license plate.   To see the 3-dimensional Golden Gate bridge in the ViewMaster was a MIRACLE.   Finally, after extreme humiliation at the blackboard in school (my class of 48 students laughing at me uproariously) I got my first pair of glasses, age 10. Four Faces  Laurie Fox Pessemier   8.5 x 11 (approx)"  21 x 29cm  120 each 2 for 200.00 Seeing is a big deal as an artist.  We tailor our work according to our eyes.  I had a workshop painter (we were at Giverny) who was furious that her doctor corrected her eyesight while fixing her cataract.  She used to remove her glasses to see those fuzzy bright colors we enjoy painting so much.  Monet’s eyesight played a role in his waterlilies – and we artists paint similarly.   Both Blair and I remove our glasses from time to time to not focus on the details, but to see the big bright picture.  We both do enjoy seeing properly with our glasses on, but we’re not sure we’ll let the doctor “fix” our eyes if we need cataract repair.   I might.  I can always buy cheap clear glasses and smear them up a bit. In the Good Fortune Pitcher   Laurie Fox Pessemier  Acrylic/paper   17 x 11.  42 x 29cm    210.00 I try hard to capture unseeing, as well as a childlike attitude, in my paintings.  Forgetting what is learned is harder than learning it. Dancing Wild  Laurie Fox Pessemier  Acrylic/vintage paper     11 x 8.5"  27 x 21cm  120.00 HOUSEKEEPING:  We make art to order, include Portraits by Blair Pessemier. Follow us on Instagram @lauriepessemier If you’d like to visit/take a painting workshop: https://www.pessemierworkshops.com See all of our work at https://paintfox.com Most of our work is available as reproductions, custom sized and framed (made in USA). sign up for Artnotes, our weekly art missive, by contacting me at lfpessemier@gmail.com or https://mailchi.mp/341f508cecf8/artnotes INVITING All Artists to present their Work:   Paint, Literature, Crafts, Food.... Pessemier's Sunday Salon Weekly on Sunday  No Reservation Necessary   How it works: Bring a piece of your ART: that could be visual, like painting or printmaking; or literary, as in poetry or prose; or crafts, like metalwork or knitting; or food, or music.  Something you made, or feel particularly inspired by.  You have about 5 minutes to present, and we'll ooh, ahh, or answer questions you have.  You can also come and see how we work before diving in.  Just show up on Zoom at a minute or two before the hour.    No selling, no networking until after everyone has presented.  NO POLITICS please. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88093708954?pwd=M04zNHB4dFZkREp3bThweUd1YnVDZz09 Meeting ID: 880 9370 8954 Passcode: 886402 Rome 8PM; NY 2 PM; LosAngeles 11AM

Artnotes: Heehaw

 

Sea Terms    Laurie Pessemier  acrylic/paper  11x 8.5" 29  x 21 cm   .120.00

We finally decided to visit the Palazzo Ducale in Mantova on our own, after two years of trying to bring guests there.    I have been dying to see the iconic “Camera degli Sposi” (the room of the newly married, or bridal chamber).  The occasion of our 45th wedding anniversary (8 June) seemed the appropriate moment.   The room is famous for the circular ceiling painting by Mantegna, and the paintings on the surrounding walls are equally lovely.   On one wall, there is a very good example of a Spinone (Berlino’s breed of dog) sitting beneath a chair; he is almost recognizable AS Berlino. Mantova (Mantua), Mantegna's ceiling fresco, Berlino in the Camera degli Sposi We walked through the entire palazzo, the homestead wonder of the Gonzaga family, who occupied it from the 1300s to 1700s.    The place is enormous (950+ rooms, 350,000 square feet – although it didn’t feel quite THAT large, but who’s measuring?) and especially interesting for the fact it is a true in-CITY palazzo.   And it’s not the only thing going on in Mantova – the nearby Palazzo di Te is an equal pleasure (and a perfect Renaissance piece of Architecture).  Mozart played in the Teatro Bibiena here, which continues to host musical events.    There are boat cruises on the river which surrounds the city:  I always know I am in Mantova because I can (pleasantly) smell water when I step out of the car. Laughing Sailor from the Old Curiosity Shop  Blair Pessemier  Acrylic/canvas    490.00 There is work by artists other than Mantegna, including some great partially finished frescoes by Pisanelli (I love this because you can see HOW frescoes are made).   There are gardens of boxwood and flowers, and grassy lawns.  While we were there a celebration of the 221st anniversary of the Carbinieri was taking place in one of the courtyards.  I think it is so interesting that this place doesn’t sit and languish but continues to be part of the community.  There’s nothing more ecological than a place that has remained useful for so many years (700 and counting).   Sparsely visited on the 3rd of June, except for very few tour groups, we had many areas completely to ourselves.  We did manage to run into someone we dined with once in Stimigliano – Italy is a small world, and people you know are always delighted to connect. Along the way: trees  Laurie Fox Pessemier  Acrylic/paper 8 x 8"  20 x 20cm   90.00 We drove home after a mediocre lunch – there were a series of restaurants on the square, and we mistakenly sat in the dud (is that why there were so many seats?).   It was right next door to the one where Blair had donkey last time.  Hee haw.    Trying to think Butterfly but feeling like a Bee  Laurie Pessemier Acrylic/paper  8.5  x 11" 21 x 29cm  120.00 each. HOUSEKEEPING:  We make art to order, include Portraits by Blair Pessemier. Follow us on Instagram @lauriepessemier If you’d like to visit/take a painting workshop: https://www.pessemierworkshops.com See all of our work at https://paintfox.com Most of our work is available as reproductions, custom sized and framed, within the USA. sign up for Artnotes, our weekly art missive, by contacting me at lfpessemier@gmail.com or https://mailchi.mp/341f508cecf8/artnotes INVITING All Artists to present their Work:   Paint, Literature, Crafts, Food.... Pessemier's Sunday Salon Weekly on Sunday  No Reservation Necessary   How it works: Bring a piece of your ART: that could be visual, like painting or printmaking; or literary, as in poetry or prose; or crafts, like metalwork or knitting; or food, or music.  Something you made, or feel particularly inspired by.  You have about 5 minutes to present, and we'll ooh, ahh, or answer questions you have.  You can also come and see how we work before diving in.  Just show up on Zoom at a minute or two before the hour.    No selling, no networking until after everyone has presented.  NO POLITICS please. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88093708954?pwd=M04zNHB4dFZkREp3bThweUd1YnVDZz09 Meeting ID: 880 9370 8954 Passcode: 886402 Rome 8PM; NY 2 PM; LosAngeles 11AM

Artnotes: A Dip

 

The Grand Berlino    Laurie Pessemier  acrylic/paper 16 x 35"  40 x 89cm   .390.00

It was a week of maintenance, lots of little jobs to do before the summer really sets in.  We got a load of dirt to fill Berlino’s holes in the yard (the badger isn’t taking this lying down).  We’ve been eating lunch and dinner at the outdoor table.   I’ve eradicated the bugs from the chapel in the back yard and will start painting magical images soon. We finished hanging our floral show at the gallery – despite the small turnout, we both find real pleasure in hanging our work and displaying it there at 963 via d’Azeglio.   I know some people stop by there, because our (currently non-working) QR code gets scanned. I used to be able to get free codes:  those little squares indicating a web page, but now everything seems to cost 19.99 a month.  I thought this one would be free, but in fact, it stopped working.  I have only had 4 of those codes in the last 20 years, so the idea of paying 19.99 a month seems ridiculous.   Mountain View 1 and 2   Blair Pessemier Acrylic/canvas  12 x 12 and 12 x 16"   490 each. Gosh, this Artnotes makes me seem like a cheapskate.  I am not really.  Last night, I talked to a friend about dispersing his household near Seattle – and I suggested he just give the stuff away (including my classic painting: this car climbed Mount Washington).   I told him how, in Paris, for a week (back in 2015), we put our furniture out onto the sidewalk for pickup.  Every day, people would take something:  a chair, a table, an accordion, a set of dishes.  At the end of the week, people still lined up, hoping for more.  Meanwhile, they thanked us profusely and the universe made sure we found things, too Roses in the new Vase    Laurie Fox Pessemier  about 11 x 8"   90.00 each or the 4 for 290.00 We did buy a rather lovely vase for just 5 euros at the ANT thrift store this week.   Also we bought three lovely scarves (a euro each) I am turning into shirts.  It’s turned hot out, and I need breezy clothes.   I sit in my studio painting nudes (they’re cool) and preparing a catalog of them to send to designers.  I’ll include them next artnotes. We made it to the old Fountain of Youth this week.  There was a herd of errant cows on the way, and it took some time to negotiate them.  They are as big as our car (I can’t imagine how they got them back).   At the river, broken, storm-crashed trees were pushed to the side and the swimming hole was well, whole again.   I can’t wait for a dip. Figures   Laurie Pessemier  acrylic/paper  11 x 8.5"  90 each NOTES: All of our work is now available as reproductions, on paper, canvas and framed.      Sign up for Artnotes by contacting me at lfpessemier@gmail.com INVITING All Artists to present their Work:   Paint, Literature, Crafts, Food.... Pessemier's Sunday Salon Weekly on Sunday  No Reservation Necessary   How it works: Bring a piece of your ART: that could be visual, like painting or printmaking; or literary, as in poetry or prose; or crafts, like metalwork or knitting; or food, or music.  Something you made, or feel particularly inspired by.  You have about 5 minutes to present, and we'll ooh, ahh, or answer questions you have.  You can also come and see how we work before diving in.  Just show up on Zoom at a minute or two before the hour.    No selling, no networking until after everyone has presented.  NO POLITICS please. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88093708954?pwd=M04zNHB4dFZkREp3bThweUd1YnVDZz09 Meeting ID: 880 9370 8954 Passcode: 886402 Rome 8PM; NY 2 PM; LosAngeles 11AM

Artnotes: Keeping On

Lavender Iris Blair Pessemier  acrylic/canvas 16 x 12"  40 x 30cm   .490.00

When I awoke on this rainy Friday, I bemoaned the fact I just wanted to visit the library across the street from our old Paris apartment.   As a consolation, we went to one of my favorite places:   The Labyrinth and Museum of Franco Maria Ricci, just outside of Parma Pippistrello (Bat)  Laurie Pessemier acrylic/paper 11 x 8.5"  28 x 21 cm   125.00 Franco Maria Ricci (1937-2020) was an important publisher, bibliophile, art collector, and also the creative mind behind the Labirinto della Masone, the world’s largest maze, in Fontanellato, Italy. The museum itself is a collection of the beautiful and unusual.   There are sculptures in marble, bronze, terra cotta and stone that emphasize the expressiveness of Italian artists.  There are paintings and drawings that span centuries.  And FMR’s printed output and design line the walls of part of the museum (we are encouraged to sit and peruse the publications). Yellow Petunias  Blair Pessemier  Acrylic/canvas  20 x 8"  50 x 20cm  425.00 In fact, we went to see a show of the work of the little known Luigi Serafini.   These art pieces, from drawing to painting to sculpture, are somewhere between surrealism and comics, futurist and dada art.  Serafini drew pictures of the creation of the world, using his favorite items:  eggs, skeletons and rainbows.  They make one laugh – rabbits taking off their furs for cleaning and turning into chickens, for example.  Or a sculpture of “do not enter” signs in fine porcelain entering a larger do not enter sign; the Last Judgement as an egg throwing contest; a happy alligator replacing a pretty girl in her bed.   Two inch round fried ceramic eggs dot the walls of the gallery.   These images are all impeccably executed.  It was a breath of fresh, laughing-gas-filled air.     Dancers On watercolor paper; on printed page Laurie Pessemier  approx 8 x 11.5" 21  x 28cm   100.00 ea The longer I live in Italy, the closer I come to understanding the culture.  I am studying each and every aspect, peeling the “cipolla” (onion) and finding each layer more beautiful than the last. Italian culture (understandably) gets bogged down in Renaissance Art and Architecture, and it’s sometimes hard to see what else is there.  Especially the more contemporary things.  But Blair and I have been seeing so many 20th and 21st century artists and designers we really like.    It must be like having a super talented parent, and generations to come feel they can’t eclipse what’s been done.   But there are so many great things:  Gio Ponti, di Pisis, Depero, Franco Maria Ricci. Red Petunias   Laurie Fox Pessemier  Acrylic/vintage paper  8 x 11.5"  28 x 21cm    100 each or 4 for 325.00 FMR’s classic Jaguar XKE (described by Enzo Ferrari as “The most beautiful car ever made”) in the atrium of the museum/labyrinth complex always catches Blair’s eye.  I take the minute to step into the labyrinth to listen to the bamboo.  It tells me “keep on”.   by the Sea    Laurie Pessemier  acrylic/paper   40 x 18  140 each NOTES: All of our work is now available as reproductions, on paper, canvas and framed.      Sign up for Artnotes by contacting me at lfpessemier@gmail.com INVITING All Artists to present their Work:   Paint, Literature, Crafts, Food.... Pessemier's Sunday Salon Weekly on Sunday  No Reservation Necessary   How it works: Bring a piece of your ART: that could be visual, like painting or printmaking; or literary, as in poetry or prose; or crafts, like metalwork or knitting; or food, or music.  Something you made, or feel particularly inspired by.  You have about 5 minutes to present, and we'll ooh, ahh, or answer questions you have.  You can also come and see how we work before diving in.  Just show up on Zoom at a minute or two before the hour.    No selling, no networking until after everyone has presented.  NO POLITICS please. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88093708954?pwd=M04zNHB4dFZkREp3bThweUd1YnVDZz09 Meeting ID: 880 9370 8954 Passcode: 886402 Rome 8PM; NY 2 PM; LosAngeles 11AM