Blair painted two portraits this week, this one of Sharon.
I am sitting in the sunshine, FINALLY, and able to write artnotes. It rained every day last week, and more is on the way. I can’t write a happy story when the sky is grey, which could prove to be a problem in the coming months.
Giverny Wet Laurie Fox Pessemier Acrylic on linen 16.5 x 11 inches
I am writing from bed with a fever, after having painted at Giverny in the rain Thursday evening – I was soaked to the skin. I am hoping malady this will pass without a trip to the doctor. I think that maybe I just need a few days to warm up and to THINK.
My nephew, Henry, gets a cold once in a while and he lies on the couch surrounded by crumpled-up kleenex. “He just needs time to think, “ I tell my sister. My nephews lead a busy life with school and sports, music lessons and recreation.
A second portrait by Blair
Kids always seem to know what’s right for them (within limits, of course). I was much more self-assured fifty years ago. I always knew what I wanted to do (paint, and write stories!) before I got all confused about “making a living”.
I few years ago I asked Joel, the wine merchant in our old neighborhood, what he would do if he won the lotto. “I’d keep right on doing what I am doing now,” he replied. I was flabbergasted. For the first time realized work didn’t have to be “work”.
My niece just left her job at McDonald's for a position with Verizon. She loved McDonalds and the older customers, especially, loved her bubbly personality. It remains to be seen if she will stay at the new post or return to where she was happier.
Notre Dame Grey Day Laurie Fox Pessemier Acrylic on linen 13 x 16 inches
Blair and I really enjoy running the painting workshops. Our painters this week were all good painters, with wildly divergent styles. We painted near Notre Dame, out at Auvers-sur-Oise and at Giverny with them. “You are part of my bucket list,” one told me.
It made me feel I was making a difference, which maybe ought to be what life is about, rather than making a living. Joel loved selling wine to the neighborhood, choosing flavors he thinks will match our palate, and being at the shop.
My only objection to painting as a profession was that it was solitary. Now we paint with others.
Laurie and Blair Pessemier
No comments:
Post a Comment