Berlino in Camoflauge Blair Pessemier Acrylic/ canvas 16 x 20" 40 x 50cm 590.00
When I close my eyes right now, I have that image of Christ stepping out of the Sarcaphogus behind the Sleeping Soldiers: a large painting by Piero della Francesca. It is one of the most powerful pieces of artwork I have ever seen and we just saw it on Tuesday.
We took one of those impromptu, let’s-just-go escapades this week. I had been painting holy cards, trying to find just the right image for a commission by a friend. Among those was a “Misericordia” Madonna by Piero della Francesco (the Misericordia Madonna is the motif in which Mary protects all of her followers beneath her skirts). This is what prompted our trip to San Sepolcro, in Tuscany.
Zinnia Laurie Pessemier Acrylic/canvas/oil pastel 16.5 x 10.5" 41 x 27cm 495.00
Piero della Francesca was born in San Sepolcro (not far from where Michelangelo was born, a few years later). The City Hall there has a modest but incredible selection of Piero della Francesco’s work, as well as two choice pieces by the della Robbias, one image of which I painted a few years ago. It was a terrific little museum. They let Berlino sit in the lobby and gave him water and dog biscuits (he adopted the Misericordia pose, hiding beneath my skirt).
I have been painting small (6 x 3.5") holy images this week. Before you jump all over me for “religious” ideas, I want to remind you of the Greek god and goddess statues you’ve admired, Stonehenge, the trips to Israel, and Buddhist temples throughout Asia. I can paint Madonnas without going all religious, but rather celebrating birth: of people, of movements, of new ideas. I also like the theme of Resurrection: Spring. Those trees and flowers come back to life every year, Nature willing. Other wonderful themes: Jonah and the Whale (never give up), the story of the loaves and fishes (there will be enough to go around), turning water into wine, and maybe my favorite artwork of all time: Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. I mean, what could be better than beautiful art and a large dinner party?
Chinese Dinner at 6719 Flora S. Blair Pessemier Acrylic/canvas 16 x 20" 40 x 50cm 590.00
We drove rather harrowing route through over the central Apennines, to San Sepolcro. There were many one lane bridges (E35 was being renovated) over giant ravines – my palms were sweaty. San Sepolcro is a terrific little town, with almost zero tourists. As we waited for our luncheon restaurant, two wonderful ladies started talking to me. “Are you from here?” they asked. They sat with their partners, at an adjacent table: “where are YOU from?” I asked them. Funny question, they replied in English: The men are from Ireland and Wales, and we are from Egypt. We all live in Cairo, and we’re avoiding Eid (the big holiday in the Muslim world).”
Two Snakes in the Woods Blair Pessemier Acrylic/canvas 16 x 9.5" 40 x 25cm 350.00
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.
