Artnotes: A Straight Line

 

Villa Rotunda

“Oh, if you’ve seen one Palladian interior you’ve seen them all,” I spouted in that know-it-all way that I can.  Beep:  WRONG.   We spent this last week in Vicenza, visiting several Palladian architectural marvels, all unique, all lovely.   You would have thought they were just designed and built in 2025, even though they have been standing since the mid 1500s.  That’s timeless. We stayed in a lovely large apartment in an estate, which was walking distance from the best well known Palladian construction:  Villa Rotunda (villa Almerico Capra Valmarana, known as La Rotunda).  It was designed and initiated by Palladio, and finished around 1600 (he died in 1580).  The setting, the design, and of course “the rotunda” mark this as Palladio’s most significant villa.   Another villa adjoined our parking lot, “ai Nani”.  It was built by Muttoni, but contains a portrait of Palladio.  It had three structures and has the most wonderful, unmistakable Tiepolo fresco. Teatro Olimpico We visited two commercial buildings by Palladio:  the Basilica in Vicenza and the Teatro Olimpico.  The theatre was also completed after Palladio’s death.  The trompe-l'œil onstage scenery, a very remarkable element, was designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi to give the appearance of long streets receding to a distant horizon.  It was installed in 1585 for the first performance held in the theatre, and is the oldest surviving stage set still in existence. I think our favorite of the villas was La Malcontenta (villa Foscari), nicknamed after the unhappy wife of one of the Foscari brothers, the owners).   It is, like La Rotunda, a cross plan around a central hall.  The hall was extraordinarily beautiful, with windows and desks set toward a fabulous lawn.  This villa had the best furniture and frescoes, at least in my opinion.  It was set on a canal across the water from Venice.   We made a foray to Venice, my lifetime favorite city, while we were in the area. La Malcontenta On our last day we went to Villa di Maser (Villa Barbaro), our furthest trek.  This was a very different style, with two large wings overlooking a lawn, toward a church.  The exterior had loggias, with two very large sundials above.  It was a larger estate, that had horses, and agricultural uses.  It was eventually owned by the founder of the Venice film festival, and members of his family still live there.  Veronese was responsible for many remaining frescoes. Villa Barbaro  (Villa di Maser) There are more than 20 Palladian villas in the Vicenza region.  We went on the trip without much planning – I hadn’t thought I would like the architectural tour so much.  We really went to see friends, and drive them around:  Blair went to architecture school with one of the other couple.   I did almost no artwork there – to draw a straight line for me is nearly impossible.  I hope to use some of the photos to interpret some looser impressions in the coming weeks. Sketch of Villa Rotunda by Blair Pessemier (using color and no straight lines) HOUSEKEEPING:  We make art to order, including portraits by Blair Pessemier.    Follow us on Instagram @lauriepessemier See all of our painting at https://paintfox.com or buy at www.pessemierstudios.com (or write to me) Most of our work is available as reproductions, custom sized and framed. 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, no sales pitches, 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: Der Blaue Reiter

 

View this email in your browser 13 September 2025  Vicenza  ITALIA Join us for Sunday Salon   14 September (see below)

We finished our account of out time in Bavaria this summer.   To read the whole story, click on: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGxP3etJ2U/sDqSfSFgjl2xAIRh_DhSPQ/view HOUSEKEEPING:  We make art to order, including portraits by Blair Pessemier.    Follow us on Instagram @lauriepessemier See all of our painting at https://paintfox.com or buy at www.pessemierstudios.com (or write to me) Most of our work is available as reproductions, custom sized and frame 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, no sales pitches, 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: Sailor's Dream

My ideas never come one at a time.  I can be in a total slump one day, and then a week later I’m hit with a huge flood of inspiration (I write it down or I forget it – and during that time, I sometimes see the folly).   This week I realized two projects:  I have 90% completed the Blaue Reiter/Munich catalog, and we made a new, completely different sort of show in our gallery.    I’ve had to put off a third idea until we get back from our little sojourn to Vicenza.  I will share the the Blaue Reiter catalog next week.  At our gallery, we have ensconced a new installation:  the Sailor’s Dream.  We had been thinking about creating an atmosphere on the three walls of our gallery – like a forest, or a stadium.  But then I was looking at scrimshaw.  Nobody thinks of scrimshaw anymore – and it’s not made like it once was, of ivory or bone.  We’ve owned some extraordinary pieces.  When I first moved to Seattle in 1979, I interviewed for a job making scrimshaw on bone – it was the most interesting place, full of bones.  I didn’t get the job because it was clear I’d never be able to keep to the program – I would have made the whale smiley, or added an oyster.  Anyhow, now, in 2025, I could charcoal the walls in the gallery with scrimshaw images and create a seaside scene in the center.  I was so thrilled about drawing THAT big that I ordered some huge paper I can use, without it being permanent, for future projects.  In fact, this installation is only slightly permanent in that we can brush most of the charcoal (a combination of briquettes and wood barbecue charcoal) off of the plaster easily, and repaint. I don’t know why we are making all of this artwork, but it feels just wonderful.   And if I can’t do the project immediately, I put it on the back burn for later – and the idea might be richer over time. Expand, adapt, don’t contract.  It’s like they talk about love:  the more you distribute, the more room you have for more.   I used to worry about having too many friends, or a pet, it would take me away from the people I loved most, but in fact, it doesn’t work that way.  It’s like connections in an electrical surge protector – love comes in and goes out, and your battery becomes capable of more.   With my artwork, I used to be in such a tight circle of having to just use a special brand of acrylic paint on linen canvas, paint from life, no pencil.  Now I am using charcoal on walls, painting on newspaper, putting swim flippers on logs (thanks to Blair)…  Whoopeee! HOUSEKEEPING:  We make art to order, including portraits by Blair Pessemier.    Follow us on Instagram @lauriepessemier See all of our painting at https://paintfox.com or buy at www.pessemierstudios.com (or write to me) Most of our work is available as reproductions, custom sized and frame 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, no sales pitches, 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: Move over Mona

 

Welcome to our House   Laurie Fox Pessemier  acrylic/canvas   12 x 12"    30 x 30 cm   395.00 I was in a total funk this week, with mundane earthly tasks.  The detritus we carry around is ever so heavy and boring.  So, on Friday afternoon, despite high winds and threatening weather, we went for a dip in the Ganges.   We were the only ones – the current was enough to pull a “floater” like myself over the falls.  Luckily, Blair, the “sinker”, guided me to a safer perch.   I notice that Blair’s swimming has become stronger, and mine, while I have little danger of drowning (I can float for hours) has become weaker.  I could never beat my nephews, like I once did, in a race around the buoys today.

Flies    Laurie Fox Pessemier   Acrylic/canvas (not stretched, but frameable) range in size from 8 x 14" (20 x 35cm) to 8 x 9.5" (24 x 20cm)  100 each or best offer What really catapulted me into happiness on Friday was the story about how the order for 18,000 waters at Taco Bell flummoxed AI.   I can picture the fizzle and smoke coming out of the drive thru order box.    I think we should all think of something we can do to thwart AI.   It could be like when Mao had everyone catch at least 10 flies a day to eliminate China’s fly problem (this was part of his less humorous 4 pest elimination program:  flies, mosquitoes, rats and sparrows In fact, the elimination of sparrows created the world’s deadliest environmental disaster (famine) because there was nothing to eat the insects who were chomping on the grain) Later the sparrows were replaced with killing cockroaches). Cesare enjoying Lunch    Blair Pessemier  acrylic/canvas  3 x 5"   7.6  x 10cm   75.00     But back to this week:  neither of us painted much, so this is a short note.  I do have giant ideas for the future: for one, I am thinking of offering a $25.00 painting evaluation service – you send me and Blair a photo of your painting (with any text input – what were you trying to do?) and we’ll send you back our best advice on what might improve it (or just say move over, Mona Lisa, this one is the winner!) Mona B Lisa   Blair Pessemier  acrylic/canvas   12 x 12"    30 x 30 cm   395.00 HOUSEKEEPING:  We make art to order, including portraits by Blair Pessemier.    Follow us on Instagram @lauriepessemier See all of our painting at https://paintfox.com Most of our work is available as reproductions, custom sized and framed.   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, no sales pitches, 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: Jam

 

Last Swim  Laurie Fox Pessemier  acrylic/canvas   12 x 12"    30 x 30 cm   395.00

The weather finally “broke” this week:  one day swimming, the next day making jam over the hot stove.   We managed to glean a bunch of figs from our tree, stole rosemary from the neighbor’s yard and made a delicious concoction.  We also bought peaches for just one Euro a kilo (2.2 pounds), and turned them into jam as well. The Fish Bowl with Salvador Dali  Blair Pessemier   Acrylic/canvas  8 x 20" 20 x 50cm 390.00 We had to call in intervention this week for the unicorn traipsing around in our attic.   I felt lucky to get the figs before, like the sloes and apples, were completely gone.   Giorgio was able to get into the attic and block off two really large entry holes.  Animal identification is still a question. Matisse's Goldfish    Blair Pessemier   Acrylic/canvas  8 x 20" 20 x 50cm 390.00 It continued to be a homely week, with trips to doctors and such.  Berlino had another leg injury which we have managed, so far, to treat ourselves.  Blair visited our new doctor, in Vignola.   The doctor was outside the office, using the leaf blower, when we arrived (alas, the chestnut trees are casting off leaves).   This seemed somehow endearing, that he wasn’t just sitting at his desk, playing with his stethoscope and turning his headlight on and off. Part of his appeal is he doesn’t wear a white coat.   We went in (we were early) and the waiting room, shared by the other doctors, was nearly full of patients who seemed stiff and unmoving, like a setup to look busy (no one was summoned while we were there). One fellow resembled a ticket taker on a train, with a sharp, brimmed hat, double breasted jacket and gnarly fingers.  We both wanted to take a picture, but thought it impolite. Rococo   large image on top/colored background  24 x 17"  (60 x 43cm)   275.00 smaller images  8.5 x 11"  (21 x 29cm)  90 each Laurie Fox Pessemier   the trio 425.00  On one of our doctors trips, we went on to visit an art show.  I am a firm believer, that while doing the mundane, one needs a treat.   The exhibit was called Paradise Lost, by artists David Allen Burns and Austin Young, who have an organization known as “Fallen Fruit".  They started out in California, USA, encouraging the harvesting of fruit from public trees and abandoned lots:  along with the community, they made jam with the spoils.  This exhibition is “A paradise of lost biodiversity, a lush environment with images of flowers, plants, butterflies, birds, and animals of all kinds and species.”  It was a feast for the eyes.   Check out:   https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIv55X4IROK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link 15(100%)       We bought the accompanying Tarot cards, which seemed a better souvenir than postcards.  Blair and I both like playing cards.   A friend posted beautiful photographs of mushrooms this week onto Instagram, that inspired me to paint them myself.  sign up for Artnotes, our weekly art missive, by contacting me at lfpessemier@gmail.com or  https://mailchi.mp/341f508cecf8/artnotes 0(0%) 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, no sales pitches, please. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88093708954?pwd=M04zNHB4dFZkREp3bThweUd1YnVDZz09 0(0%) Meeting ID: 880 9370 8954 Passcode: 886402 Rome 8PM; NY 2 PM; LosAngeles 11AM