Artnotes: Collection

 

Unlocking   Blair Pessemier Acrylic/canvas x 9 x 18"  23 x 46cm  390.00  The Maramotti Museum is one of my favorite museums.  This year has been particularly good, with guest exhibitions by women artists, who are, frankly, over the top.   It is a year of honoring women for the museum, and they have also formed a liaison with a similar contemporary art museum featuring women, in Indonesia. I wrote some weeks ago  about Malgorzato MirgaTas’s work there, about the Rom People.  This new exhibit was as good.  Coincidentally perhaps, both of these works suggested fabric, a crucial element in the continuing Max Mara clothing business. Clover and Small Pink Flower     Laurie Fox Pessemier  Acrylic on Paper 17 x 12"  43 x 30cm   190 each This exhibit, entitled Cannon Fodder, was inspired by the artist Guiditta Branconi painting on her grandmother’s linen wedding dress.  The fabric was light, and it allowed the paint to appear on both sides of the surface.  This idea was further illustrated by a part of the exhibition where one could walk through a “tunnel of paintings”, illuminated by the natural lighting in the room.   It was fascinating. From the Exhibit:  Guiditta Brondconi at Maramotti Cannon Fodder seemed an odd name for the exhibit, but it was meant to represent the barrage of information we are inundated with on a daily basis.  There were many words in a variety of languages; stencils, social media posts, and images of vulnerable creatures.  All presented on this thin linen support, which had meaning for the artist.   It was a flood of information that one could spend a very long time with.   We loved it. Zocchetta View Laurie Pessemier  Acrylic/paper 17 x 12"  43 x 30cm  190.00 I liked it because it was a little like my work, too.  In fact, when I showed pictures of it at the art salon, people thought it was mine.  I paint often on newspaper, so words and pictures bleed through ever so slightly from behind flowers and soft images. Obscure as it may seem, my art is connected to world events. Zocchetta View  Blair Pessemier  Acrylic/canvas 21.5 x 18"  55 x 46cm  490.00 We try to see an exhibit a week while we are up in Roccamalatina.  There are a plethora of museums up here, in Parma, Reggio Emilia (like this one), Bologna…   I can’t resist an interesting museum – not necessarily art, either.  I equally enjoy historical bits, or plants, or whatever someone collected.  I think of the button museum in Waterbury, Connecticut where I have whiled away many an afternoon.  Blair is more of a collector than I am – I can never narrow it down. Ajuga Flowere   Laurie  Pessemier  Acrylic/paper17 x 12"  43 x 30cm  190.00 I find things at the side of the road for example.  This week, in an old telephone booth turned library, I found the most beautiful cookbook I ever saw.  It was issued by an Italian cookware company, whose focus was the design of pans.  Italians are the best industrial designers.   The cookbook contains great recipes, including sauces and preserves.  The photography is truly magnificent.  I’ll add it to my collection. Terra Cotta Friends    Laurie Fox Pessemier  Acrylic/paper   15 x 11"   38 x 28 cm  190 each 2 for 300

HOUSEKEEPING:  We make art to order, including portraits by Blair Pessemier.    Follow us on Instagram @lauriepessemier See all of our paintings at https://paintfox.com Most of our work is available as reproductions, custom sized and framed. Write to me at lfpessemier@gmail.com   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 8 PM   NY 2 PM; LosAngeles 11AM

Artnotes: Immortalize a Tree

 

My Apple Tree   Laurie Fox Pessemier Acrylic/paper  17 x 25"  41 x 63cm  290.00  (tree photo at end) I can do what AI can’t .   I can sit in my backyard and paint the apple tree, almost indistinguishable from its surroundings.  I make it yellow and red, green and blue.  In real life, it looks very little like what I painted, but it is clearly my apple tree.  Blair paints nearby cherries – it’s going to be a banner fruit year. Cherry Tree on the Walk    Blair Pessemier  Acrylic/canvas 12 x 12"  30 x 30 cm  390.00 Our yard is completely out of control.  We just got a truckload of marginal quality dirt to fill the enormous holes Berlino has dug.  Bernie wants to join the badger in his den, but won’t enter through the entry hall – he digs from the top.   The fruit trees really need trimming, but then they wouldn’t have that wild natural look we so love. We are eating our meals outdoors.   At least the whole family is in agreement. Lilacs  Laurie Fox Pessemier  Acrylic/paper  17 x 12"   41 x 30cm  290.00 It’s been a lovely week here in Roccamalatina:  we drove back on Monday, and by Tuesday afternoon were settled in.  Berlino went on his walk with Stefania, his trainer, of sorts.  What is really happening is that he gets the big wonderful walk he needs, bonds with another dog, and comes home and treats us like the hired help.  He digs a hole, eats, and waits for a delivery person that might rescue him or at least bring him a treat.  So far no luck. Small Lilacs   Laurie Fox Pessemier  Acrylic/paper  8.5 x 12"  20 x 30cm  150.00 I was out painting the apple tree to get back into the plein air painting groove.  I am proposing Plein Air Painting Italy as a group on Facebook.  People can come and join us wherever we are painting.  They can just paint alongside, or we provide materials and instruction (for a small fee).   We aren’t up to the day long event it used to be, but a couple of hours is do-able.   We are bracing ourselves for when the fuel runs out – several gas stations are closed up here near Roccamalatina.   I think I probably ought to be doing something to prepare, but not sure just what.   See everything possible before we are stranded, I guess. Wild Flowers:  Detailed and Loose   Laurie Fox Pessemier  Acrylic/paper   15 x 11"   38 x 28 cm  190 each I interviewed for an AI job involving art.  AI itself interviewed me (Zara was “her” name).  She responded faster than I did and reiterated all my responses immediately, in proper terminology.  I “flunked” when she asked what I would do if the focal point turned out to be in the wrong place.  I suggested adding lines which led the eye in that direction, or adding a secondary point.  In fact, the correct answer was to just pick it up and move it – such an alien suggestion to a real painter, I knew the job was not for me. I am trying to get my painting practice back to a daily task (more fun than exercise).  I won’t be painting the Sistine chapel, but can get out there and immortalize a tree.

HOUSEKEEPING:  We make art to order, including portraits by Blair Pessemier.    Follow us on Instagram @lauriepessemier See all of our paintings at https://paintfox.com Most of our work is available as reproductions, custom sized and framed. Write to me at lfpessemier@gmail.com   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 8 PM   NY 2 PM; LosAngeles 11AM

Artnotes: Opportunity

 

Falling Color  Blair Pessemier  Acrylic/canvas  16 x 8"  40x 20 cm  390.00 We drove from Stimigliano to Magliano Sabina on Wednesday, this week. I had read that the mayor of Magliano was working with the American University in Rome to “put Magliano on the tourist map”. We thought we’d go see what was cooking.  Falls near Maglione (Cascate delle Marmore)  Blair Pessemier  Acrylic/canvas 18 x 18"  45 x 45 cm  390.00 It’s just about a half hour from here, but Berlino decided to stay home, the day being windy and cold. Almost this whole week down here has been dicey weather. Finally, Saturday is giving the sun a chance. We parked the car and walked around the top of the hill.  Magliono Madonna  Laurie Fox Pessemier  Acrylic/paper  26 x 17"  63  x 41cm  290.00 Magliano is a hill town, not far from the A1 highway. We had been there once before, with our friend Mario, in quest of Madonnas. They have a particularly lovely one, icon-ish, set in silver. Since I saw it that first time, in about 2018, the church has never been open again. That Madonna, with the community hiding beneath her skirts, used to be featured in a poster outside. That is gone, too.     Cyclamen   Laurie Fox Pessemier  Acrylic/paper  17 x 25"  41 x 63cm  290.00 There is a lot of room for Magliano to grow – like many towns, empty retail space is in abundance. These are quite nice storefronts, that always put me in the mind of a gallery. There were lots of apartments above the street space, a theater offering a play starting 18 April, and many churches. We opted for a rather traditional coffee shop/restaurant and tucked into a thick, delicious hot chocolate. The proprietress placed a plate of Easter bread on the table – we bought a loaf when we left. I was impressed with her marketing – how could we refuse after such a tasty gift? She’ll do well if this town takes off.     Palm Sunday in a Wooden Vase   Laurie Fox Pessemier  Acrylic/paper   17 x 13"   41 x 32 cm  190 each When we belonged to the American Business Group, which met once a month in Rome, one of the Americans used to say he couldn’t understand why people said there was no opportunity in Italy. “There are so many things to do that the locals never see”. He, and many of the group members, found their niche. Go, Magliano Sabina!  Happy Easter!!!!  Peace on Earth

HOUSEKEEPING:  We make art to order, including portraits by Blair Pessemier.    Follow us on Instagram @lauriepessemier See all of our paintings at https://paintfox.com Most of our work is available as reproductions, custom sized and framed. Write to me at lfpessemier@gmail.com

Artnotes: Wildflowers

 

The Face in the Corner   Blair Pessemier  Acrylic/canvas panel 9 x 12"  22 x 30 cm  290.00 When we arrived in Luxembourg (in the last century, 1976-ish), my fellow traveler and I saw a man pushing a car.  We immediately set down our bags and helped him get going.  “You must come to my house for coffee and pastry,” he insisted.  We did.  And from that moment forward, I realized travel was connecting with people in another place.   It was my first trip outside of the US. The New Coat Laurie Fox Pessemier  Acrylic/paper  12 x 8.5"  30 x 20cm  90.00 That afternoon, we boarded a train for Florence.  I had a mission to see all that Art History I studied – and I barely went to any museums.   I was just too thrilled with seeing all the people around me.  Leonardo who?   Honestly, I just wandered around, sitting on church steps, walking through parks, observing everything, eavesdropping and chatting with English speaking (or patient Italian) locals. I could have spent the rest of my life in a cafe in Venice, to the tune of the orchestra. Flowers in the Window   Laurie Fox Pessemier  Acrylic/paper  9 x 12"  22 x 30cm  90.00 Sadly, the need to earn a living (briefly) overtook my wanderlust.  What I did figure out, however, was that I needn’t stay in Hartford, Connecticut.  I moved to Seattle which was like a giant vacation.  Every day, a new place, a new view, a new friend.  I met Blair, and we settled in together.   We went everywhere we could from Seattle – visiting the coasts of Washington and Oregon.  We went to Vancouver, BC several times a year.  We saw Eastern Washington and Eastern Oregon, which were almost as stimulating as going abroad: wide open spaces, cowboys, rodeos, sunshine, sage and petrified wood; Soap Lake, Ephrata. By the Lake    Commission by Blair We made the most friends new friends in Tunisia. Samir invited us to eat goat head on his dining room floor; he was a joyous man, who would dance, alone, on the beach in the early morning.   Sala, a fisherman, encouraged me to meet his five daughters (“Laurie is a MODERN woman”). When we asked directions, a man walked us to the post office in Tunis, waited as we plied the line and did our business and walked us back to the train.  Laurie Fox Pessemier  Acrylic/paper   Quince on Black Paper 11.7 x 16.5″  30 x 42cm  190.00 Quince on White Paper  8 x 12″  22 x 30  90.00 In Cervo, Italy, a man living in the same building as our rental apartment, gave us all the lemons on his tree and suggested we make limoncello.   We drank coffee every morning with the old hippie owner of the restaurant Serafina – “look” he’d say, “today you can see Corsica”.           Wild Yellow Flowers /Colored Field  LauriePessemier  Acrylic/newspaper  12 x 8.5″   30 x 20cm     90.00 On our most recent little vacation with friends to the Tuscan seaside, we took a little trip every day:  Pisa and Pietrasanta (the bronze manufacturing center of Italy (think Louise Bourgeois’ giant spider “mother”; or the huge bronze horses in Italian piazzas).  In our own town of Viareggio, we visited daily with our café owners (eating Lenten pastries), and the local product vendors at the market.  It’s those little connections that make a difference – for us and for the people we encounter.   Together, we are a field of wildflowers, sown by the birds.     Wild Yellow Flowers /White Field   Laurie Pessemier  Acrylic/paper  16 x 11″  40 x 30cm  190.00

HOUSEKEEPING:  We make art to order, including portraits by Blair Pessemier.    Follow us on Instagram @lauriepessemier See all of our paintings at https://paintfox.com Most of our work is available as reproductions, custom sized and framed. Write to me at lfpessemier@gmail.com   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 8 PM   NY 2 PM; LosAngeles 11AM