"Before we talk about the art, let's talk about the food! Oh my goodness, remember how the retreat was called "SIlk & Gourmet"? Oof! The gourmet was in there—every moment of every day. NOT ONLY during the three luscious meals, but also for snacks, infused water breaks, afternoon treats, OMG."
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Keep up with the latest art and adventures from Rene Shoemaker Art!
Tell Me More . . .
René discusses color choices with a visitor at the Michelle Thomas Fine Art Gallery reception
We all like to talk. And express our opinions, don’t we? As I share my art with others, I need to be mindful to always ask the person I am talking to:
“Tell me more . . .”
When we’re discussing my artwork, something that I have created, if someone says “I like this purple painting” (for example), I have the habit of diving right into what I see, and telling about the technique, or the visit, or the architecture, or my vision of what it could be…
But I do think it would be more meaningful to both parties for me to say: “Tell me more . . .", so that I can learn more - more about what that person likes, what they see in my artwork, what it means to them, which colors they prefer, what memories it brings up for them, etc., etc.
Many thanks to @yollghu for providing smooth music for our event
One of the reasons to have an exhibition and reception is to share my process, my vision and my world view. But of course the artwork is static if I only share it and don’t ask for a response from the public.
Golden. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA (10.5" x 10.5")
Artwork #3 : Golden. Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco
The third painting in my San Francisco / Paris / New York exhibition is a version of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. When starting this series, this particular painting emerged in my mind's eye, as I wanted a very good memory of what San Francisco meant to the rest of the world.
The Bridge is about possibilities and welcoming travelers to its shores. I began this series with the Golden Gate Bridge and the sheer silk contrasted with the steel architecture of the bridge, creating a tension between this viewer and her new experience of space.
“What can I do with this iconic image to make it more ‘mine’?” I wondered. I repeated my design mantra while creating this drawing.
“Simplify, simplify, simplify”
is my motto when creating art. I may sketch details, but I try my hardest to leave them out of the painting and highlight color and the presence of shapes instead. The openness of the design enriches the sense of space and wonder that one feels when looking at this scene.
Painting the Golden Gate Bridge landscape. This silk was very hard to paint as it did not readily soak up the dye.
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Dates for Your Calendar
2024
July 21 - Oct 25, 2024
San Francisco / Paris / New York City : new work by René Shoemaker
Michelle Thomas Fine Art Gallery + Studio
San Francisco, CA
https://michellethomasfineart.com/reneshoemaker
September 12-17, 2024
Silk Painting Art Retreat
Manor and Maker, the Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Dordogne, France
https://www.manorandmaker.com/maker/2024-silkpainting
June 29 - Sept 31, 2024
Together We Dazzle
Hendershot's
Athens, GA
https://www.christinajoystudio.com/together-we-dazzle/2024
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San Francisco / Paris / New York City - The SF exhibition is now open!
My exhibition opening was a roaring success!! It was so wonderful to meet so many San Franciscans, and many friends from Athens, GA arrived for the celebration.
I'd love to introduce you to Michelle Thomas, the beautiful lady in the coral dress, who is the curator and owner of the gallery.
Michelle Thomas & René Shoemaker . July 21, 2024
I loved every minute of the reception, and talked until I had no voice left.
Today I'll begin a guided tour of the exhibition for you.
Leaving Paris, Heading East
My journey begins with this painting from 2014, Leaving Paris, Heading East. I chose this painting to open the exhibition because it is very much about exploration and discovery.
This body of work, San Francisco / Paris / New York City, is the story of a journey. Yours and mine. Ours.
My husband Harvey and I were off to discover the country of France in 2014.
We had spent a month in Paris, trying to live life as Parisians.
Then we packed up our bags and bicycles, and rented a Renault Kangoo that we could sleep in if need be.
Our first day out, we drove into this landscape.
Soothing, peaceful. Beautiful & calm.
Inviting.
Beckoning us with a curving road to move into our dreams.
I did not know at the time we would be living in France soon.
40 29th St, San Francisco
That journey in France is now connected to this exploration of San Francisco. What led me there, led me here: a passion for adventure and discovering new cities.
This silk painting of the interior of Michelle's gallery is this rich color for when asked what her favorite color was, Michelle answered without a moment's hesitation : "Coral!", and I wished to share her bright spirit in the artwork.
I love the large windows that populate San Francisco architecture, and here the sunlight is streaming in the gallery through the wall of windows, welcoming us to sit in the quiet and to enjoy the artwork on display there.
-René
San Francisco / Paris / New York City: néw work by René Shoemaker
July 21 - October 25, 2024
Michelle Thomas Fine Art Gallery
40 29th Street
San Francisco, California 94110
Getting ready for San Francisco
The author Seth Godin tells me to tell you where I am going when I write to you. It's easy enough for me to think I've told you where I am going, but here it is again:
I am on a journey to a successful art career.
The problem with the word "successful" is that the definition changes all of the time!!!!! Take a look! What you thought success was yesterday, last week, last month, last year is different that what success is this year!
Yikes!
Right now, as you know, my version of success is to finish up the artwork for my upcoming exhibition that opens in San Francisco in 32 days.
Am I counting the days?
You bet I am!
I invite you into my studio to see what the work looks like right now:
The big frame holds a 7 ft silk that is in the process of becoming a painting. The wood stove keeps me warm - needed during the cool summer days!
Some people call this "the blank page." I call it: "work in progress." The process I use is a bit time-consuming but very rewarding:
The silk is stretched taut to allow for even application of the dye.
I am uninclined to show you the completed work until the exhibition opens, but here is a detail from "Amsterdam & 79th St, NYC (study).
My blackboard keeps me focused and on track. The checkmarks mean that work is finished and ready to hang.
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To help keep us calm and centered, I'd like to share this inspiring location that I am lucky enough to be able to walk to every day:
Ahhh, a little bit of beauty every day.
Keep creating!
-René