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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