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.

What do you think?

​
Tell me more . . .

-Rene

*****​

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

​
https://michellethomasfineart.com/reneshoemaker

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.

*****

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

Do you love travel & discovery?​

After an 11-hour flight from Paris, I landed in the yet-unknown-to-me city of San Francisco.

What a treasure!

The experience was everything I hoped it would be: beautiful views of the mountains and city, sparkling lights at nighttime, fog rolling in over Twin Peaks, views of the bay, a studio to work in, a beautifully curated gallery to plan an exhibit in, a workshop to teach, and new people to meet.

I find that travel rejuvenates and inspires me; oh, maybe you already knew that about me? How about you? Do you love travel, too?

The memory of San Francisco, via René’s impressions:

• the kindness of the people

• even the dogs all seem content

• and the HUGE windows that were on so many houses to let in the sun.

Sunrise view from my window., looking towards the Bay. Noe Valley, San Francisco, California

+ + +

After San Francisco I landed in Toronto, then New York. While walking In Manhattan, I happened upon this striking building I had painted in the past. The experience is akin to running into an old friend on the street in a strange city:

705-711 Greenwich St, NYC

I invite you to discover these historic doors and grand windows that dance with the energy and spirit of zen that inhabits these two connected buildings in the heart of the West Village in New York City.

René Art can remind you of places you have discovered, experiences you have shared, locations you may have found in a quiet moment, even in the midst of a busy day, when you can feel the energy of the city, the joy of adventure, and the delight in color.

Whether in your hometown or a distant city, observations can give you a lovely moment of happiness while walking down the street.

Enjoy your adventures today!

Dates to remember:

2023

December 3, 2023

Silk Painting 1 day workshop
Original Art on Silk​
K. A. Artist Shop, Athens, GA
https://kaartist.com/products/original-art-on-silk-workshop​

December 10, 2023

Business of Art workshop
Business of Art professional workshop​
K. A. Artist Shop, Athens, GA
https://kaartist.com/products/the-business-of-art-workshop​

December 14 and 15, 2023

Athens Holiday Market​
Big City Bread, Athens, GA
https://www.visitathensga.com/event/athens-holiday-market-%40-big-city-bread/16434/​

2024

July 21, 2024

Opening reception for San Francisco / Paris / New York City exhibit
Michelle Thomas Fine Art Gallery + Studio​
San Francisco, CA
The exhibit will be on view through October 25th, 2024
https://michellethomasfineart.com/about-gallery-and-studio​

July 22-24, 2024

Three-day silk painting workshop
Michelle Thomas Fine Art Gallery + Studio​
San Francisco, CA
https://michellethomasfineart.com/about-gallery-and-studio​

September 2024

Silk painting art retreat​
Manor and Maker, the Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Dordogne, France
https://www.manorandmaker.com/maker/2024-silkpainting​

Spring 2024:

Paris, France
Exhibition in the planning phase in the 14th arrondissement​
More information soon!

To purchase the painting above in my shop, click here .

With appreciation,