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Keep up with the latest art and adventures from Rene Shoemaker Art!

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:

Stretched silk on a wooden frame 12 inches square, with a blue drawing of a Paris courtyard in preparation for painting. Another ink drawing is by its side waiting its turn.

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,

The Joy of Giving . . . Zebras?

Do you like zebras? Do you ever even think about them?

Why in the world is René writing about zebras today?

If the idea of spending a Sunday afternoon in an inviting space, enjoying art, and helping your community appeals to you, read on!

Do you dream of a lazy Sunday afternoon drinking mimosas at the iconic Five & Ten restaurant while viewing the art from some of Athens’ best artists? Good, you’re in Luck! Get ready to be delighted:

This Sunday, April 30th, Five & Ten is hosting the Together We Dazzle exhibition in the heart of Athens’ Five Points. This one-day special event offers an opportunity to spend time with neighbors and friends, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and collect amazing art.

The details:

✨ Together We Dazzle ✨

Art Show + Benefit for the EDS Society

Sunday, April 30th from 3:00-8:00pm

5&10 • 1073 South Milledge Ave, Athens, GA

$10 Minimum Donation

Refreshments + Bar Service

The why:

Have you ever heard of a disease called EDS? No? Neither had I, until about a year ago. A dear friend of mine was beset by an illness that was nearly impossible to diagnose, but after 10 years of perseverance, good health habits, self-awareness and research, and finding the right team of doctors that understand this condition, she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and now she can continue to pursue her lovely, exuberant, artistic life.

If you are like me, you may never have heard of EDS, but it is worth learning about. As you can imagine, the EDS Society relies on donations to fund research and provide grants to help our loved ones. You can read more about the disease, the research, and the stories of individuals with EDS on the EDS website.

As a reminder, all ticket sales, bar drink purchases, and percentage of all artwork sales from this event will be donated to the EDS Society.

Psst!

I don’t want to ruin the surprise, but zebras will be highlighted, and they have their very own space in the exhibition. Go see!

If you’ve ever been to Five & Ten, you know it occupies an absolutely wonderful historic house, now restaurant, designed by Athens’ own Fred J. Orr. It is a joy just to be there.

Pray tell, how do zebras fit into this picture? I'm so glad you asked! Read more about zebras and dazzle and the exhibit at the event website.

Please join an amazing group of local artists this Sunday from 3:00-8:00 pm at Five & Ten, which has generously donated its space for this benefit.

There will be both original art and fine art prints for sale from many artists, including me. If you do go, please send me a report. How I wish I could be there to share in this special Athens experience!

Love, René