Where the Mountains Tumble Into the Sea

There, the light is magical.

Port Vendres, in the Pyrénées-Orientales department

Charles Rennie Mackintosh lived there for four years. Henri Matisse, after discovering the light here, summoned his family to be with him. Charles André Derain and other artists found endless inspiration in the landscape and light of the Roussillon area of France*; and along with Matisse, they were inspired to create a new style of art. The Fauves emphasized emotion and color over representational images.

Collioure, Department Pyrénées-Orientales

Have you ever felt the presence of someone you admire greatly in a place you both shared?

The Collioure bay

This was an inspiring trip for me; the best kind of getaway, creating energy and inspiration. I was delighted to immerse myself in the same harbor, walk the same streets, visit the same lighthouses and breakwaters as my artistic mentors and idols. Both Matisse and Mackintosh have been sources of inspiration for me throughout my artistic career, albeit from museums and books. But here I was, standing where Matisse stood, seeing the same line of buildings and houses lining the harbor, walking next to the same lighthouse and the same chapel overlooking the sea.

It’s not a glitzy area—pas du tout. But the movement of the sea is constant, the wind companionable, the sky clear, and the starry nights comforting. The sounds of the wind and the waves are very relaxing. The seafood—fresh off the boat—was delicious and nurturing.

The working harbor in Port Vendres

Port Vendres and Collioure, neighboring towns, are an easy walk from each other. In fact, we first hiked along the sea; on a very windy day we clambered across the rocks, feeling like mountain goats, glancing down regularly at the swirling sea below us

Remains of fortifications by the sea

And my church!! My church is there. I was so comforted to arrive at Port Vendres and see my church of the Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle. I wrote about her in the past. Just as the birth of a child signifies the continuation of a life, seeing my church once again, comforting the harbor, caring for the sailors, the fisherman, the pieds-noirs*; an emblem of history, the community, the care—ah, my church. My painting, which I created after my first visit to Port Vendres just over 10 years ago, now lives in its new home, loved by its new family, with a life that will extend beyond me. I am forever honored when art lovers buy my artwork and invite it into their homes, where it continues on to become part of their lives, their history, and their family.

Église Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle, Port Vendres

This is how I described my painting at the time of creation:

“The church was a wonderful discovery in a French town, Port Vendres, on the Mediterranean coast near the border with Spain. Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle (Our Lady of Good News) is a fitting name for the late 19th century church whose town is a fishing and cargo port. I can imagine the women of the village awaiting the return of their loved ones from the sea, expressing gratitude for their safe return by praying to Notre Dame de Bonne Nouvelle. The church faces the harbor, and I loved the idea of this amazing building inviting people to enter, whether it by foot, bike, auto, or boat.”

Église Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle, Port Vendres

In honor of this fantastic experience and my ability to share it with you, I am offering giclee prints of this painting for the first time, so that she, and the memories and dreams of beautiful French villages by the sea can grace your house also. At 10” square, the luxurious Fine Art Velvet paper size is just right for framing in a 10”, 12”, or 14” square frame.

If you would like to welcome this lovely painting into your home, click here.

The framed print of Église Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Nouvelle, Port Vendres

Let me not forget to mention the Millau Bridge! On the way there and equally, on the way back, we stopped at the Millau Bridge, which is, in my estimation, the most beautiful bridge in the world. It is graceful. It is big. It is a wonder of engineering, civic community, art, and beauty. Can a person fall in love with a bridge? If so, I have.

Millau Viaduct, Aveyron department

*Roussillon is a culturally rich area otherwise known as Northern Catalonia or the Eastern Pyrenees.

**The Pieds-Noirs, singular Pied-Noir, are the people of French and other European origin who were born in Algeria during the period of French rule from 1830 to 1962, the vast majority of whom departed for mainland France or Corsica as soon as Algeria gained independence, or in the months following. (Wikipedia)

Where the Port Vendres harbor meets the sea

A quick tour to Paris

Vierzon train station, Cher, Centre-Val de Loire

Harvey and I took a last-minute trip up to Paris last week.

SNCF trains at Gare d’Austerlitz, Paris

Riding the train is so much fun, so relaxing, and the railroad cars give such a smooth ride! I loved every minute of the trip, even when I ended up walking 4.5 km at midnight in sandal heels—remind me not to do that again!⁠

Montparnasse Tower, Paris, 14th arrondissement

Did I say that we arrived at Gare d'Austerlitz after midnight and walked to our hotel in Montparnasse? ⁠

The weather was perfect, we had only backpacks, and the hotel was open all night. We even tried to go by Café Daguerre to celebrate our arrival, but they had closed only a few minutes earlier—at 1 a.m.⁠

That was sad—we thought they would be open until at least 2 a.m! But we were more than halfway to the hotel, so we carried on (and returned to the Café for tea the next morning).⁠

Luxembourg Garden, Paris, 6th arrondisement

The Luxembourg Garden was in full bloom. The experience of sitting there watching the world go by is fabulously relaxing. We took a picnic and sat by the pond, watching all of the people live their lives in quiet beauty.⁠

In Paris, I encountered this lovely urban street art that was more like a tunnel wall you could walk through. Absolutely stunning and a real gift to the senses. Merci, Paris.⁠

Ode to Love and Creation", Paris, 14th arrondissement

Here is the proper credit for this mosaic art; it was a such a thrill to find it by happenstance!

Génie du lieu: Ode à l’amour et a la création (Genius of the place: Ode to love and to creation) is the title of the piece. Created by Nacarat Color Design, it is located near the Pernety metro stop in the 14th arrondissement.

I’m glad that I can share our trip properly and give more information about the urban art there. I love walking on the streets of Paris and taking in the sights, the sounds, the people and the activity.

Paris, je t'aime.

L'Église Saint-Merri, Paris. 4th arrondissement. Painting on silk, 13" x13"

Welcome a little piece of Paris into your home! I have three offerings for you today. This 10"x10" silk painting, in a lovely deep red color includes a blond wooden frame (13"x13"x 1.5"). L'Église Saint-Merri, Paris, 4th arrondissement, describes a wicker chair discovered in the 16th century church that is located between the Seine River and the Pompidou Center on the Right Bank.

La Caféothèque de Paris, Paris, 4th arrondissement

Printed on on luxurious Fine Art Velvet paper, these two black and white designs both describe the personality and experience of each café I visited in Paris, and would make a lovely set for your kitchen, dining room or breakfast nook.

Café Daguerre, Paris, 14th arrondissement

Both would look very good together!

I thank my lucky stars that I live so close to Paris now. Do you love taking trips, too?

Reading in the Garden

Our house welcomed us with open arms, warming us with heated stone walls as the snow fell upon our arrival. The weather changes often, and when the sun shines here it is breathtakingly beautiful, then I am sitting in the sunlight, soaking up as much vitamin D as I can before the grey skies return. I stand basking in the sunlight, grateful that I have this opportunity to participate in a different culture, discover a sense of history different from that of my home country, and explore Roman roads, hiking trails, tractor paths and foot paths that lead me to unknown locales.

I feel a sense of freedom here that I don’t have in the States. I used to think it came from not knowing the language, but now I think it may be due to the lifestyle. My daily routines that I do are the same here—shop for food, go for walks, talk with my neighbors—but somehow it is also different. There is less sense of stress here. Certainly people still have problems, but as a community they seem to work together to solve those problems.

I find time has no real meaning and one can easily live in the present moment.

With gratitude,

Reading in the garden; basking in the sunshine

Every Step of the Way

I find it so interesting that often when you read an artist's bio, look at their webpage, and see all their qualifications, it all seems so easy. It looks like they popped out of the womb as an accomplished artist. And it all seems so matter-of-fact that they are where they are in the world today.

For me, I find that every little step of the way—every “first”—is a moment to be celebrated. First class in art school. First exhibit in a gallery. First webpage. First exhibit in a museum. First exhibit in Paris. First residency. Each one is a new opportunity to share my art with the world.

Here I am, sitting at a desk in a secluded cottage with my mind as my only companion. And I just discovered that I am now considered a “Fellow”—my first designation as such.

Finding joy in the everyday; seeking shapes in the physical world; finding connections between the exterior and interior psyche: this is my mission.

The way I move forward when working on my art is by responding to what excites me. Which line makes my heart beat faster? Which color makes me dream all night? Which ray of sunlight inspires me?

I'm always excited to share my creations with you. I invite you to share them with your loved ones, especially during this upcoming holiday season, or as gifts for winter birthdays or other occasions.

1) Fine art prints of Las Flores Tropicales series that was exhibited in Paris this past fall are now available. Choose from the images below and let me know which of the flowers you would like, or go to my online store to make your purchase.

2) Original art is available by clicking here, or of course, just hit 'reply' to this email and let me know what you are looking for.

3) Color, texture and playfulness are all features of the new collection of Silkies that just arrived. These touchable artworks made for small children are very soft, and often become constant companions, like a blankie might be. I think your little ones will adore their gift of a Silkie, which are comforting and educational at the same time.

Las Flores Tropicales series, paintings on silk now for sale as limited edition fine art prints on archival matte paper.

Babies LOVE Silkies! Each Silkies is a unique work of art.

Thank you for your support, and during this holiday week and always, please be safe!

-Rene

PREPARING FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

I have new items for sale on my website, including gifts for everyone on your list: limited edition fine art prints, original art, baby gifts, stationery, and home decor. Take a look and feel free to contact me with any questions or words of advice of what you would like to see in the shop.

Creature Comforts - Fine Art print of original silk painting

Artist-in-Residence:

November 1 - 30, 2020
AIR Serenbe Artist in Residence:
Fiber Forward Focus Fellowship
Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia
USA