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.
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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

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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

What is Silk Painting?

Silk painting is a form of art.

[All art begins with a good cup of coffee.]

Silk painting is colorful, expressive, textural, and fascinating.

Silk painting is a bit like watercolor painting, which almost everyone can envision, understand, and recognize when they see it.

Silk is sumptuous.

Unlike oil painting, where the paint sits on the primed canvas (which is treated to NOT let the paint soak into the canvas fabric), silk dyes soak into the silk; when the brush touches the silk, the dye magically spreads and moves, and takes on a life of its own. Then, upon setting* the dye, the dye becomes one with the silk on a molecular level.

[I thoroughly enjoy what I do.]

The colors are luminous.
The colors are magnificent.
The colors are rich.
The fabric is luxurious.

And depending on the type of silk we use, the dye color is lustrous (as on charmeuse), or it can be absorbed into the silk and become matte (as on organza).

The types of silk I use, and am using for the San Francisco exhibit, are:

Charmeuse
Twill
Broadcloth
Habotai
Chiffon
Crepe de Chine
Pongee
Noil
Shangtung
Organza
Taffeta

The types of dye I am using are:

​Jacquard Red Label dyes ​
and
​Jacquard Acid dyes​

I cannot share my images until the exhibit opens, but here is a very small detail so that you can see the sumptuousness of the silk and the luminous dye

I am using this new exhibition to stretch my imagination and use more silk types and more kinds of dyes—in fact, I am experimenting while I am creating/making. (Usually I am too concerned about doing what has worked in the past, creating what I think is good. This time, I want to interact more with the audience. I want to learn what you like, and which art and art type you respond to; not only the image, but the usage of the dyes and silks.)

When you enroll in one of my silk painting classes, you will learn all this and more.

Tell me, What is your favorite subject matter? What would you like to create? What would you like to paint?

I am setting up the curriculum for the silk painting class in the French château now; your help is invaluable.

Soon I will discuss mixing the dyes and creating colors with you in an upcoming newsletter.

*setting - We set the dye, usually, by steaming the painted silk upon completion. The steam creates an environment of heat and moisture that lets the fiber easily absorb the dye, and the dye molecules can bond with the silk molecules. As a non-scientist, I find this idea fascinating, and have a clear image in my head of the molecules dancing together once they bond.

[Wouldn't you like to own one of my paintings?]

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Learn silk painting here:

July 23-25, 2024 are the workshop dates for San Francisco. You can click on this link to learn more and to sign up​

September 12-17, 2024, are the château workshop dates in France. Click here for that link : https://www.manorandmaker.com/maker/2024-silkpainting

Detail of 'View from the Clock Tower "- Finished and for sale in my shop

Many thanks,

-René