Sometimes a painting that you especially like... hangs about and draws very little attention even though you showcase it... and continue to believe in its worth and merit. Normally most paintings come and go without any feeling of attachment... they quite simply "are"... and have served their purpose in creating a challenge or capturing an interesting thought or moment.
For whatever reason... this painting struck a chord with me. It surely was one of those unusual fellows that simply "paints itself from start to finish. Perhaps it was truly the fact that the light was golden... even divine at this church in Les Eboulements in Charlevoix, Quebec and that the painting rapidly and confidently painted... really did effectively and emotionally capture the hour.
Or perhaps... it was the fact that my mentor/ older brother and I were together sharing this marvellous part of the country. Now... for reasons best left unmentioned here and forgotten... we are not "in touch" with each other and thus... the painting is an important bridge back in my mind at least... to a happier past.
For whatever the reason... my unchanging belief in this smallish 20 x16 inch plein air sketch was validated yesterday when a most lovely lady spent an hour or so with Deb and I... carefully studying the wide assortment of offerings in The Paint Box. Finally after much deliberation and deep thought she made her way back to the counter with "L' Heure d'or" in hand saying that this painting would now come to live in Regina, Saskatchewan.
How strange... after eight years of waiting... that this Quebec painting would pass to Regina, Saskatchewan... only an hour or so from Deb's RCMP corporal son Spencer and his family who live in nearby Yorkton! How strange the Universe and its workings! How joyful my heart! Not just for the sale in a longer than usual seasonal sales drought... but mostly joyful because this lovelyand personable woman of taste shared my love of this wee piece of Quebec! C'est magnifique... cet univers du mystere!!!
Back to my easel... and the outdoors! Another trip planned to Algonquin... Soon! Stay tuned....
Good painting ... and sales for all!
Hi Bruce,
ReplyDeleteIt's certainly a nice painting. I love the fact that it's so full of winter light, but at the same time not really cold at all.
I'm glad for you that it's found a home at last, but you must have been a little sad to see it go.
All the best,
Keith
It is gorgeous, Bruce, and I am so thankful you didn't paint over it as many artists might do when a painting doesn't sell. That house next to the church...Sigh...Reminds me of the movie, "I Remember Mama," for some reason...
ReplyDeleteI can see why she bought that painting....it is cold but warm
ReplyDeleteHi there Keith!... Thanks once again for your visit and encouragement!
ReplyDeleteThe painting made me feel good Keith... as every trip to Baie-Saint-Paul managed to do as well. There is such a strong sense of (untouched) history there... a strong sense of Faith... and a joie-de-vivre that somehow has been lost here in Ontario for the most part.
Perhaps it was that sense of warmth... and belonging... even in the presence of the winter cold that was captured.
I did indeed feel a small tug... when she left. But here at the Paint Box Deb despised the painting ???... and it sat on the floor.
A "Golden Hour" for the painting.. to be in the hands of one who cherishes it... feels loved... and now is hung in a respectful and caring home. Suits me!
Isn't that what we want for all of our "children"? HA HA!!!
Good Painting Keith!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Hi Sherry!... Thanks for visiting and leaving such a warm and encouraging comment!
ReplyDeleteHope that your life has picked up since your "dream". That was no dream Sherry... it was more at a nightmare level!
I rarely ... almost never paint over previous works Sherry. They "are" ... what they are at the time I paint them. Often I will add slight changes here and there to balance them... but never back over the entire painting. I simply cut them up if they displease me that much.
Glad that you enjoyed the painting too!
Good luck at school... and sweet(er) dreams! HA HA!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Hi Celeste!... your comment "it is cold but warm" ... brief as it might seem probably is to the point and likely captures the appeal of the painting to most... including myself.
ReplyDeleteWinter is a wonderful time for me to paint because the landscape is quiet... and the winter light really does wonderful things on the surface of the snow. Things interesting... yet hidden in other seasons appear and take prominence as subject potential!
Thanks for your encouraging remark and visit!
Good painting
Warmest regards,
Bruce
A most interesting post Bruce and in a way answered for me why it is we become attached to some of our paintings. It is indeed the feeling we must have had while painting it, a happy time or a special time, perhaps a time of personal growth or a joy to be alive. I am so happy the special painting of yours has found a home!
ReplyDeleteHi there Caroline!... Thanks for your interesting comments and visit!
ReplyDeleteLike yourself...I feel that it is not the object/painting that we necessarily attach ourselves to... but is rather the experience and the emotions we may have attached to the painting during its creation.
Many times... and many years afterwards... I can readily recall the person I was with and the actual conversation we shared at the time... or a silly event that went along with the painting time.
I too... am so very happy... and honoured to have this favourite of mine in the good hands of one who shares my good feelings about the piece!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Very beautiful and perfect! I often feel that I am the only person believing in a painting. Everyone who bypasses it delivers a rejection note, so to say! About this painting, in your shoes I think I would have kept it for myself!
ReplyDeleteThank you Marie... for visiting... for your complimentary remarks... and for sharing your own feelings re: launching "our children" into the world!
ReplyDeleteMy analogy here is not intended to be made lightly and off the cuff. I consider my paintings to be like my children. I do not own them. I have created each of them to find their way in the world and to bring joy to whomever they come in contact with.
Strangely... I dislike having my paintings hanging around for too long because I always find areas that I would change. They actually bother me in a strange way. Just me!
Good Painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
Amazing painting! Although its cold and dull there is something wonderfully romantic and hopeful about winter...
ReplyDeleteCheck out this link: online art gallery
Thank you Mary!... For stopping by... and for leaving your own winter feelings... which by the way... seem to coincide with my own! I love winter!
ReplyDeleteGood painting!
Warmest regards,
Bruce