Tranquility

Since Sunday I have been pretty much holed up in my studio.  Kind of a 3 day self-directed residency.  It feels so good to be able to spend the days out there, with nothing but my computer for some jazz, and an occasional visitor to chat with.  The hours fly by, and I realize how much I miss the absorption of being in the work, without a clock or a list of errands running my day.  It's been a rare experience for me lately, and this was a much needed revisit.  


Getting ready for a solo show is like getting ready for the Holidays.  Deadline. Lists. Anxiety.  But it's always a time for reflection, exploration and intense focus as well. . . Something that,  in itself is a gift.  So, as I prepare to go back to my everyday routine this week,  I am thankful to have had this time to reconnect with my other self, who has been missing the smell of the oils and the feel of the paintbrush on my panels.

Recently I did some re-visiting of one of my favorite painters, French artist Edouard Vuillard (1868-1940).  Born in the period between Impressionism & the beginning of full blown Abstraction, his work is more than just a riot of gorgeous color.  It is a reflection of the peace and tranquility he found in his own domestic surroundings.

image from Olga's Gallery

Vuillard is most well-known for his dramatic interior scenes, attributed to the fact that he lived with his mother until he was 60, and became quite well acquainted with the domestic "women's life".

His use of color is one dominant factor in the rooms he painted.  Beautiful. 

Vuillard was also intrigued by fabric, or more precisely, pattern on fabric.  

Although in the early 1900's he was commissioned to paint large decorative panels of urban landscapes and parks for his patrons mansions, for the rest of his career he sought perfection in the scenes of domestic tranquility of his patrons which reveal the intimacy of the home, humble settings and everyday life.  

This week is our last at the shop until September, so stop by for some things that may add to your own sense of domestic bliss . . .

The weather is fabulous. Have a wonderful day today ! 

It's HOT

Let's try to remember how cold it was last winter. . .

Maybe that will keep us cool for the next few days as we are sweltering here in the northeast.  Record high temps have all but put most people in a horrible mood, and the first topic of discussion between friends is how darn HOT is.

After one of the coldest winters in recent memory, we are now burning up in high 90's and 100 degrees. . . perfect for air conditioning repairmen and ice cream shop owners,  but for most of us it's thinking about how we can stay comfortable, cool and indoors most of the time!


Remember to:


Drink lots of water.
Drink lots of water.
Drink lots of water.


Stand or sit in front of a fan.


Do no physical work.


Watch re-runs of It's a Wonderful Life.


Eat ice cream for breakfast lunch and dinner.


Keep calm and don't argue with anyone.


Fill the tub with cool water and jump in every hour.


Carry an ice pack with you where ever you go.


And remember as Someone once said . . . this too shall pass.

I'd invite you to come to the shop today, but our ac is broken so I want to be fair.  BUT, if there is something that you are dying to purchase to make yourself feel better today, stop on by.  

We're there from 10-4, and we can offer you some lemonade and cookies :)

Stay cool and safe,

Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday.  They have a way of creeping up, and all of a sudden it means you are a year older.  How does it happen so fast?  I've always loved my summer birthday so no matter what the birth certificate says I try to ignore the numbers and just carry on as if nothing much has changed.  What's the alternative?  Life is good, and another year means more cake and ice cream at the very least.

For as long as I can remember, it has ALWAYS been hot and sunny on July 17th.  If you're planning a wedding, pick that day.  It Never rains.

When I was a kid, my Dad told me that the day I was born was one of the hottest days on record . . . St. Mary's in Hoboken, and he was sweating, pacing, worried, excited.  

Somehow, I do believe that my dear Mother had a bit more to contend with on that day, :), but I am so grateful to both of them for the gift of life they chose to give to me.  I miss them both everyday. 

Sunday birthdays (like yesterday) are my favorite because it seems that everyone's around and there's more time to do the special things that I want to do. This is how the day went:

Mass at 7:30 with Jack.

Coffee following . . at a great new spot in Palisades NY, The Market/Filling Station, on Route9W. 

 This is what it looked like back then.  The pic is a little distorted because I had to shoot it from a photo which was hanging crooked and up high.

 Here it is now. . . 

 Nice outdoor seating. . .

 The Filling Station Menu . . . 
Hot Dogs, Burgers, French Fries & Ice Cream.  Perfect.

 Inside the market. . . Coffee/Tea,  Croissants, Muffins, Fresh Breads . . 

And other assorted goodies in the coffee bar.

Read some nice birthday messages from my FB friends, who are SO incredibly thoughtful.  Love them! 

Back home to paint in my studio.

Had an amazing omelette prepared by my middle daughter Julia.

Had a nice long walk with my favorite walking bud Jackson, where, btw, he was almost picked up by an adorable white bijon. Too funny, especially since she did not know he is afraid of girl(dogs).

 Actually  I don't really paint in these clothes.  But I was there painting right before a change for the gallery opening. 

Back to the studio to paint some more.

A beautiful light lunch courtesy of my amazing daughters . . .

One of my abstracts behind the sculpture.

A visit to the Flywheel Gallery for our Summer Interlude Opening Reception.

A great dinner with the family on the terrace of Knickerbocker CC.

And finally, Ice Cream CAKE at home with some of my favorite family members. Didn't count the candles.  I couldn't have asked for a nicer day. 

Well, it is summer, and by definition a SALE is considered a reduction in price, so I guess at SWITCH we qualify on both counts.   We have a really nice collection of summer (sale and non-sale) items waiting for you here at the shop . . . ALWAYS at a great price.  Most of our consigned pieces have been reduced 20%, but for the most part our regular stuff (which is the other 90%,) is so affordable anyway that it's almost a no-brainer.  Well, not really, but almost.   

If you come in now you can still get a great deal on summer items for the NEXT TWO WEEKS.  Mary and I are closing shop for the month of August, so if there's a good time to visit, it's NOW before everything goes away.  (Actually, we may have a few summer items by the time September rolls around, but you never know!)

Have a great week, and if you're having a birthday soon . . . HaPPY BirThday!