Pierre Bonnard Sketch Studies

I was totally enchanted by an exhibit of Pierre Bonnard's later paintings, mostly of interiors, that are currently on view at the Met in New York. My particular fascination was with the thumbnail sketches that accompanied the paintings. Some were on scraps of paper, some in sketchbooks or journals mixed in with lists and notes. Most were pencil sketches but some had watercolor or goache as well. Apparently he did not paint his interiors as still lifes but often scribbled down scenes and returned to paint from his sketched notes later. The interiors and household items were familiar to him, many show up in multiple paintings, but the compositions were captured as he noticed them and stored away for future paintings. His somewhat unusual cropping of figures shows up in the sketches too. In some cases the paintings that resulted from the sketches were on view and it was great to see his process more fully... almost made me want to pick up a paintbrush instead of my usual paper and glue! On the wall of the exhibition, the following quote from Bonnard seemed most appropriate to the show and most profound... "I'm trying to do what I've never done, give the impression one has on entering a room: one sees everything and at the same time nothing." So glad I got to see this show... sometimes it's the story behind the work that really adds meaning -- his sketches were quickly captured and really wonderful to see in combination with the finished paintings. As usual, I wish I'd had time to linger longer!

Happy New Year!

What a way to begin the new year... a gorgeous hike on a 50+ degree day in Colorado. This photo does not give you a sense of how tall the red rocks are at Roxborough State Park, but it does capture the dynamic color and shifting light that makes it a joy to hike and observe. This photo was taken from the South Rim Trail at about 6100 feet of elevation. 

Breathe

I was struck by a column in the Denver Post yesterday by Natalie Constanza-Chavez, titled "Find holiday spirit in a single breath," -- about slowing down and focusing on nature and your breath to center yourself in this crazy time, in this busy season, of this increasingly difficult year. It's a well-written and timely reminder of what is most important. 

It reminded me of a moment a week or so ago when I spotted a huge red-tailed hawk sitting on the ski rack of my car in the driveway in our very urban neighborhood. It was so large and stately and unexpected that it took my breath away. It was an amazing sight and I keep thinking it must mean something. Sometimes nature rushes in to speak to us in some way.

Anyway as the holidays approach and the year draws quickly to a close, I plan to slow down as much as possible and thoroughly enjoy my work, friends/family, and holiday preparations. The matriarchy in my family is renowned for creating beautifully wrapped and decorated holiday packages and I love that tradition. I plan to spend time making fewer gifts more special this holiday. Who knows how many batches of spiced pecans may need to be stirred up?! 

Artists for Obama

Here is a photo of my daughter and I taken at the Obama rally in Denver on Sunday, attended by 100,000+ Coloradoans. It has been interesting to live in a "battleground state" during this election season! Among many other reasons, I am supporting Obama because of his support of the arts and their importance. The Obama campaign has an arts policy fact sheet on their website. If you'd care to take a look at more specifics and supporters, check out the full platform report. The Obama Arts Policy Committee asked committee member and author, Michael Chabon, to "describe the critical importance of the arts at this moment of remarkable opportunity and challenge in our nation’s history." His essay on page 5 of the report is great.