Leopard - o/c 25" x 45" - commission

"What do you buy a man who has everything?" his wife pondered as their 5th wedding anniversary was approaching. That's when I received the telephone call from her requesting a commissioned oil painting of a leopard.

I become friends with Dennis when I lived in Tokyo from 1982 to 1986. We both worked for the same multinational engineering/construction corporation, and as he passed through Tokyo from his executive post in Saudi Arabia he would visit.  After my four years in Tokyo were complete and I moved back to the corporation's main headquarters in New Jersey, Dennis and I lived only a few towns from each other. That closeness brought him, his wife and I into a special friendship that lasted over 20 years.

So, when their 5th anniversary approached, Judy thought commissioning me to paint a leopard that would remind Dennis of his sugar plantation in Rhodesia and our friendship; a perfect gift for him. It would always remind Dennis of his land in the Hippo Valley that he obtained years prior by a grant of virgin territory to clear, and build a farm to grow high quality sugar cane that became operational by 1960. Dennis' numerous stories included listening to leopards and lions roar in the evenings and he found it melodic; albeit a constant threat by them as well as hippos and poisonous snakes. He was an Englishman, and a true internationalist speaking fluent Afrikaans, Zulu and Xhosa, along with English, Spanish and Italian. He named his plantation "Kwa Ingwe" which translates "To the Leopard" in Zulu.

The leopard painting was complete after one month, another month for the oil paint to thoroughly dry, and shipped to their estate on Amelia Island; where the painting hung in the master bedroom, over their bed. Dennis would quip that "Ingwe continually watches over me" and Judy would reply "yes, she's growling." Dennis' rebuttal remained steady, "No my dear, she's purring."

The Smith's were very dear to me and as life progresses, I received numerous invitations and visits to  their homes. Sadly, Dennis has passed. 

As for the "Leopard" painting, she has a new home with his son, Richard in Ireland. A place of pride once again, hanging in the master bedroom over the bed. Ingwe, watching over him as once over his father.

Field of Lavender in Provence with Farmhouse - o/c 25" x 29"

 I have painted numerous lavender fields over the years based on my travels to Provence. My very first time touring them, was in 1994 as a guest of a patron of mine. Seeing these fields of delicate purple flowers clumped together in rows up and down the rolling hills of sandy soil was breathtaking. 

Capturing many sites by camera, and making charcoal sketches, I have created these works from those travels. 

This painting, and previous "Lavender Field in Provence" is available though my home studio.

http://www.christinenauman.com

Field of Lavender in Provence - o/c 25" x 29"

Original work by C. Nauman framed.

www.christinenauman.com

Field of Lavender in Provence - o/c 25" x 29"

Lavender blooms the months of June and July in Provence. It's absolutely lovely viewing rows upon rows of these purple flowers growing out from the chalky soil.

The composition of this painting originated from one of my sojourns in France with a patron of mine. We were in Aix-en-Provence for a few days early July. On the drive from Aix, towards Marseille, we traveled the scenic route towards Montagne-Sainte-Victoire and came upon these fields of lavender after stopping at the site where Cezanne painted "la montagne." 

I was able to capture many of these sites on camera to create original works on canvas in my studio. 

Further comments and questions on this painting may be directed to my website ChristineNauman.com

Winter Forest - o/c 16.5" x 18.5"

sold

 

How lovely and serene is a forest when covered with the first snows of Winter? A recent visit to my home studio . . . patron felt the same.

http://www.christinenauman.com

Red Poppies with Farmhouse in Provence - o/c 19.5" x 22.5"

 

Poppies are abundant surrounding the farmhouses in rural Provence and the countryside. Stunning when capturing these reflections and memories on canvas. 

http://christinenauman.com

Sunflower Field in Provence - o/c 28.5" x 32.5"

 

There is something to be said about the welcoming style of French farmhouses in the way they are grouped together compared to other countries. Structures are connected together and placed at various angles in a practical living and working arena.  And in doing so, they also provide the close-knit warmth of the family within.

Windows, however few, are not facing four directions.  This is due to the cold northwesterly mistral that passes through in winter and spring. I recall humorously reading that "the mistral is strong enough to blow the ears off a donkey." Of course, not as humorous, if you're experiencing those dreaded winds first hand.

I have snapped photos over the years of these farmhouses, and leafed through books creating various compositions of these original works in oil. Remaining true to my artistic style, I add the appearance of ivy growing up the walls to give the appearance of the farmhouse's antiquity.  And trees and shrubbery surrounding the structures for protection from the mistral, and shade from the summer sun.  This also provides harmonious color and depth between the sunlight and shadows.  Beyond the shadows and structured interior, I evoke added interest into the viewer's imagination while gazing upon the painting.

A sunflower field is especially inviting when the stalks are tall, and flowers in full bloom.  And those in the foreground appear to droop sadly; due to the weight of their seeds and pedals they are lush and ready for harvesting.

Besides sharing a story about "Sunflower Field in Provence" . . . did you know that while the color yellow signifies HAPPINESS, the sunflower symbolizes LOYALTY and LONGEVITY?

http://www.christinenauman.com