Beauty in nature

Today, I've been cleaning up my studio after finishing a still life this week.  And, while also contemplating another painting next week, I can't help but stop and enjoy the beautiful scenes from my studio windows.  The snow has been steadily falling since mid morning.  We're to have around 11" by the time the day ends.  It's so peaceful to look at. 

Tomorrow, I'll put on my winter boots, and walk in one of the local forest preserves. I enjoy listening to the crunching of the crisp snow under my feet and walking where there are no other footprints before me. 

Every season is beautiful!  I truly am in love with nature.

http://www.christinenauman.com

Christmas past and present

While trying to finish up a few paintings before the end of this year, some of the evenings I've leafed through photos that I might apply to future compositions. I've come across one the other day that was taken at a Christmas holiday I spent with friends when I lived in Tokyo. 

So now, while spending the 2011 holiday with family and friends, I realize how fortunate I am to find pleasure and gather friendships wherever I live. 

http://www.christinenauman.com

Symbolism of Sunflowers and Lemon in Still Life Painting

Sunflowers in Antique Chinese Tea Canister

25" x 29"
sold

The six sunflowers arranged in my circa 1930's Ringtons Tea Canister was another composition of mine created from a deep, personal dimension.  The color of the solar shaped blooms facing forward as I painted them complimented the sharp contrast of the blue-white pattern on the canister and another contrast in color with the lemon near that.

Recently, a southern collector of mine mentioned that a lemon signifies "bittersweet memories" after I shared with her my own research beginning with the artists of the 1500's placing certain objects in their paintings to give it meaning.  And naturally, adding further interest of their work to their patons.  Afterall, an artist's work is their subsistence.

With my new knowledge, I decided to place a solitary lemon into the arrangement.  First, for overall artistic beauty, and second for memories of my past travels throughout the South of France while the sunflowers were in full bloom.  Then thoughts of Van Gogh surfaced in my mind as his most prolific years painting were when he lived in the South of France.  "Bittersweet" seemed to be the correct meaning and my cutting the lemon in half was a balance of pleasure and pain in his later years.

Every painting should tell a story as it's not only about placing a painting on the wall.  It must move us beyond the visual. Then it starts our own imagination flowing, and our own memories surfacing.  It adds to conversations for patrons that share their personal collections with others.  Everything becomes more interesting.  More dimensional.

So . . . as time goes on, I'll continue to share more regarding paintings I create as I've been doing throughout my career.

http://www.christinenauman.com

Human Emotions

Van Gogh's "Old Man in Sorrow (On the Threshold of Eternity)" painting had meaning for me years ago.  Thus, this sketch I drew in '72 for an art class inspired me.  I recall showing someone what I created, and their eyes filled with tears.  I realized early on that viewing art fills us with emotions.  Perhaps as much as creating it?

http://www.christinenauman.com

Pair of "Open Lands" - o/c 17" x 19"

sold

A pair of my "Open Land" oil series in their ornate frames.  Outside dimensions are 17" x 19".

http://www.christinenauman.com

Arles then and now

Five phases/layers later which began last summer, today I was able to sign my name on another original oil from my Arles series.  It's been a long three days beginning just after sunrise for this final phase . . . I'm both relieved and ecstatic she's complete!  The painting will be released in another month or two after she's framed for acquisition.  I'll snap a digital and write about her in detail in my next post.

While sorting through well over 100 photos for future paintings of the South of France last evening, I located a photo of myself seated in a cafe next to the garden of the hospital where Vincent was a patient. It's now named "Espace Van Gogh" and is a cultural center.

http://www.christinenauman.com

Lake Como, Italy

Villa Balbianello
50" x 60"
sold

The original painting "Villa Balbianello" located on Lake Como in Italy was acquired from my studio by one of my Minnetonka patrons.  The painting was first placed in their Versailles Suite, before moving her to their dining room at their permanent residence in MN. 

It's a wonderful feeling when patrons share photographs of how their art collection is displayed.

http://www.christinenauman.com