"Remnant Church"

A member of Ste Genevieve's Remnant Church commissioned this painting, and the frontal view of it, after seeing several street scene photographs I had taken (one of which I am working on now) of the church. So, I went out and photographed the church again, from across the street, when the lighting was indistinct. As I was finishing the picture one morning, the sun came out strong and I snapped a new photograph with strong light and shadows, which helped me paint in strong shadows and strong light. Oils, 11" x 14" on canvas board, framed $200 SOLD.

The Open Door

This is an 11" x 14" oil painting on canvas board of a picture I took in late summer from the "summer house" of local artist Lulu Cameron located behind her building at the corner of S. Main and Washington Streets. The building you can see in the background is the rear of the Main Street Inn. $185 unframed.

Jack Donze's Horse and Cart

This is 11" x 14" oil painting on canvas board of a local resident, Jack Donze and his horse and buggy. I took the picture late this summer as he was turning around in front of my Studio de Michel (which you can see the umbrella at the far left of the image). The building in the background is the old Menard Home. SOLD.

Inn Ste Gemme Beauvais

This is a commissioned piece which was started en plein air in October. I had sketched the composition in oil one afternoon and had it standing very unfinished in my Studio de Michel. A buyer came in and saw it and asked, "Is this finished?" I told her it was not. She commissioned me to finish it. It is a 16" x 20" oil painting of the Inn Ste Gemme Beauvais, now being restored after a fire in February. This Ste Genevieve landmark sits across the street from my Studio de Michel. SOLD.

The Southern Hotel

This is a commissioned oil painting, 11" x 14", of the famous Ste Genevieve landmark, the Southern Hotel at the corner of Third and Market Streets. SOLD.

The Old Academy

It has been a few weeks since I have published any posts. The reason for this is that I have been working on several paintings. Hopefully you will enjoy these. This is a 10" x 14" plein air oil painting started in a workshop with Michael Anderson in October. A buyer saw it unfinished and commissioned me to finish it. SOLD.

"Morning Levee Light"

Painted from a photo taken about a month ago from the Mississippi River levee north of downtown, the golden morning light makes this scene glow happily. Done in softer tones and brushwork, this painting is in oils on canvas board, 16" x 20". This piece will be on exhibit at the Garden Gallery in Cape Girardeau for the month of November, 2008, as a part of the Ste Genevieve Art Guild exhibition. SOLD

"Ste Genevieve Scene"

From a photo I took a month or two ago, I painted this 16" x 20" street scene of Ste Genevieve. This is a classic shot. Done in oils on canvas board. This will be in an exhibit of the Ste Genevieve Art Guild at the Garden Gallery in Cape Girardeau in November, 2008. The exhibit of some 60 pieces will open on Friday, November 7 during the First friday Gallery Hop in Cape. See you there. SOLD.

Five Paintings Sold Today!

"The Main Street Inn" 11" x 14" oils, SOLD.

A woman came in and bought 2 finished paintings, "The Hotel Entrance" and "The Main Street Inn". Then she asked me to finish 2 that were in process, "The Inn Ste Gemme Beauvais" and the "Old Academy". Then she commissioned me to paint the Southern Hotel. Thank you for your support (pictures of the new work will be posted soon).

"Menard Porch" Best of Show

"Menard Porch" This painting, along with "Inn St. Gemme" (below), were entered into the 2008 Ste Genevieve Plein Air Event competition and won 2nd Place in the category "oils and acrylics", and Best of Show! Thank you, to the judges, for the recognition. This is a view from under my table umbrella, outside my Studio in Ste Genevieve, looking north on Main Street. The sun hits the porch beautifully in the later morning. The challenge is catching it in paint. Desc: 16" x 20", plein air painted outdoors, in the late morning, over a 3 day period, oils on canvas board, $225 unframed. SOLD on 10/15/08

"Inn St Gemme Beauvais"

"Inn St. Gemme Beauvais" This painting was done over a three day period during the annual Ste Genevieve Plein Air event, October 3-10, 2008. After I got started, I noticed how much foreground I had! I decided, instead of changing the composition too much, to try and make the foreground more interesting. That was my challenge on this one. This is the view from the front of the Studio de Michel, looking across the street. Click to enlarge. Desc: Plein air painted over a 3 day period, in the late afternoon sun, 16" x 20", oils on canvas board. $225 unframed. SOLD on 10/15/08

"Hotel Entrance"

The Hotel Sainte Genevieve is a familiar landmark in the Historic District. One morning, earlier this year, I snapped this picture. I knew I wanted to try and paint it because of the great play of the light and shadows of the foreground tree on the white painted brick. The only hesitation was in deciding how to handle the ornate wrought iron in the entrance.

This is a 24" x 30" oil painting on stretched canvas. SOLD 10/18/08

"Awaiting Interpretation"

Alex Ward and his newest painting, "Awaiting Interpretation", is displayed at Studio de Michel until September 23, 2008. The Last Friday Opening reception on September 29, was well attended by artists, community, friends and family. The featured artist for October will be Michael Anderson from Belleville IL.

"Studio de Michel" painting

My latest painting is a 16" x 20" rendition in oil of the front of Studio de Michel from a photo taken when the sun was completely overhead, just before it passes behind the building. I like painting light contrasting with shadows. This is priced at $275 unframed.

"Donna's Sunflowers"

"Donna's Sunflowers" is a 16" x 20" oil painting of a vase of sunflowers prepared by Lulu for Donna Charron's funeral dinner. She left them at my studio and I took a few photos. I used some vibrant colors, as I experiment around. The colors in the photo are not true to the original in that the background is a deeper hue and the vase is violet and the table is a deep violet brown. If I get a better photo later, I will publish it. Unframed, this painting is priced at $275.

INSIDER 573 Highlights Ste Genevieve

INSIDER 573 was in Ste Genevieve, from what I understand, doing a story on the 200th anniversary of The Academy, Frank and Annette Rolfe's home. While they were here, they became interested in the growing Art Scene. So, look for Ste Genevieve to be highlighted soon on the pages of the INSIDER 573.

Jour de Fete

Every August, during the 2nd weekend, Ste Genevieve opens its doors and streets to Jour De Fete. This year is the 42nd edition. Studio de Michel and the Ste Genevieve Art Guild cooperated to secure the space in front of the Studio to promote the artists of the Guild and the region. Thousands of people passed by and left their compliments and encouragement. Alex Ward supplied the large outside paintings promoting his first exhibit at Studio de Michel. Some of them left a few dollars as they made purchases of local art. A special thanks to all of our new supporters.

Art Walk and new paintings

Itś Sunday, and I´m looking back over this weekend. What a great experience. Studio de Michel had its grand opening and the Ste Genevieve arts community had its first Fourth Friday Art Walk. From all indications, the Art Walk was a smashing success and the studioes and galleries are planning for next months. The grand opening was well attended, and we may have seen around 75 visitors.

I finished two more commissions. The first was a watercolor of a photograph taken by the parents of one of the cast members of Fiddler on the Roof. Itś 9¨x 12¨. The second is a Ste Genevieve home in oil. It measures 10¨x 14¨. My Beauvais Porch (see previous posting) sold, as well.

August Exhibit Installed

It's early morning and I just finished with the installation of August's exhibit. Working all night makes me tired, but happy that it's all done. A few details left and, hopefully, a little concentration will be left to finish those. Something new for Studio de Michel is handcrafted jewelry by Julie West and Keith Hible. Our featured artist this month is James F. Wilson. Along with him, we will have Pamela Wickard, Suzie Cooper, Adrienne Rosen and Jack Tandy from St Louis. Tonight's opening will feature guitarist Josh Hinkebein and a few of our new artists. Also, well represented again this month is the Ste Genevieve Art Guild by Juanita Wyman, Iris Vincent, Mary Ann Roth, Betty Joggerst, Matthew Fels, Lulu, Jacque Brillos, Anita Alsup, Pat Ferguson, Jane Naeger and Cloice Lindewedel. Returning, also, is Barbara Olson and Mary Peura.

Hanging a New Exhibit

On Friday, July 25, a new exhibit opens in the Gallery of Studio de Michel. The featured artist is James F. Wilson, Artist in Residence at Mineral Area College in Park Hills, Missouri. Through the Studio window, I took this picture of his oil painting, Colonial Still Life. This (approx) 18" x 24" unframed piece is priced at $600. He paints large, so I have three framed landscapes, 30" x 36" oils, which will take up most of a wall. I will be showing some of his other large oils and some watercolors.

Another artist I am proud to show, is Pamela Wickard from St Louis. Her latest works are large acrylic collages, in muted pallets, of females in various moods. She has a series of brightly painted florals in oil; another series of women in acrylic and some landscapes.

Rounding out the exhibit, this month will be paintings by various members of the Ste Genevieve Art Guild, Adrienne Rosen and Jack Tandy.

Map of the Arts District in Ste Genevieve

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"Vase of Flowers after Renoir"

This painting is 16" x 24" on canvas panel in oil, priced at $275 unframed.

My Vacation is Over

Since July 4th, I have been on vacation. No plans...just whatever...the way I like it. So...what did I do? A few little things...but most meaningful things. A movie and dinner with Patrick. A trip to St Louis with Sara. Digging through surplus frames at MM&G. Ordering reproductions of a small painting of Shaw House. Meeting with 4 artists interested in my gallery. Dinner at Chammette with Lulu, Bonnie and Jan. First Friday opening at Girardo Exhibit at the Arts Council Cape with Sara and Lulu. Picking up and painting doors for an art display. Meeting with Karen on finalizing plans for the new Ste Gen Art Walk. Dinner with Maryann during the storms. Talking with Iris and Anita. Getting a visit and card from Angie. Sitting in front of my studio under the umbrella and feeling happier than ever. Sunday dinner with Lulu, Spike and Bonnie and a walk afterward. Picking up an egg from Katie in her PJs. Saying goodbye to vacation and writing this blog.

August Exhibit being Formed

I am overwhelmed by the response and support of the artists to the gallery space at Studio de Michel! A sincere thanks to all who are involved.

An unexpected visit, today, from native artist Leon Basler (currently living in N Dakota) was welcomed. He was referred by Judy Sexhauer of Galleria Ste Genevieve (another well established, artist owned, Ste Genevieve art venue). Leon gave me some insight into the Ste Genevieve artist community of the 1960s and 70s which cements the city of Ste Genevieve with art since the 1930 - 40s artist colony. He had never viewed the wonderful art book written on the Ste Genevieve Art Colony and Summer School of Art, and was amazed by it as I am.

This week I have accepted work by three new artists. Jim Wilson, Adrienne Rosen and Jack Tandy have all accepted invitations to exhibit in Ste Genevieve at the Studio.

Jim Wilson, of Farmington, an art professor and "artist-in-residence" at Mineral Area College in Park Hills, will have oils and watercolors exhibited. He is my first "featured artist", an idea I am trying out for August. Adrienne Rosen of St Louis is a juried member of Best of Missouri Hands and brings watercolors, colored pencil and oils. Jack Tandy of St Louis is well recommended by Adrienne and he is exhibiting acrylic paintings. Another artist invited to return is Lulu who has an exhibit in Cape Giradeau in July and Memphis in August. The Ste Genevieve Art Guild is represented well by Juanita Rapp-Wyman who is exhibiting her pastels, mixed media and oils both here and in Cape Girardeau this month; and by Matthew Fels who brings brilliant colors and a unique style (including mice) to his oils. Other Art Guild-ers are Betty Joggerst, Anita Alsup, Iris Vincent, Mary Ann Roth, Pat Ferguson, Cloice Lindwedel, Jacque Brillos and Jane Naeger. (I will add more as I remember.)

Returning artists invited for August are Barbara Olson and Nikita Wors of St Louis and Sara Best of Biehle.

All I need is more wall space or more discernment. Don't be surprised if I can't hang every artwork received for August. I will be adding more "wall" space by utilizing four antique single panel doors donated by Ken Kulberg (whose wife Karen is opening her own studio space with Bev Baker this month at Main Street Inn).

August's exhibit will open, as usual, on the Last Friday of the Month (which is also the very first Ste Genevieve Fourth Friday Art Walk) with a preview at 6 pm and a "Meet the Artists Reception" from 7 - 9 PM. During this time, participating artists will be available, on and off as they choose, to meet patrons and discuss their work (Jim Wilson will not be available until August since he is on vacation).

Blog from Studio on Nokia N800

Earlier this year, I bought a Nokia N800 Internet Tablet, a blue tooth keyboard and unlimited data on my ATT blue tooth phone. I have been using this setup to check email, browse and other things. This is the first time I have posted to my blog with this setup. First, I took pictures with my Samsung Digimax D53 and moved the SD memory card to the Nokia N800. Now I am posting the new picture of the painting I finished yesterday.

This is a 16¨ x 20¨ oil painting on canvas board of a photo I took last summer of Inn St Gemme Beauvais´ front porch in the afternoon sun. In February of this year, the Inn suffered a devastating electrical fire. It sits across the street from Studio de Michel with all of its windows boarded and construction guys going in and out. The owners told me that the Inn will reopen next year.

Meanwhile, enjoy the memory from last summer. The painting is priced at $225.

Sign Painting Two

If you have no idea what you might want to paint on a $50, 30" x 40" gallery canvas...paint a SIGN! Geeze, what was I thinking? Mixed turp with blue and brown and outlined the lettering. Mixed some violet and painted the background. Worked on the lettering. Added flowers with a palette knife. They were too bold and overpowered the lettering. Scratched them out with the end of a brush. The thing is drying in my Studio window. Hmmm. What a way to waste an expensive canvas (luckily, I only spent $5 for it!).

Commissions - huh?

In the last week (twice today), I have been commissioned to make three paintings!

The first commission came last weekend. A Ste Genevieve resident came into the Studio with two of her friends. They talked to me about painting a picture of her home. I offered to take some pictures of the house in the morning light. The next day, her friend came in and commissioned me to do a 10¨ x 14¨ oil painting of the house. I am still working on getting the right picture with the right light.

Today, a couple staying at a local B&B came in and looked at a 12¨x 14¨ painting I had started last fall of the B&B they were staying in. They asked me to paint the same scene in a 5¨x 7¨ size. We agreed on a price and a two week time frame. I finished the painting today! It sold for $50 framed.

Later, another couple from New Jersey came into the Studio. Their daughter was performing in a musical in town at the Orris Theater. They want a watercolor of the theater explaining that they have a wall of mementos of all the places their daughter performed.

This was a week of commissions! I haven't been commissioned since I was twelve.

Ste Genevieve Arts Forum

Inkeeper, and artist, Karen Kulberg (who will opening her own art studio with Bev Baker soon) has conceived the web log at www.stegenarts.blogspot.com to promote interaction among artists and art enthusiasts involved with the Ste Genevieve arts scene. The newest addition to the Ste Genevieve art scene is a monthly gallery and open studio walk on the fourth Friday evening of each month (beginning in July on the 25th). A map with the various venues participating will be published and available at locations throughout Ste Genevieve. For more information on this event, and other art news in Ste Genevieve, sign up at the blog Ste Genevieve Arts Forum (www.stegenarts.blogspot.com) or request to be placed on the Ste Genevieve Art Guild email list at http://sgag.typetching.com

Good morning and thoughts

This good morning begins with last night.

My Galerie de Artś exhibit is scheduled to open each last Friday of the month. Last night was the last Friday of June.

Artists new to the exhibition are Lulu, Barbara Olson and Nikita Wors. I cannot describe their modern art, but their influence in the exhibition and on my Studio is dramatic.

New work by artists Jacque Brillos, Matt Fels, Juanita Wyman, Iris Vincent and Mary Ann Roth were added to compliment the continuing exhibit of art by Jane Naeger, Cloice Linwedel, Pat Ferguson, Anita Alsup, Sara Best and Betty Joggerst. Many of these artists, along with Ali Cavanaugh and Karen Kulberg, spent most of the evening sipping wine, playing with children and talking art. Friends Richard Ellis and Arveda joined the artists and video taped portions of the evening. Others who stopped in were Bonnie Samuelson, Sam Conlon, Marjori Jokerst, Ken Kulberg, Carol (Bruceś Carol), Cathy Braun and Mary Peura.

Thoughts: These expressions of personal art which surround me, influence me.

Colored pencil painting

This new painting measures approximately 5" x 7" and is framed in an 8" x 10" frame. The subject is the Ste Genevieve Hotel entrance on Merchant Street painted from a photo taken one morning last summer. This is priced at $75.

"Shaw House"...the Art Colony Studio

In the 1930's, in Ste Genevieve, there was an artist colony. Their communal studio was located at the corner of Second and Merchant. I took a photo of it one morning last year, and made a small 8 x 10 inch oil study of it. I started it last week and finished it up this weekend. Look for a better photo of it in the future. This is priced at $125 framed.

Oil monoprint with ink

These two oil mono prints were taken from the mono print published in a recent post. When the paint was still wet on the original mono print...two light impressions were taken. These impressions were treated with ink and brush to define the composition. The designs were too subtle for me without the ink.

These images measure approx 14" x 18" and are priced at $75 each unframed.

Nighttime at Studio de Michel

A few minutes after I snapped this photo, I was joined under the umbrella by Brett & Ali Cavanaugh. We talked about business, spirituality and art late into the evening. You can see Ali's art at alicavanaugh.com.

Last Saturday night, during the French Heritage Festival, Main Street was full of people. One friend counted 20 people in and around Studio de Michel, under the umbrella and sitting on the benches and stairs.

Sign Painting

One of the projects at Studio de Michel that keeps me busy is signage! When I was a teenager, I earned a little money painting signs here and there. This is a throwback to that time. My technique? Thank God for computer fonts! I picked Matisse ITC for my logo and enlarged it to 590 for the window and the small outside lettering; enlarged it by graph for the large outside and inside lettering. Inside I transferred the large font to the wall with graphite paper; outside I cut the lettering into outline stencils and patted paint over the paper for letter outlines. The rest is painting. Oh, the window? I used the stencil taped to the outside of the window, and painted on the inside. Picture coming! It's 6am...and I must make the signage!

A watercolor from last weekend

The weekend before last, I made several paintings. I was inspired by some photos of Ste Genevieve I had taken last year. One of them, because of the large amount of light and white space, I decided to paint in watercolor and detail with ink. The final painting is about 12" x 14" and priced at $125 unframed.

The photo is of a side entrance of The Jean Baptiste Valle House taken in the morning light. This house belonged to the last commandant of Ste. Genevieve and was a center for government activity during the final days of Spanish rule before the French took back the territory and sold it to the Americans. Jean Baptiste Valle, its owner, came from colonial Ste. Genevieve's leading family, which had prospered in mining and mercantile business.

Oil monoprints with ink

I worked on Sunday with a technique I had never used before...oil monoprint from a glass plate. I started with a black marker drawing on the glass...and proceeded to colorize it with oil paint. I took the first impressions and they were very light. Adding more paint, I made several successive prints on the same paper, deepening the colors and adding definition. Finally, I used turpentine and the prints smeared and ran. I left everything to dry overnight.

Today I went in and added ink with a fine brush. The final paintings are about 12" x 14" and priced at $175 each unframed with a 1/2" border.

Tonite

I visited my new Studio tonite, and sat inside on my adjustable chair with the lights off. The reflected setting sun was filtering in from the east and I was listening to the wind chime moved by the window air conditioner. As I looked at last weekend's art, I felt like this was the place I always need to be.

Welcome to my new art blog! Studio de Michel is the name of my working art studio and small art gallery in beautiful Ste Genevieve, Missouri.