"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.