“Texas Spring”, 2019 by Norman Engel

Northern Lights, Tom Thomson, Spring 1917

trains.....

Salisbury Cathedral

Pleinair study.

Gouache on paper.

Instagram @davidcarpenterart

And a couple more.

Frédéric Bazille (French, 1841-1870) • Young Woman with Peonies • 1870 • Musée Fabre - Montpellier, France

When reading about this painting, I saw that various sources state the title as Black Woman with Peonies. One source interpreted the woman's expression as taking pride in the creation of the flower arrangement and being in "control of the flowers". I don't see pride. I see beautiful eyes that have lost their joy. I see hands going through the motions and thoughts running through her head of how many more things she must do that day before she can eat and rest. This is, of course, purely subjective, as I have an intense preoccupation with the brutality of slavery so prevalent in Europe and America. Historically speaking, it's likely I'm not far from the target.

This young woman is not an artist's model, nor a muse, mistress (if she is a mistress, it's likely against her will) or wife. Unlike many such women, she has no name that's been recorded. She is a servant, likely brought to France against her will or born into slavery. Her expression is one of both strength and resignation.

It is a beautiful painting, rendered with much skill. It was the last painting by Bazille before he left for the battlefield of the French-Prussion War, where he died later that year at the age of 28.

~ P.S.

cat experiencing the JOYS OF LIFE !!

Vesuvius

Painted near the amphitheater of Pompeii. Featuring umbrella pine, cypress, and olive trees.

Acrylic and gouache on rough multimedia paper. March 2024.

Carlos de Haes - Oak Trees

“prickly pear” 2021 by Norman Engel

Autumn, Algonquin Park, Tom Thomson, 1916

Maison Flaneur

Cafes in Bordeaux.

Acrylic gouache in a Moleskine sketchbook.

Finally something new

Rainy Saturday on the Genesee. 30min plein air sketch right before the rain started.