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Keep up with the latest art and adventures from Rene Shoemaker Art!
The Sweetness of the Magnolia Bloom
What was your first experience with a magnolia blossom? I bet you remember it as well as I remember my first encounter:
The first time I saw a magnolia blooming I thought I must be in heaven. That amazing size along with the pure white hue, the density of the petals, and its amazing beauty made it seem immortal ... although I could see that it appeared to fade as all flowers do. This first encounter was on a wooden stair landing in an historic 1850’s house in North Georgia. The magnolia bloom was floating in a bowl of water. It was a magical evening filled with candlelight and the deep odor of magnolias and honeysuckle.
I created this new painting, titled “The Sweetness of the Magnolia Bloom”, to send to New Orleans for The Cultural Landscape Foundation auction this year, and the above text is what I wrote as my artist statement. I am delighted with this new painting and feel like it is moving my art in a new direction with its simplicity and linear quality.
As part of the process, I created a second magnolia blossom painting; see it here:
Both of the magnolia paintings are hand-painted with dye on silk broadcloth, a lovely, soft, dense, matte silk. Last year, the painting I donated, “Kennedy Road Beaver Pond, Oconee County" valued at $500, sold for $700. How cool is that! The second magnolia painting "Lavender Blooms" is now for sale in my shop HERE.
LET'S TALK ABOUT SUMMER!
Ahh, summer. I love to travel; I love the sound of the wheels on the pavement, the sound of airplane engines starting. I love to think that my art goes to places like Chicago, New Orleans, New York City, and Paris and represents me there. Where will you go this summer? I’d love to know.
T-SHIRTS ARE HERE!
As you travel, you can wear my Globe t-shirt so everyone can easily recognize which town you love! For those of you who live outside of Athens, I now have a contact at the Globe who will send shirts to you: Write to Norm at globeupstairs@gmail.com. The shirts sell for $15 each.
NEW EXHIBITS + CLOSING DATES
The OCAF Members exhibit is opening this Friday, June 3, from 6-8 pm. I entered two new paintings, both scenes from the Ashford Manor in Watkinsville, Ga. I am especially happy with this painting of their kitchen:
Also, the closing dates for two of my exhibits have been extended – but hurry!
- My solo exhibit at Café Grumpy, Grand Central Station, NYC has been extended to June 2nd.
- My exhibit at KA Artist in downtown Athens, Ga has been extended to June 25th.
- And my year-long show at the Columbus Museum in Columbus, Ga will close on July 31st.
- I will also be teaching a silk painting class at KA Artist on July 9th – sign up now!
Thank you for supporting my work! And don’t forget to let me know where you are traveling this summer, so I can travel along with you.
Cheers,
-René
Blue is a Color of Relaxation
Blue is the color of the sky, the sea, and vintage Volvos. It is the color of wisdom, confidence and intelligence. Blue looks good on almost everyone, and brings a smile to people's faces. It is calming. Blue is also the color of the new Globe Athens t-shirts...designed by me!
Purchase a print HERE
They are beautiful and fun, they support a local institution, and they let everyone who sees you know how much you love Athens! Only $15 at available only at The Globe, 199 N Lumpkin Street, downtown Athens, GA. (706) 353-4721
Come visit! I am so proud!
Successful Silk Painting Workshop at the Columbus Museum!
The silk painting class held on April 30th at the Columbus Museum in Columbus, Georgia was a total success!
We had a great group of participants, from a young lady who was celebrating her 14th birthday with us to a six-month-old baby accompanied by his Mom. It was a talented group of people who really enjoyed mixing and playing with colors, painting with dye, and experiencing the unique artistic qualities of silk. The results were outstanding!
Thanks to everyone who was there for sharing your time with me. I hope we can do it again soon!
As a matter of fact - in Athens, we can do it again soon.
The KA Artist Shop just scheduled my new silk painting class for Saturday afternoon, July 9th, from 1-5 p.m. The price is $85 which includes all supplies. We are adding another hour of class time (from three hours to four) to allow participants enough time to really enjoy the experience without feeling rushed, and we will provide snacks for encouragement and sustenance.
What would you like to create on silk?
CURRENTLY ON VIEW
Café Grumpy Grand Central Terminal
Lexington Passage, New York City through May 31, 2016
Discovering the Chattahoochee Valley: Silk paintings by René Shoemaker
The Columbus Museum, Columbus, Ga through July 2016
KA Artist Gallery, Athens, Ga through June 2, 2016
MEET YOU AT GRAND CENTRAL!
Does the whole world pass through Grand Central Station? What a hub of activity and civilization! What an opportunity for more people to see my artwork! I am pleased to report that my Café Experience prints are now on display at Café Grumpy in Grand Central Station through May 31st. Here is a what it looks like if you walk into the Station:
Send your friends & family there to enjoy a great cup of coffee (in ceramic cups!) on their visit to NYC or on their daily commute. That way they can enjoy a coffee break and discover my artwork, too. (Gosh - I'm still waiting to be discovered by Anthropologie or West Elm - maybe this will do the trick!)
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On top of all that the silk painting class held recently at KA Artist in Athens was a great success. We had a room full of creative participants, and the whole event was lots of fun. Here are some of the paintings-in-progress from that day:
Currently on display:
Café Grumpy Grand Central Terminal
Lexington Passage, New York City through May 31, 2016
Spring Showcase
KA Artist Gallery, Athens, Ga through June 2, 2016
Discovering the Chattahoochee Valley:
Silk paintings by René Shoemaker The Columbus Museum, Columbus, Ga through July 2016