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Keep up with the latest art and adventures from Rene Shoemaker Art!

What matters is that I am here.

It doesn't matter if I almost missed my train because I was blissfully writing postcards in the waiting room of Gare Austerlitz-

     What matters is that I am here.

It doesn't matter if I take a wrong turn when I am walking somewhere and get fabulously lost-

     What matters is that I am here.

It doesn't matter if I ask for "le billet" (the ticket) 
rather than "l'addition" (the bill) at the end of a meal -

     What matters is that I am here.

It doesn't matter if I sleep too long on day 2 but not long enough on day 3-

     What matters is that I am here.

It doesn't matter if I ask for "de l'eau" (some water) rather than "d'eau" (a [glass of]  water)-

     What matters is that I am here.

I am over feeling embarrassed or insecure in this foreign country because I don't  know the language well and am sometimes unsure of the customs-

     What matters is that I am here.

I've always wanted to avoid looking like a tourist, I've wanted to fit in, and not be noticed by the people who live there, but I just don't think that's possible anymore-

     What matters is that I am here.

France calls me, and I respond. I go to her. 

     And all that matters is that I am here. 

 

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! 

  • And my year-long show at the Columbus Museum in Columbus, Ga will close on July 31st.

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

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

Spring Showcase

KA Artist Gallery, Athens, Ga through June 2, 2016