Images also help me find and realize ideas. I look at hundreds of very different, contrasting images and I pinch details from them, rather like people who eat from other people’s plates. ~ Francis Bacon

I am back in the studio today. Two weeks before my next show in South Portland, ME. I said goodbye to some favorite pieces this past weekend.  Here  is one of them.

A few people at Manchester By The Sea Show. 

I am back in the studio today. I finally cleaned it too!  I found things I haven't been able to locate in months.   Two weeks before my next show in  South Portland, ME. 

 

Interior Montage

Here is my latest creation.    I have combined   a few of my favorite things.   The painting within my painting is taken from  Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres,” La Grand Odalisque”.  I have always admired this painting perhaps because of the lovely use of color and fabrics against the cream flesh tones of the woman.  (I also learned  that she is part of a harem:)  It was the starting point for my painting.    The wallpaper is adapted from a common  reinassance period  decorative design.  I enjoy creating an outdoor world along with my interior scenes.   Thanks for taking a look. 

                          Catherine

The Sicilian 7

Last November My five sisters and my mother took a trip of a life time to Sicily. We stayed in a villa in beautiful Taormina and took my mother to the place her parents were born, Trecastagni. It wasn't easy getting it all together leaving our husbands, families, children, pets but it was so worth it. Although at the time it seemed so surreal to me, I have wonderful memories. This is one of them. Here we are, The Sicilian Seven, minus me walking down an old side street in Guardia Naxos. I was taking the photo.

Villa Parmina

" Those Who Bring Sunshine To The Lives Of Others
Cannot Keep It From Themselves." JM b

I read that quote a few days ago and then decided to do a painting based on it. The photo isn't just right once again. I need to spend a little more time working out the problems I am having with my camera even though I don't feel like it. Villa Parmina in Sicily is also partly responsible for a lot of the colors and patterns in this piece. The view in my painting is similar to the one from the villa. I guess my trip is beginning to seep in to my painting........finally.

Missing Sicily

Missing Sicily. I painted this piece about 6 months ago, before I knew I was going to Sicily with my mother and 5 sisters. Looking at it now, it could be from the beautiful Sicilian country side. Etna could be in the distance there on the right. I imagined how overwhelmed I would be going there and so inspired to paint. I even saw this exact bird through a small crack in a fence that led into a beautiful yard. (we were lost of course) The Italian country side- the ultimate visual feast for an artist. Right? I never once opened my sketch book! It was absolutely breathtaking and surreal and everything I imagined but for some reason -nothing, yet.........