Lunch Time in Aix en Provence

 

This shaded cafe in Aix en Provence is full during lunchtime. Even though it is sweltering outside, people would rather be outdoors than in a dark cafe. The cafe interiors are a welcome sight on a rainy day, of course. But it is always nice to look at the effects that the sunshine creates on the stone walkways, buildings, and awnings from a shady spot. Oil on 18" x 24" stretched linen. SOLD.

Sunny Cafes in Aix en Provence

 

Mostly everyone was searching for shade on this hot day in Aix en Provence. Everyone except the couple walking toward me as well as myself, of course. Only the hearty dared to walk in the sunlight in search of the next cafe serving Aperol spritzes. Pro tip: everyone in Aix serves them! Oil on 24" x 20" stretched linen. SOLD.

Weird Years

 

There have been many life changing events during the past several years, which impeded my artistic productivity. I haven't been posting to my blog as much as in the past because blogging seems to have been replaced by social media or other websites. I plan to do a mass upload of all of my newer work in the near future. I also plan to have a couple of studio cleaning sales to clear space for new work. I haven't been as happy with my work during the past couple of years. Stress inducing occurrences seem to have affected my style. I feel that I am finally becoming myself again and I plan to share the new work that reflects that soon. In the meantime, this is one of the paintings that I completed in 2023. It was inspired by adventure on the Camino de Santiago. It is said that the real Camino starts after you have completed the walk. This has turned out to be a massive understatement. I believe I flew from Europe into a parallel universe.

This painting shows that you can take two different roads. One is the correct "way" the other will get you lost. It seems that I have been lost for many years and the Camino has put me on the path that I should have taken all along. There were many strange coincidences that have illustrated to me that things will happen when they are supposed to and that you should always trust your instincts, even if it makes you seem difficult. Oil on 14" x 18" stretched canvas. Available at Latrobe Art Center.