Art

Peggys in A Lonely Room

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Inspired by Edward Hopper’s Conference at Night, 1949. Strong contrasts, the powerful light of the window, two shimmering figures replace the dialogue of Conference. Out of focus, fuzzy dresses, perhaps made of fuzzy fabric, envelop the figures in a warmth protective against the rooms colder hues representing the starkness and loneliness of modern urban life.  SOLD

peg in a hopper room hopper confeerence at night
Peggys in A Lonely Room, acrylics on paper, 11.516.5′, 3042 cm SOLD

Pond in Zaandam

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Zaandam on the River Zaan not far from Amsterdam.  It is most famous for paintings of houses by Monet when he lived there, and the chocolate factories, of which one remains flooding the area with its lovely aroma.  Here’s a scene from near where we lived.

 

 

Pond in Zaandam, acrylic, A3, 16.5 x 11.7"
Pond in Zaandam, acrylic, A3, 16.5 x 11.7″

 

Detailed views:  

 

Small Paintings of Geithoorn

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These are small pen and ink or water-color paintings from our visit to Geithoorn, a village where you can get around only by canal.  It’s one of the most picturesque villages on earth.  It was founded by Italians.  For availability and prints please contact me at info@garyjkirkpatrick.com whatsapp +34 658 744 302
 
Geithoorn: Boat Nears Bridge, water-color, 4″ x 6″
Giethoorn 3 bridges water-color, postcard
Giethoorn: Two Houses, pen and ink 4″ x 6″

 

 

 

Canal in Geithoorn, pen and ink, approx size 4″ x 6″

 

 

 

 

 

 

Geithoor Canal, pen and ink 4″ x 6″

Dancing with Susan

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We were good friends in high school and lovers for a bit after that, and still enjoy her company.  We danced at our 50th high school reunion, just us for a bit, silly and fun, a bit of swing dancing thrown in, as seen in the second painting.  

Dancing Together, With Susan. Digital painting.
Dancing With Susan. Digital painting.

Viking in Dokkum

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This is our summer ‘home’ for the next few years.  It’s a 12 meter Dutch motoryacht built in 1996 with a beautiful interior crafted by the original owner from whom we purchased it.  We have not been to Dokkum yet with this boat.  I used a photo of our first Dutch boat Caprice which we did sail to this small town in Friesland.  

                                                                             
Viking in Dokkum, water color, 8 x 8″

Vernon, castle on the Seine

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Vernon is in Normandy on the Seine downstream from Paris.  It’s castle, built in 1204, served to protect Paris.  The mill ground flour, which could then be readily transported on the Seine.  It is a very short distance to Giverny, where Monet established his studio and residence.  There is also a museum of Impressionists.    

Chateau des Tourelles, Vernon, France

 

 

Half Timber In Vernon

The first mention of the town dates to Roman times.  The town was referenced circa 750 by Pepin the Short.  The name might be Latin or Celtic in origin. In French today ‘verne’ is a speckled elder tree.  In English it is a proper name.  (I add this as non-native English speakers read my blogs).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is a small dock for pleasure crafts, as you can see in the photo.  The mill sits on a bridge destroyed following the D-day invasion.  A new bridge crosses the Seine to town center, a charming village. 

 

Mill in Vernon on the Seine

 

Notre-Dame in Vernon

 

Dating from the 11th century, Notre Dame is a good example of a Gothic church.  The lead glass windows are impressive modern pieces, replaced also as a result of WWII bombing.   The rose window is flamboyant thus of later Gothic origin.  The stained-glass windows are contemporary.  The originals were replaced after World War II bombing raids.  The many half timber buildings are mostly from the 16th century.

Town Hall is a grand 19th century structure with frescoes.  The tall 20 meter Tour des Archives is the remnant of the Chateau-fort.   At the Musée Alphonse-Georges Poulain  you can see two original Monet works, Nymphaeus and Effect of sunset in Pourville.   There are several by his step daughter Blanche.   Only copies of Monet’s paintings are at Giverny.  https://www.francethisway.com/places/vernon.php . Additional commentary see https://www.francethisway.com/places/vernon.php
 
We had lunch in a picturesque restaurant with some good examples of Normandy cuisine.  Andouillette is tripe in a sausage casing.  I stuck with steak pomme frites, however.  I asked for it medium and they got part of it right.  They grilled it a bit more but it turned tough.  The frites are the best I have had anywhere ever!  Peg ordered fish delightfully grilled, and a side of polenta with a bit of cheese.