By: Southwest Art | October 16, 2017
By Bonnie Gangelhoff
This story is featured in the November 2017 issue of Southwest Art Magazine. Click below for article
So honored to be featured and have such a great article written. Many thanks Southwest Art!
Inspiration
"Macaroons" 6x6 oil on paper
I'm taking advantage of the beautiful weather here and getting out everyday to wander - and paint. Working on my 6x6s on oil primed paper and really loving the way the paint sits on it.
Set up on the River Seine with the light coming through the trees, creating lovely dappled leaves in yellows and oranges. Definitely going to be a larger piece!
For some reason, my first week out of the Low Country and into city life, always makes me sick. Must be leaving our warm, coastal air. Three days in bed with intermittent trips to the market and sketching, and picking the kids up from school have been the norm
But I am back in the groove, and have been out working on 6x6 oils on primed paper. Little vignettes of my "hood" - the 11th. I have to say it's a bit different painting here. I'm so used to tourists coming up to look and talk while I paint, and that isn't the case here. I had assumed it would be I guess. But as my French is horrid, I can't understand anyway. :-)
I think I will do quite a few of these then have them on line the beginning of November.
Sometimes a painting just flows - you know the size, the color palette, the movement of the piece. "Lush" was one of those paintings. I knew when I saw the plant at the Botanical Gardens outside the Prado, that this was something I wanted to paint. And paint it really large.
60x36 oil on linen, gallery wrapped
I spent a wonderful 10 days in Hossgour, in the South of France with the kids. A great time, filled with some really funmemories. Then 2 weeks in Spain traveling with a friend of mine. On my Bucket List was going to the Sorolla Museum in Madrid, and it was what I thought it would be - astounding! To be in his studio with his work surrounding me, seeing the colors up close, was truly a gift. Traveling to Cordoba, Seville, and Grenada were equally incredible, and the mosques and cathedrals were just remarkable in the history and the craftsmanship. A remarkable trip - but cut short with Hurricane Irma. (Picture below was to show everyone back home we were well protected in Madrid)
We traveled home, I prepared my house, and I loaded my car with all of the things that are most important to me and I don't want to lose. It's a good reminder that you really can fill your car with just enough to start over if you have to. My oriental rugs, favorite paintings, Bose stereo, paints, my French boots books, and Madonna that was a prototype for a larger pice in a cathedral in Rio de Janeiro. And then drove up to NY State to be with my Mom.
I'm back home today and after resettling into my house, paint three commissions, and pack again...off to Paris for three months of painting and babysitting. My finance guy says that I would be overwhelmed, but don't have the time. Very true
Between SEWE, Spoleto , the Solo Show at the Principle Gallery, and new work for City Art Gallery, in Greenville, NC - I've had a busy six months. I love painting that much because I feel when you are pushed to produce, the ideas, and the brush flow. And, I feel like I become a better each time.
But a break is good and I am off to see my Mom and great friends. Cool lake water, sitting on the dock, visiting memories from 20 years back - all good for the soul. Sketch book will go, but for once, paints stay behind so I can just relax. Looking forward to it!
Coming Home 38x34
I'm so grateful for the Principle Gallery supporting my work and having a Solo Show at the Charleston Gallery. Some of my favorite pieces are hanging in the front of the gallery, so please stop in and see the work!
Maybe it's too much coffee, but making my path through the house, with paintings on the floors either being framed, varnished or labeled - and I'm so happy. I Love Piccolo Spoleto. And this year I have the bonus of my Solo Show at the Principle Gallery!
The beauty of this time of year is that I am in the studio ALL the time, music pouring out the door (and probably driving the neighbors crazy) - when you practice all the time, you get better. Paintings take a turn. And now I get to go out in public and see people. :-)
"A Little Paris Cafe" 6x8 oil . Available at the Principle Gallery
That's Me - #41. Everyday from May 26 - June 12th!
"The Siren" 40x30 PICCOLO SPOLETO in Marion Square - OPENING DAY MAY 26th!
"Looking Out to Sea" 40x60 oil.
I'm painting for two upcoming shows: Piccolo Spoleto in Marion Square, and my Solo Show at the Principle Gallery, "Life by the Sea". All the pieces will be featured starting May 26th, and the Opening reception at the Principle June 2nd. To say the least, my life has been in the studio painting, but the one above reminds of sticking my toes in the water - which makes me happy.
Good weather drags me out of the studio and back painting out on location. What a great job to be able to go outside in the lowcountry with friends and paint the landscape. Not once do I forget to say how thankful I am with this life I get to have.
"Harbor Boats" 12x9 oil, framed in burnished silver.
Feel like I am "back in the saddle again" after last year. The studio is now crowded with new work to go to The Luminous Landscape Salon at the Principle Gallery Feb 1st. Then there is SEWE on the 17th . I've had great fun painting for that show, and will post next week after the opening of the Salon Show. The piece below has taken me a bit more abstract, and have loved the process. I'm really happy with the paintings for this show. Please come by for the opening on the 3rd at the Principle Gallery.
"Dusk No.31" 36x36 oil on board, framed
A blank canvas. I'm looking forward to the upcoming year filled with exploration, paintings, shows, and growing as my new life unfolds. I'm back in the studio painting for SEWE and the upcoming Low Country Salon at the Principle Gallery. The house is taking shape and love my new little neighborhood.
Wishing all a hopeful, healthy, and happy New Year.
BELOW: "Flying High" 24x36 oil on linen
I'm back from France and a wonderful time! Loved being with my French Family, drawing Ninjas with Owen, and in awe of Stella's dedication to drawing (will post one of her pieces next week). The weather was beautiful, and walking around the city, while challenging, was great fun. There is a wonderful trampoline and play area at the Tuileries that the kids love. We all traveled up to Normandy and stayed in a four story flat - with the commode at the top. Incredible weather and exploring at the beach and cafes. The only day that was typical Paris weather was the last day of my visit.
But now back home to the beautiful light of Charleston and a weekend painting with friends. Finding new patterns to my life - sometimes sad but mostly a really good life.
"A Little Rain Must Fall" 11x14 SOLD
Above
Just a short note on the past Hurricane scare here in Charleston. VERY thankful for friends who called, texted or just emailed to ask how things were going. I was given refuge in Summerville and very grateful for the hospitality. Now I am home and after putting on a new tin roof (yes - all by my little self! Don't think I'll hire out, but it isn't bad), moving out of the Confederate Home studio - I think I am at last settled. It's been almost a year and feel like my new home is done. And ready to paint again, which is a great feeling.
And then off to Paris for two weeks!
Start practicing your Tango - we're going to Argentina! Sign ups are now, and it is filling fast, so let me know if you want first dibs!
Back from the mountains of NC and working on my Summer series. Studio is pretty hot, but getting some paintings done (and taking ukulele lessons. Yep, scary, but true). I'm also a volunteer for the Charleston Music Hall and have 6 upcoming concerts before I head over to Paris in October to babysit. It's been a good, diversified summer.
Day in the Sun 24x30
In the Shade, 12x16 oil
Here it is middle of May and I am gearing up for Piccolo Spoleto's Outdoor Art Exhibition. I've moved back to my old spot under the tree - #41, and looking forward to seeing everyone again. New paintings are getting framed, labels are being done, and now hope that all the pieces are there when I put up my tent! (With moving, you never know)
Please come by to visit, take a painting home, and see all the new work from new artists. I'm excited and realized that this is my Official 10 Year Anniversary in the park. I'm so luck to live in this city that supports the arts.
See you there!
"Day at the Fair", 18x18 $2100
