From the studio of Susan Harrison-Tustain
May 2009
May 2009
Newsletter page 2.
My next exhibition:
Many of you are asking about my next exhibition. All going well - I hope to exhibit in October/November 2010. I will keep you informed of the details as the time becomes closer.The Impressionists:
We have recently visited an exhibition predominantly featuring the work of Monet. Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, in Wellington is currently hosting this wonderful exhibition. Having been mesmerized by these paintings at the Boston Museum of Fine Art - we were thrilled to have the opportunity to view them once again.
I have been interested in the varying feedback I have heard from those who have visited the current exhibition. I thought this was a wonderful opportunity to mention my thoughts on the Impressionists.
Each of us view paintings on different levels. As an artist I am captivated by the commanding atmosphere the Impressionists' paintings convey.
Their inspirational use of color, light and shadow and the way they juxtapose warm and cool colors next to each other allows the colors to dance and brings the paintings alive with mood. The Impressionists capture the wind in the summer grasses and the swirling clouds with their texture - so much so it is almost palpable.
I find the paintings take on a new and magical presence when I squint my eyes down to view them. This allows us to feel the warmth of the late afternoon sunshine on the haystacks, sense the purple shadows on a warm ochre sunshine-filled day and absorb the magical light and shadow on the Cathedral at Rouen - for me - this is the essence of their work: light, mood and atmosphere.
So do try squinting when you see works of the Impressionists. You will find a new depth of appreciation - and I hope it is the revelation it was to me.
For those visiting Te Papa - do allow time to look at my favorite C.F.Goldie painting: Darby and Joan. Each time I view it, I stand in awe as I am transported into the compelling world inside the frame.
Here is a link where it can be viewed. Sadly - as with all art - viewing it on the web loses the magic of this incredible painting:
Darby and Joan by C. F. Goldie - 1903