In the spring of 2009 I wrote a post about the artist known to his friends as "Stroh". Stroh is not only a fine artist but he is a gardener and someone who loves to work on creating his own unique working and living space. He does the latter with the keen artistic eye of his Artist wife, Bev. He and Bev make a strong creative team. I would like to give you glimpses of their studio and garden. Perhaps another day we can return to that magical garden,
Their studio is a rebuilt garage which has become integrated into their garden. Terraces and shady trees guard it and make it an inviting space.
Looking out from the interior of the studio toward the garden.
What everyone wants to know, "how do they store their arty stuff"?
Stroh working on a new piece.
I love looking at the space of people who have "a lifetime burning" for creating art. Jacques Villon the French painter ( who did not gain true recognition until his 70's) liked to make reference to Cennino
Cennini and say that "Before starting to paint one should follow Cennini's advice and say a prayer".
I didn't ask Stroh or Bev if they follow this advice but I do feel they are surrounded by a bit of heaven when they walk through their garden to their studio.
I remember those long summer days as a kid when my Mom would look at me and say , " Go play with your friends today". I am still taking her words to heart and since summer days are here I am trying to play as much as I can. A couple of friends emailed and said they had 2 good models, good photo ops, time for painting and a picnic opportunity. So off to a Denver park we went, took photos, painted and noshed on good food.
My colors were charcoal black and white as I forgot my Wallis paper, but the day was still lovely and we will be repeating the format again as it seems to be a winning one. Where in the Denver area ?--- but I will make certain to check and recheck my supplies - easel, Pastel paper, Pastels, tracing paper (for safely transporting a completed painting), tape, board for taping pastel paper to - what else? Sketching paper and charcoal in case all else fails. What are your most important items you bring when painting alla prima or plein aire? The most important ingredient is artists who enjoy working out doors and have a spirit of adventure. Hurrah for summer!
In the spring of 2009 I wrote a post about the artist known to his friends as "Stroh". Stroh is not only a fine artist but he is a gardener and someone who loves to work on creating his own unique working and living space. He does the latter with the keen artistic eye of his Artist wife, Bev. He and Bev make a strong creative team. I would like to give you glimpses of their studio and garden. Perhaps another day we can return to that magical garden,
