Thursday, August 29, 2013


When life gets challenging, recalibration is needed.  During these times, the littlest things accomplished feel like huge achievements.  And they are.   After finally knocking off some of my "to do" list that I've been hesitant to complete, the very cool, cloudy weather gave me a yearning for spaghetti.  Making red sauce and sitting down to a hearty pasta dish with a glass of red is a perfect way to end the day.  




Featuring another painting for sale from my private collection.  This one is from the Beach series, oil on canvas, 28"x22", 2012

You can see all seven works at this link.



Wednesday, August 28, 2013

I went to Waterfire again on Saturday evening.   Although I loathe crowds and tend to keep away from most events where I have to push through the hordes, there's something about being near water, the fires, the air filled with the smell of burning wood, and surrounded by lots of happiness.  

With the increase of bad manners, massive snark, and downright nastiness that flood our social media outlets, I've been consciously seeking out arenas that hold joy.  And Waterfire has become one of those for me.

This time I was there fairly early and caught some of the performances at the park next to the canal.  That is where I took this photo.



Monday, August 26, 2013


Limited time only - sale from artist's personal collection!


Since I've moved, I've solidified the selection of paintings that would remain as part of my personal holding.  With plans never to sell, I've enjoyed seeing them every day.  Due to circumstances and the need to let go and create more space in my life, for a limited time, I am offering seven paintings for sale.  


Contact me at gagnon60(at)gmail(dot)com with any questions or comments.  I take PayPal as well as checks and cash.  Please feel free to share the link with your friends and network.

Here is one of the paintings that I've never before shown.


Him and Me.
22"x28", oil on canvas.  2009
$600 +s/h



Thank you so much.

Thursday, August 22, 2013


Tuesday evening I returned to AS220 for their open life drawing session.   It's become one of my fave Providence things to do.   A sample of what I worked on that night.




Wednesday, August 21, 2013


A new workspace. 

There's nothing like looking at the trees and feeling the breeze if I have to work on my computer.  My friend Matt gave me his little table last year and it normally sits in the kitchen. Being on wheels, for the last few weeks I've been rolling it into the studio for the times I need to do computer work.



Thursday, August 08, 2013


Status report:

I'm still looking for a job.  I had two amazing interviews for two really great jobs and they were both supposed to contact me early this week with their decision.

This morning I found out I didn't get one of them.  This afternoon I didn't get the other.   And…this reality of living week to week is getting tiresome but clearly there is a life lesson contained within all this unknowningness.  It's about holding onto faith and reminding myself that my past does not define my future or my present.  

I've been pushing myself to paint every day in spite of the periodic anxiety that sets in regarding how I'm going to pay my bills.

Saturday I'm playing host for a surprise birthday party for two other artists.  Others are assisting with food and drink but they needed a place and I'm thrilled they asked.   It's my first big get together in my new home.  

I've been too tweaked out about the job sitch to focus on the two paintings of boys that I'm working on and so instead began working a beach painting. Here is the second painting of two boys.  They are my nephews, based on a photo from over 20 years ago.  Painting is 22" x 28", oil on canvas.




The beach painting has become a metaphor for my current state.  In painting the journey to the ocean I discovered I was lost.  Each day I'd return to the studio and would make less of a mess than the day before but still felt like I was painting in the dark.  It really feels like my life right now.  Painting still in progress, 30" x 40", oil on canvas.




This week I watched while the house next door was getting a new roof.






There are two days left to take advantage of sale prices on my Beach paintings!  Sale runs thru Saturday August 10.

I accept paypal as well as cash/checks.

This paintings is 12"x24", oil on canvas and is $250 + s/h.

You can see the remaining paintings at www.mariegagnon.com/for_sale.html




Wednesday, August 07, 2013


In addition to being at the ocean, one of my other happy places is attending open life drawing sessions. I make it a point of hitting the Spring St. studio when I'm in NYC but tonight I attended my first one in Providence at AS220.  Nicole, from my studio crit group joined me.  

It was awesome. Wonderful crowd. Excellent model and good space. It's work and yet drawing the figure from life brings me much joy and peace. Especially when it's not attached to a painting and I can just move my hand while seeing...with no expectations other than to be in the moment. Happy. Happy. Happy.

As well as being in a room full of others creating, what I also love about open life drawing sessions is that it is easier to give myself the freedom to just be...and not worry about creating a finished piece.  Tossing out the idea of perfection.  I attempt to do that in my studio, but it's more of a struggle.  With life drawing events, it's not something I even worry about.   I love the 30 sec, 1 min, 2 min poses.  But even when it's longer poses, 5, 10, 30 min...I just redraw over and over, attempting to keep it quick and loose.  Here is a some from last night.   For the last few years, I've also been intentionally using pen because you can't erase.  What you see is what you get.    And, at AS220, the gallery (where the drawing takes place) is next to their bar and restaurant. You can even bring the food & drink into the drawing session.  During a model break I was able to purchase a pear cider to bring back to my work table.  Kinda nice! 

This entry began with the intent of talking about my pretty fab leftovers from last night, which I purchased there, just before drawing.  Wild rice, tofu, slivered almonds, kale and lots of garlic all sauteed together.  It was cheap and there was enough to take home and have 2 extra meals.  So simple and quite good.  And now for dessert, I have a fresh mango that I cut up and is waiting for me.



Friday, August 02, 2013


My apartment gets great cross ventilation.  I love summer breezes.



Thursday, August 01, 2013



10 days left to take advantage of sale prices on my beach paintings.  Sale good until August 10.

Go to: www.mariegagnon.com/for_sale.html for paintings and prices.