Obama~ A Vision For Art And Quality Of Life

Our new, sensible-thinking President, Barack Obama has created an economic stimulus plan, which seems to mystify Republicans. I was dismayed to watch the news, wherein not one, but two Republican Congressmen used as their example of “pork” the allotted budget to the National Endowment for The Arts. Described as “special interest” created by liberals, one congressman couldn’t see what it had to do with creating manufacturing jobs.

I want to provide the congressmen a glimpse of my experience, which will perhaps clarify one connection between the arts and manufacturing jobs. In an effort to share the experience of beauty, my company developed a line of reasonably priced fine art offerings for the home. One concept took the form of tumbled marble tile murals and coasters. It was the better part two years of search before we could find someone in the United States to produce these. The majority of specialty manufacturing for the home décor profession is done in China. Tragic. Imagine if we, with all the empty manufacturing plants and unemployed workers, set up shop to create beauty!

What I admire about President Obama is his sensitivity to the quality of life. He is vitalizing education, the arts, and attending to our infrastructure. He clearly knows what it takes for people to live with dignity and pride of a house in good order. I applaud President Obama’s choices. Living well is the root of prosperity; financial benefit is its by product.


Melody Phaneuf is a Boston Fine Artist, working at Fenway Studios. Phaneuf is acclaimed for her evocative still life and landscape paintings. Her paintings have exhibited at Galerie Herouet in Paris, The National Arts Club in New York City, and Art du Monde, a traveling exposition in Japan. Her work is regularly displayed at The Guild of Boston Artists, 162 Newbury Street, Boston, MA.

Melody The Artist Home, showcases the artist’s original paintings on tumbled marble tile murals and coasters, fine art prints and note cards. She believes that everyone deserves to live with beauty. Online ordering at MelodyTheArtist.com/shop

Featured Above~ Rhythms And Red, tumbled marble tile mural by Melody Phaneuf

Useful Links~

• National Endowment For The Arts~Statement on Stimulus
  
• House Passes Stimulus Plan Despite G.O.P. Opposition
• The Future of American Manufacturing

Sunflowers of Dordogne

I have spent some of my happiest moments painting in France. Waves of sunflower fields are in bloom in southern France from late June to early July. It is a heady experience to be surrounded with so much yellow joy.

This was a breezy day, with crisp blue skies and fat cumulus clouds, the cause of shadows skipping over hillsides. The combination of a high major key, and range of color from cool blue to warm yellow punctuated with a bit of red does much to buoy one’s spirits. Bobbing sunflowers and gentle rocking composition animate the canvas and sway us toward delight.

As I contemplate Sunflowers of Dordogne II, I step into that experience again. I am standing in the field, bathed in warmth of the French sun, a perfect antidote to shoveling snow.

Sunflowers of Dordogne II, Oil Painting by Melody Phaneuf, Private Collection

Tile Murals, Coasters and Open Edition Prints of Sunflowers of Dordogne II at MelodyTheArtist.com/shop

Melody Phaneuf is a member of Fenway Studios Cooperative, a community of Boston artists whose historic north light building was modeled on the 19th century Parisian Ateliers. Studio visits are welcomed.

Melody's paintings have been exhibited at Galerie Herouet in Paris, The National Arts Club in New York City, and were included in a traveling exposition in Japan. Her work is regularly displayed at the Guild of Boston Artists, 162 Newbury Street, Boston, MA.


Useful Links~

• Sunflowers B & B, Lot et Garonne
• Caves of the Dordogne
• Walks in Dordogne

Portrait of Domenic, Angelic Child

Couldn’t you just pinch his little pink cheeks? Domenic, angelic child, is beloved by his aunt who commissioned his portrait to mark this moment in time. I can only imagine his mother’s surprise when she opened her Christmas gift.

In child portraiture, the spirit of innocence is roused by roundness of features. Soft edges flow as forms blend imperceptibly. Domenic’s faint smile and limpid eyes reminded me of the expression in the Mona Lisa, at one moment smiling, the next, pensive, and almost saddened, the vision of an old soul.

There is a riddle concealed in the folds of Dom’s Red Sox shirt. His clever and insightful aunt devised homage to his late great-grandfather Ed with the letters of the shirt. The contemporary insignia is a bit of genius, sure to inspire family stories for years to come.

I am delighted to discuss your portrait ideas. Portraits of children are cherished gifts for parents and grandparents. Now is the perfect time to commission your portrait for Mother’s Day.


Melody Phaneuf creates portraits of children at Fenway Studios Cooperative, a community of Boston artists whose historic north light building was modeled on the 19th century Parisian Ateliers. Studio visits are welcomed.

Melody's paintings have been exhibited at Galerie Herouet in Paris, The National Arts Club in New York City, and were included in a traveling exposition in Japan. Her work is regularly displayed at the Guild of Boston Artists, 162 Newbury Street, Boston, MA.

Portrait of Domenic, by Melody Phaneuf 16 x 20, Pastel, Private Collection

Useful Links~

Clothing for Portraits~ Ideas from Famous Paintings

Mary Cassatt~ Archive of Portraits

The National Portrait Gallery

The Gambler~ Dreams of The Jester

Emerging from a long and darkened corridor, I enter the space, unnoticed. Halted by voices, I quietly peer into a chamber illuminated by firelight. Where am I? I should flee but am captivated by knowing.

The Jester faces me. He is intent on the hand he is playing, and does not regard my presence. I can see the opponent’s hand. I want to have a sense of how the game is going and slowly, inaudibly, move my position to see the opponent’s expression. I am aghast to see my own face!

What fascinating state dreaming is. For many years I kept journals of my nightly escapades. I documented and illustrated the events, endeavoring to capture the emotional quality of each dream experience. Colors were vivid, and lighting always distinct. Many of these entries were transformed into paintings, etchings, and artist books.

I don’t gamble in my day-life but the Jester recurs in my dreams. Sometimes he is leading a group of followers; sometimes he is alone. I always find myself in the position of the observer and can’t seem to have direct contact with him. In this case, I am observing both the Jester and myself. So~ if I am in the scene, who is the one watching? If I am the one watching, who is in the scene?

Melody Phaneuf's paintings have been exhibited at Galerie Herouet in Paris, The National Arts Club in New York City, and were included in a traveling exposition in Japan. Her work is regularly displayed at the Guild of Boston Artists, 162 Newbury Street, Boston, MA. Melody is a member of the Fenway Studios Cooperative, a community of Boston artists whose historic north light building was modeled on the 19th century Parisian Ateliers. Studio visits are welcomed.

Gambler II, Oil Painting, 16 x 20, Private Collection

Gambler II, Open Edition Print, Note Cards and Bookmarks are available at MelodyTheArtist.com/shop

About the Jester and Dreams~

• The Court Jester
• The Jester's Political Significance
• The Importance of Dreams
• Dreams and Jung
• Recalling Dreams

Enchanted Wedding~ Symbolic Gifts

The New Year rings in a new wedding season. Bridal Shows are beginning and they are a visual feast of colorful flowers, elegant table linens, and haute couture bridal fashion. Whatever the wedding dream, magical props in every color are available to ensure an enchanting celebration.

Have you ever wondered how the tradition of wedding celebrations began? In ancient times they were a way to share good fortune. It was an honor to receive a wedding invitation. The common belief was that the couple was bestowing grace upon their guests. As a symbolic gesture, guests were given a gift to remind them of their acquired good fortune. This evolved into our present day wedding favor.

Women in the family of the betrothed would work tirelessly to create wedding favors. Carved stones, ornaments of shell or bone, and small woven pieces were common symbolic favors. Much later, Queen Elizabeth I made rare gold and silver ribbons the fashion. The French created “Bonbonnieres,” exquisite boxes fashioned of porcelain, crystal, or precious metal to house sugared almonds or other confectionary treats.

With careful consideration to symbolism, Fragrant Delight was chosen to be our Wedding Favor. Pink roses are a symbol of joyful gratitude; the rich turquoise background and circular design evoke a sense of the eternal. Ripe peaches and full blooms are a reminder of abundance and the perfection of the moment. In the spirit of evoking the memory of grace and good fortune, Fragrant Delight is the ideal keepsake of wedding enchantment.

Fragrant Delight, on Botticino tumbled marble Tile Coasters, an elegant and symbolic wedding favor.

Fragrant Delight, Limited Edition Giclées on canvas and Note Cards at MelodyTheArtist.com/shop

Fragrant Delight Original Oil Painting, 34 x 36 is available
for rental or purchase.


Melody Phaneuf is an award-winning artist known for her evocative still life allegories. Phaneuf's paintings have been exhibited at Galerie Herouet in Paris, The National Arts Club in New York City, and were included in a traveling exposition in Japan. She is a regular exhibitor at the Guild of Boston Artists, 162 Newbury Street, Boston, MA.

Useful Links

The Grand Bridal Show

Planning Guide

Destination Weddings

Wedding Etiquette