Thanksgiving Reflections

Melody Phaneuf painting at Fenway Studios
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"Blessed is the woman who has found her work" ~Variation on Thomas Carlyle

After a very busy autumn, a day of peaceful Thanksgiving is most welcome. I love the quiet moments and an opportunity to break from routine and spend time with those most dear. There will be a gentle rhythm, cozy fire, and ambrosial abundance at the table.

In this time of reflection, I am very grateful that I pursued the Artist’s life. Creating art is splendid harmony, a calibration of heart, hands, and soul. Painting transforms feelings into decorative motifs that enrich the lives of others. I often hear, with much delight, that my paintings are focal points and bring tranquility, sparkle, or make people smile.

I appreciate and thank you who read my weekly offerings. Wishing you warm Thanksgiving Blessings, and hoping they make you smile.

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Boston Artist, Melody Phaneuf is well known for her evocative still life, landscape, and portrait paintings. Phaneuf’s paintings are regularly on view at The Guild of Boston Artists, 162 Newbury Street; at Fenway Studios, Boston by appointment; and North Shore Art in Gloucester from May through October. Phaneuf has exhibited her paintings at The National Arts Club in New York City, Galerie Herouet in Paris, and with Art du Monde, in Japan.

Melody The Artist Home, founded with photographer and color specialist, Martha DiMeo showcases Phaneuf’s original paintings on tumbled marble tile murals and coasters, fine art prints, and handmade notecards.

See our complete selection of Artful Gifts~
Online shopping at MelodyTheArtist.com/shop

Follow MelodyTheArtist on twitter
Be a facebook fan of MelodyTheArtist.com/shop
Visit Melody Phaneuf at Fenway Studios, Boston
Commission a painting by Melody Phaneuf

Painting Color And Light~ Mysteries

Mysteries, 24 x 18 Oil Painting by Melody Phaneuf, Boston Artist

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Merlin pursued the maid Ninevah, and would not let her rest~
Tales of the Roundtable

Painting light, like painting wind, is impossible. The artist can only paint the effects of those powerful causes~ the movement caused by the wind, the color caused by the light.

Light is has an infinite repertoire of color combinations. Color appears elusive because light is moving, caressing, breathing. For many artists, capturing the essence of this quality is much like searching for the Holy Grail, we just keep pursuing the path.

In the oil still life painting, Mysteries, the light is diffuse and dusty. The shadows land quietly, and settle into place. The neutrality is alive with contrary combinations of warm and cool. The color intervals are small, yet subtle subdivisions give infinite variety.

Mysteries is a quiet painting; the color and lighting call for contemplation. The lyrical composition causes the eye movement through the painting to be gently paced. Mysteries invites the viewer to an intimate observation of light.

Mysteries, 24 x 18 Oil Painting by Melody Phaneuf, Boston Artist

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Boston Artist, Melody Phaneuf is well known for her evocative still life, landscape, and portrait paintings. Phaneuf’s paintings are regularly on view at The Guild of Boston Artists, 162 Newbury Street; at Fenway Studios, Boston by appointment; and North Shore Art in Gloucester from May through October. Phaneuf has exhibited her paintings at The National Arts Club in New York City, Galerie Herouet in Paris, and with Art du Monde, in Japan.

Melody The Artist Home, founded with photographer and color specialist, Martha DiMeo showcases Phaneuf’s original paintings on tumbled marble tile murals and coasters, fine art prints, and handmade note cards.

Looking for affordable art?
See our complete selection of Hostess Gifts~
Online shopping at MelodyTheArtist.com/shop

Follow MelodyTheArtist on twitter
Be a facebook fan of MelodyTheArtist.com/shop
Visit Melody Phaneuf at Fenway Studios, Boston
Commission a painting by Melody Phaneuf

Painting Amsterdam~ The Liliegracht

Along The Leliegracht, oil painting by Boston Artist, Melody Phaneuf
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The Jordaan is a most aesthetically pleasing section of Amsterdam. The variety of architectural detail delights the eye and satisfies an artist’s soul. Effort to make practical things beautiful was clearly in high regard when the buildings bordering the Lily Canal were constructed.

The painting, Along The Leliegracht, shows several Dutch gable treatments~ step, bell, cornice and spout variations are seen in this one snippet of the neighborhood. The Jordaan is rich in adornment, which can be fully appreciated by the measured pace of travel by foot, bicycle, or boat.

Before visiting The Netherlands, I was convinced that skies in Dutch paintings were invented, but they actually do look this way. The cumulus clouds mean that weather can change quickly, from sun to rain in an instant. For a landscape painter, small studies work best.

Along The Leliegracht, is the first in the series of enlarged paintings completed from the studies of my trip to The Netherlands in July. Along The Liliegracht will be on exhibit at Vose Galleries, 238 Newbury St, Boston during the month of December.

Along The Leliegracht, 20 x 16 oil painting by Boston Artist, Melody Phaneuf

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Boston Artist, Melody Phaneuf is well known for her evocative still life, landscape, and portrait paintings. Phaneuf’s paintings are regularly on view at The Guild of Boston Artists, 162 Newbury Street; at Fenway Studios, Boston by appointment; and North Shore Art in Gloucester from May through October. Phaneuf has exhibited her paintings at The National Arts Club in New York City, Galerie Herouet in Paris, and with Art du Monde, in Japan.

Melody The Artist Home, founded with photographer and color specialist, Martha DiMeo showcases Phaneuf’s original paintings on tumbled marble tile murals and coasters, fine art prints, and handmade notecards.

Looking for affordable art?
See our complete selection of Hostess Gifts~
Online shopping at MelodyTheArtist.com/shop

Follow MelodyTheArtist on twitter
Be a facebook fan of MelodyTheArtist.com/shop
Visit Melody Phaneuf at Fenway Studios, Boston
Commission a painting by Melody Phaneuf

Related~

• The Jordaan, Amsterdam
• Vose Galleries, Boston

Melody Phaneuf's work can be viewed at The Boston International Fine Art Show, November 12-15, Booth 12

Calling

Calling, 28 x 30 oil painting by Boston Artist Melody Phaneuf, at Boston International Art Show

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What is a calling? An awakening occurs and one becomes lured by an attraction, perhaps a mystery to be solved. Given enough attention, the attraction becomes desire, a commitment to solve the mystery, to nurture the idea. Synchonicities and circumstances convince one that this is their purpose. This energizes and provides the strength to follow through.

These are the musings that inspired the painting, Calling. I was intrigued by the broken plaster cast of Cupid, without his wings. Who is Cupid without his wings? Is he any less a matchmaker or is his job just harder? His defiant expression made me certain that transportation hadn’t altered his aim. I fell in love.

Called by the shofar, Cupid is poised, surrounded by a leafy Arcadian memento. A quiver of brushes is at his disposal; his gaze is firm and his aim will not falter. He will always be Cupid, answering the call, inspiring acts of beauty and love.

Calling, 28 x 30 oil painting by Boston Artist Melody Phaneuf

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Calling will be on view at Boston International Fine Art Show held at The Cyclorama, 239 Tremont Street, from November 12 -15.

~

Boston Artist, Melody Phaneuf is well known for her evocative still life, landscape, and portrait paintings. Phaneuf’s paintings are regularly on view at The Guild of Boston Artists, 162 Newbury Street; at Fenway Studios, Boston by appointment; and North Shore Art in Gloucester from May through October. Phaneuf has exhibited her paintings at The National Arts Club in New York City, Galerie Herouet in Paris, and with Art du Monde, in Japan.

Melody The Artist Home, founded with photographer and color specialist, Martha DiMeo showcases Phaneuf’s original paintings on tumbled marble tile murals and coasters, fine art prints, and handmade notecards.

Looking for affordable art?
See our complete selection of Hostess Gifts~
Online ordering at MelodyTheArtist.com/shop

Follow MelodyTheArtist on twitter
Be a facebook fan of MelodyTheArtist.com/shop
Visit Melody Phaneuf at Fenway Studios, Boston
Commission a painting by Melody Phaneuf

Related~

• Boston International Fine Art Show
• About Cupid
• Callings