The Art of Winter ~Winter's Passage II

Winter’s Passage II, 30 x 25 oil painting by Boston Artist, Melody Phaneuf

~

Silver skies and minor keys~ I love the subtle light of winter days. Neutrality gives way to endless nuances of color within its edges. A blanket of fresh snow unifies the appearance of things and gives much charm to the environment.

Winter’s Passage II is a wintry view of Gloucester, MA from one of her many hills. Little houses seem to hunker down against the blustery weather. The chromatic activity of the sky is mirrored in the harbor below and provides a shimmering backdrop for the seaside village. Typically New England, Winter’s Passage II is an enchanting ensemble of earthly comfort and Nature’s temperament.

Winter’s Passage II, 30 x 25 oil painting by Boston Artist, Melody Phaneuf

Winter’s Passage II, is available as an Open Edition Print and as Handmade Note Cards

~

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.

Make Your Life a Work of Art~
See our complete selection of affordable, 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

~

Affordable Art ~In The Arts & Crafts Tradition

Botticino Marble becomes the canvas for Boston Artist, Melody Phaneuf

Tile Beverage Coasters, Gift Boxed at MelodyTheArtist.com
~

After thirty years of making art at Fenway Studios, I’ve become one of the many threads woven into the fabric of Arts & Crafts lineage displayed by the architecture of our venerable building.

The Arts & Crafts Movement began in late 19th century England, and was largely a reaction to the industrial manufacturing of goods. There was a sense that industrialization threatened to create a soulless world. Mass production was certain to dull the senses with visual monotony and lack of variation. Hand crafted goods, simplicity of design, and beauty in the environment were the banner of the Arts & Crafts Movement.

Though noble in its aspirations, the Arts & Crafts Movement fell short in its homeland. The cost of hand-hewn goods was prohibitive for all but the wealthiest class. It took American ingenuity to advance a unique combination of machined elements and hand finish. Machine production of core aspects defrayed costs and made them affordable to the middle class.

Such innovations gave rise to the workshops of Gustave Stickley, Rookwood Pottery, and Roycroft Press. It was a time of great aesthetic awareness and appreciation of honest craft and simple beauty.

I view the Arts & Crafts Movement as part of my heritage and take pride in creating a line of affordable art. Fine Art tiles, prints, and handmade note cards are little touches of artistry, well within the reach of all. It is my belief that everyone deserves to live with beauty.

~

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.

Make Your Life a Work of Art~
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

Related~

• Elbert Hubbard, An American Original
• The Stickley Museum
• The Roycrofters
• About Fenway Studios

Thanksgiving Reflections

Melody Phaneuf painting at Fenway Studios
~

"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.

~

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

~

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

~

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
~

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

~

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

~

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

~

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

Artistic Inspiration~ Harvest Suite

Harvest Suite, 30 x 25 oil painting by Boston Artist Melody Phaneuf
~

Wood tones and earthenware evoke a sense of rustic comfort in Harvest Suite. The diminished intensity of color in the painting is quiet, holding our attention for its subtlety rather than its vibrancy. Soft, diffused lighting caresses the objects, nurturing a comforting ambiance.

The carved shelf reminded me of a favorite inn in Brittany, which inspired the theme. Once a hunting lodge, the inn’s mahogany dining room was chiseled with oak leaves and motifs that echo the enchanted forest nearby. I wanted to express my feelings and recollections awakened by the shelf’s pattern. Hand-hewn pottery in butterscotch and mauve, fruits of the earth and simplicity of design suggest a delicious earthy coziness. A tendril of ribbon contributes slow, meandering movement, interweaving the design.

Harvest Suite may not reveal its Breton roots to the viewer but the painting’s agreeable color, texture, and simplicity nourishes the visual appetite.

~

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. Online ordering at MelodyTheArtist.com/shop

Harvest Suite, 30 x 25 oil painting by Boston Artist Melody Phaneuf

Harvest Suite is available in fine art prints and handmade notecards.

See our complete selection of Autumn Décor and Hostess Gifts~
Online shopping at http://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