Art Notes

With its grandiose buildings, sail boats floating aimlessly, and strollers meandering the bank, the river Seine always makes me want to linger for a while. Sunday Stroll, a painting from my Robert Girrard years, causes me to reflect on my time by the Seine. When I worked in this style, I was keenly aware of the light and color of the Impressionist style. It was an enjoyable period in my development as an artist and a time I still covet.

For Sunday Stroll, I have turned back the clock to an era when the Impressionists were in full glory. Various elements within the painting direct us through the scene. The bridge in the distance is one of countless spans that cross the river Seine, many of which date back to the days of the Romans. At the right of the composition we get just a hint of the booksellers. They are truly an ubiquitous part of the walking paths that line the Seine. Sail boats suggest the perfect relaxation of such a moment, while figures clad in 19th century garments remind us that it’s an ideal time to make a memory. The bench invites us to enter the scene and relax. Perhaps it is time to settle back and feel the sunshine on your shoulders and ponder life’s goodness.

The French Impressionists captured not just light, but a moment frozen in time as well. My hope is that Sunday Stroll captures those timeless moments for all to savor.