California Cows Coming and Going

California Cows Coming and Going
Oil on Canvas
18"X18"
I am so filled with ideas and inspiration I don't know if I'm coming or going. Yesterday I went to see the Christopher Brown Show at John Berggruen's Gallery. I had the place all to myself. So luxurious. I studied Brown's big paintings for a long time hoping I could learn a thing or two. When I got home I found a great video online in which Brown describes his approach in perpetual pursuit of attaining the "exhilaration of discovery". I came away with the usual refrain: "Do what you want. No fear."
In the evening my great friend, Joanne, and I went to hear Maira Kalman and Daniel Handler (aka Lemony Snicket) at City Arts and Lectures. The place was packed and everyone was laughing from the get go. Kalman and Handler are both irreverent and inventive, and full of fun.
They were promoting their book, "13 Words" which will be out Oct. 5. But mostly they were spreading the gospel:
"Live it up. Do what you want. No rules. No fear."
So here I am. Loving my cows and California's parched landscape. Having the time of my life. Doing, learning, and doing some more. Off to see the Post Impressionist's Show this evening.

California Cows 2

California Cows 2
Oil on Wood
6"X6"
Like the squirrels gathering nuts, when Fall comes, I want to store up ideas. Searching for inspiration anywhere I can find it. Last night I went to hear Jonathan Safran Foer at City Arts and Lectures. Not only did I love his first two books, but he's married to Nicole Krauss who wrote my all time favorite, "The History of Love." Read it. And then read it again.
He said he writes to "create an emotional/aesthetic atmosphere." He's interested in "what's visible, what's invisable, what's lost." That struck a chord. To keep in mind while painting. My next assignment.
Then he quoted someone who commented upon the birth of his baby, "Everything is possible again." Oh my. Does that ever touch my heart.

May Cow

May Cow
Oil on Wood Panel
4"X4"
The truth is, I never made it to the easel today. We had a meeting in the morning and then it was lunch time and such a glorious warm day that we went to Fish and sat outside and marveled at how lucky we are to live right here where we could go on vacation without leaving home. Feeling Spring fever setting in, I came home and wrapped a few presents for friends and set off to deliver them, stopping for tea with one for a spur of the moment high octane visit. When I got home, there was e-mail to read, the dog to pet, roses to smell and well...Here we are. This painting was actually made yesterday. Or maybe the day before. I've been pouring on the color. And steering clear of blue.

After Lunch

After Lunch
Oil on Wood
9"X12"
Lunch with a fabulous friend on a warm Spring day. Egrets in abundance outside our window, elegant, eager, and utterly amazing. Food, laughter, friendship, beauty all around. Sustenance of the highest order.

Californian

Californian
Oil on Wood Panel
8"X6"
New Year's Eve at the DeYoung with old friends. My idea of heaven.

susanlandor.com

Cows and Eucalyptus 1,2 &3
3.5"X2.5"
Oil on Canvas
These are going to the Bolinas Museum Minature Show. Look for them there after November 15.

Pink Water Tank

Pink Water Tank 2
3"X2"
Oil on Wood

Pink Water Tank
3"X2"
Oil on Wood Panel

Mother and Child

Mother and Child
3.5"X2.5"
Oil on Canvas

Trio

Trio
4"X4"
Oil on Canvas

Back in Cow Country

Back in Cow Country
8"X8"
Oil on Canvas