Olive Branch Bouquet

"Olive Branch Bouquet"

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

Available for sale at Susanlandor.com

An olive branch is a powerful symbol. At this moment we need a whole bouquet to quell the fear and anger and sadness that has descended on the world. Gathered from wild olive trees in Sonoma, these branches grow across our meadow, helter-skelter, all on their own, bearing fruit despite the odds. Life goes on. 

Love Lives

"Love Lives"

Oil on Wood

8"X8"

The Promise of Love. Forever.

It was the best possible antidote to the darkness that shrouded the world this weekend.

They light the way back to optimism.

Self Portrait 11-12-15

"Self Portrait 11-12-15"

Oil on Wood

8"X10"

This is headed for the Biography section of my new website which has been a long time coming and is not yet complete but is at least up and running, words which could also be applied to me. 

I ventured out into the world this week, meeting an old friend at Paul Thiebaud Gallery where Wayne Thiebaud's recent and less well known paintings inspired the daylights out of me. I am still thinking about the beauty and haunting quality of "The Ballroom Couple" and "Blue Bottle." Then there is the simplicity of "Orange Flower" painted this year. The man is 94 years old! Dedication and spirit and doing is everything. 

Back To Health with a Yellow Bouquet

"Yellow Bouquet"

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

After a little hiatus, I am back.
Available for sale here.

Immersed in Motherwell

"Immersed in Motherwell"

Oil on Wood

10"X8"

SOLD

To be in a room full of Motherwells with a favorite friend on an October afternoon is deeply satisfying.  "Between Life and Death: Robert Motherwell's Elegies in Bay Area Collections" is perfectly presented in Gallery 11 at the de Young Museum. Apt title, "Between Life and Death." Pretty much sums up where we all are.

September Sky

"September Sky"

Oil on Wood

12"X12"

Our sky has been putting on a light show these last weeks, only slightly mitigating the sadness that comes with seeing summer slip away.

Enthralled By Frankenthaler

"Enthralled By Frankenthaler"

Oil on Wood

10"X10"

SOLD

Visiting the De Young Museum never fails to reveal something new. This time it was Helen Frankenthaler's, "Crusades" holding its own in a room full of Diebenkorns.  The orange, the green, and all that is unseen just below the surface drew me in, as did the man with his bright blue bag slung across his back, who stood transfixed for a long time taking it all in.

Less is more. 

John McPhee's New Yorker masterpiece, "Omissions" is all about editing. He writes about writing, but what he says could be applied to all art, and to life, for that matter.  What is essential? We all have a lot to learn. Read to the end.