Some people get away to rest, others get away to work. For Anne, always occupied with the matters of life, it’s really the only time she can concentrate on her art. And what with the Laguna Festival coming up soon, she’s got good reason to create. As for me, I’ve always got projects in mind; but just being with her 24/7 is delight enough.
Lake Gregory on day-before-Easter morning. Actually our cabin was just up the hill a ways, but our daily walks often brought us by this place.
It’s by the gracious gift of Bruce and Sandy Wegner that we have use of this place. We move furniture around and transform it into a working studio. Here’s Anne surveying some of her finished pieces. She lost count of how many, at least 20 finished, and many more mid-way.
Just showing a few here. Love the symmetry, the textures, the layers. Anne’s work is completely unique to her.
Like her own fingerprints, there are no two the same in Annes work. Again, the layers so intrigue, here with hints of ancient runes.
It’s hard to see the scale of things here but this piece is actually the larger of the three shown, and one of the few horizontal.
On my side of the room, a whole other kind of art was happening. Here I am with one of 11 sepia-tone sketches done for an upcoming commission . . . me included so they can visualize the size. They’ll select which four they like and I paint them in oils.
Here’s a possible selection, taped up to outdoor siding.
I did a few finished oils of the international faces I like. This is of a Nepalese woman, the painting in fact headed for Nepal.
Wanting to get back to my western theme I became intrigued with rendering a longhorn steer in various color combinations. The large one is acrylic on canvas, the six miniatures are a mix of acrylic and oil on printmaking paper. I’m thinking the six could make for an interesting print, stacked vertically. Thoughts?
It was impossible to photograph Anne among all her work as it was spread out all over the house. But I put mine together (sans the 11 sepia sketches) for this last day array. Those two large abstracts were actually paint-overs of pieces I no longer liked. The small florals on paper were fun and turned out well, as did the formal oil portrait of a Chinese grandmother on a jade colored couch.
So, it was productive time. Anne commented how, for her, two weeks is best, better than one, or even ten days. The rhythm flows for her and she’s not constantly thinking she’s running out of time. I was impressed how she would stay at it hour after hour all day long seeming without a break. Very focused.
Still, in the evening there was reading time, or a movie disk. All quite perfect!
P.S.
We did take a quick break in the middle of it all however, for an afternoon and evening.
Daughter Allison was having her long-planned one-woman show at the OC Contemporary Gallery (above) in San Clemente. We’d thought we have to miss it, but then considered that as it was only a couple of hours away, we’d go. And were we happy we did!
We were very impressed and pleased with her at the large crowd that gathered, hundreds it seemed, overflowing into multiple rooms. Her son Maki and a small group provided the music.
Her art looked great, all themed with what she calls “Ground Breaking Girls,” women who have made a difference, all overcoming something. That’s what she’s doing, as she told the attendees in a moment of public speaking, creating and overcoming her recent widowhood. All this to much applause.
We’re proud of her of course . . . as we are of all our five children, each following their own calling.
Doing that, and happily, is the best any of us can do.
Thanks for reading.
Happy Easter.
3:02 pm
I always enjoy your paintings! Keep up the good work. We’re continuing to broadcast in 49 of the 50 states, translating into 13 languages, mostly in Eastern Europe, and I continue to write. Just finishing my 67th book containing biographical sketches of 40 women who have impacted a culture and lives for God. Too bad you can’t paint pictures of them all.
When your “Last Supper” would no longer fit in my office (we sold our building and downsized) I gave it to Jackson Clelland, pastor of South Coast Presbyterian Church, who now displays it in his office. I hated to part with it but glad it can continue to inspire people.
Keep on doing what God has called you to do until he calls you heavenward!
7:56 pm
I love the series of the longhorn steer Dad! Your getaway sounds very productive. And I’m so glad you were able to show up to Allison’s event in the middle of your trip.
8:08 pm
And Blessed Easter to you! How the Lord always gives us the “extra” time when we need it! Thrilling to see Allison fulfilling her mission, also……as I’ve said so many times…..it hardly seems fair to have so much talent in one family…….but as Ed so aptly said, “We just need more Moore’s in this world!”
9:19 pm
Sounds like a great time at Gregory, Hyatt. Glad you two had a productive time.
Allison’s show was significant in a number of ways, in her focus on a series of these great women, in the number of folks who were interested in her work, in the energy created in that remarkable space, and in the quality of Allison’s work itself.
Lynn and I are the fortunate collectors of her “Martha Graham.” The creators of this woman and her image, the Lord and Allison, make this the most special of portraits.
The show was a testament to Allison’s courage, her faith, and her skill. You must be very proud of her, as most certainly Vernon would be.
2:15 am
The visit to the mountains was very productive with a lot to show for it.
I had already viewed Allison’s work. She has a lot going for her.
Becky
8:48 am
welcome home…..my comments haven’t the depth of those above who have been your friends and admirers much longer than I have even heard of your work. But I am grateful to see the glorious works you put on canvas. And Anne’s work is just so very wonderful, and I truly appreciate it. One can look at each one, and in time see so many variations and depths and designs even from just looking at a photograph. Wish I could be at Laguna again and see them in person.
8:59 am
“Happy Easter” – understatement of the advent, but it means “let’s celebrate our life after this one!”
Thanks to you both for bringing abundant color and beauty into the world!
Bob and Alison
10:10 am
I love how you and Anne find joy in each other’s passions. Thanks for the inspiration of ‘digging deep’ and for taking time ‘off the grid’ to create. The beneficiaries are people like me who get to share in the gift of your talent to the world. Hugs to you and Anne and your family.
Denise
11:49 am
Thank you. Very inspiring work, ministry and calling. God bless!
8:08 pm
Hi Dad! I was so touched that you and mom drove all the way back to surprise me at the show. Thank you so much for the mention as well. I loved seeing all the work you did on your retreat in person. It’s always best close up. Thank for continuing to inspire me (and others!) Love you!
4:05 pm
So much accomplished in only two weeks. I heard once that a calling would always be easy for the one called to do it. This post makes me believe that statement to be true. How difficult this would be for anybody but you two. Thank you for sharing. Love my new book on the Beatitudes. Have a beautiful week!
2:28 pm
Love the new work of Anne’s, as I have always been drawn to its Asian vibe and influence and earthy palette! Hope to get to the Laguna area this summer and view her work in 3D :-)
The bold steers are cooelle and remind me of Picasso’s Spanish bull fascination. The Warhol idea of putting them together in a POP art way is stimulating. I appreciate your bold red, green and blue colors and since you asked “what do you think?” I would like to see that pushed even further in this series so that it is really demanding on the eye, as far as its contrast and subtly in hues as well. If you close your eyes and listen to this Rachmaninoff rendering by Anna Fedorova https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEGOihjqO9w colors appear in one’s mind that are exquisite! And you have done that in many of your pieces that appear as if a treasure chest of glistening jewels. Putting your colors in motion is what I would like to see with these steers so that they have even more power & movement.
I am very uplifted to see that Allison found art a healing and empowering tool that turned into an exhibit after her beloved husband’s passing. What a gift! There is life after death.
Blessings, love and healing to you and your family! Caron
9:50 am
Love it.