I truly enjoy painting people from the back:) I depend on great photographers on IG..Montreal ones.. and my French one..:)
On IG..I name them..and invent very short stories about them.
From romance to altruism.. from generosity to careers.. to friendships and hobbies..
These are my main photographic artists..
Myriam https://www.instagram.com/passionmontreal/
I think I really got started in earnest during covid..And Geni and I started messaging..and she agreed to let me paint her people.
Myriam..I started with her buildings she is an EXPERT on Montreal's history..but I found I preferred people and she enabled me.
Eric is a fab photographer..professional in Mtl..and he agreed too.
I am humbled when people write to me through IG and ask me if I sell them..
I say no.
I am far past my realtor days when selling was my livelihood.
I Loved 99 % of my clients and felt more of an advisor than seller..
But that's the past:)
This is the now.
Just painting when I feel like it.
I am so grateful to have paper..brushes..paints..books..but most of all people who INSPIRE me..
All the artists..on IG..On TikTok..ALL of them.
I take lessons when I can..
And some discourage me..usually if it's a style..a distinct style I love.. but it's just not me lol.
So I end up losing interest and $...
And some I LOVE but I have to do it same time they do it.. I find that easy.
I have favorite artists too.
My first...MY mom.
I wish she had lived so much longer.At 19 I really had not delved into her art as she stopped painting before I was born:(
She had a great unimaginable loss in her life and part of me thinks that's when it stopped.
The questions I would ask her now.xoxoxoxox
There are almost 150 peeps now;)
In the depth of summer..I paint way less as my humble gardens call my name..
Sounds so poetic right?
Truth: I look about and see what needs to be done.
No one calls my name;)
Have a good weekend.
I love seeing your "people" on IG and reading the stories you invent about them. Thanks for this glimpse into the how and why.
ReplyDeleteThank you! My pleasure:)
DeleteI appreciate learning more about your artwork, Monique. You have painted so many of your special people. Somehow it seems when we see their backs our imaginations fill in the pieces of their stories. Not sure why. It is a wonderful talent that you've been given! I wish you could have spent more time with your mom. To lose her at 19 had to be so painful--and the loss is far reaching. It seems that you inherited your artistic ability from her--what a marvelous gift.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're able to get back into your gardens. I spent some time planting zinnias yesterday and have high hopes for germination. We're supposed to have rain tomorrow, and that will give them a good start. Enjoy your weekend, Monique!
I cannot wait to plant seeds..maybe now I can start some ..its been cold and drenched here.My mom was a graduate of L'Ecole des Beaux Arts in Montreal..A true artist..like a fine master:) Oils and pastels..nothing childlike or such..Fine art:):)How I would have loved to even see her supplies..By the time I was old enough to notice.. I don't remember seeing a thing...:(You too have a lovely weekend..Fairy Dust on your seeds:)
DeleteYou are talented with your brush and paints and also your words. Your stories about the people you have painted are so imaginative. I always looks forward to them. If it happens there may be a painting class offered where I am living now and I will sign up. I have no talent but I am willing to give it a whirl! Make it a good week.
ReplyDeleteGa..I think that is a wonderful idea.. how many artists started later in life..after 50? Many:) Because you are 51 right?:). Oh do it!!
DeleteI always look forward to your people’s back view paintings! Such an inspired idea! And the lovely stories remind me of eating alone at a cafe and watching those around me, imagining their lives. Jeanette sclar( still cannot figure out how to post anything except anonymously 🥹
ReplyDeleteHi Jeannette:)I am a people watcher:) I live in the country really..small town..but when I am out and about..people watching:)Love it.And thank you:) Have a great weekend!
DeleteI love your collection and consider you quite talented. I love your colorful interpretations.
ReplyDeleteThanks A..I consider you quite talented..Photo..Ukelele..gardens:). I do what I do lol:) Keeps me focused on painting instead of other things..Zen.
DeleteLove your " people". Love you and the life you have curated. We are so lucky to share in little pieces of it. Wonderful women that you are !🩷🌷
ReplyDeleteI am touched by your message:) Truly.I'll have to add a but:) I'm not wonderful but xox
DeleteYou are so talented Monique. Your paintings are so unique and I love the stories you create for each one. I feel for you regarding losing your mother when you both were so young. How special your Mother was an artist. So many moments lost. So sorry to hear about your grandson’s injury. I hope he recovers quickly.
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend.
Poor Little..Big..he had US sports camps lined up..he has dreams..big dreams..But he's focused so focused on this..I hope the weeks of healing fly by for him.He trains all the time Linda..Oh lala..We worry about our children..then the littles right?
DeleteThank you.
You are one talented smart lady:)
Très, très charmant Monique - you & them 😊 Parisbreakfast
ReplyDeleteMerci Carol:):):
Delete“I have my favorite artists…my first…my mom.”
ReplyDeleteTouching words, sweet words…warms my heart. ♥️
Best wishes for a wonderful weekend and thank you for sharing. xo, V.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxVal:) xoxox
DeleteOh me too trust me..My friends had theirs 50 yrs more than me..and some still have..
ReplyDeletebit of envy during the yrs for certain;)
Your people are just fantastic and charming! You are a great painter and a great inspiration...
ReplyDeleteHave a happy Sunday!
Titti
Thank you!!You always inspire me:)
DeleteI love every single one of your Peeps, and especially enjoy how you bring them to life with their stories. Look at all of those sketch pads filled!!! From painting to gardening, to baking and cooking, there is no bad choice and only time well spent and fuel for the heart and soul. ♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteSo grateful to have hobbies.They serve me so well:)Thank you:)
DeleteI love your people. Your style. Your joy in doing this. And, that they "live" in those beautiful art journals, one set to a page. There is such joy in doing this and you can see it in your work. The Peeps are the best!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeanie!
DeleteThank you for sharing your art work. It must have been so hard to lose your mom. Big hugs. xo
ReplyDelete