Three White Stripes

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I saw the movie "Shine a Light" at the local Imax theater this weekend. A colorful flick by Martin Scorsese of the Rolling Stones in a recent concert in New York. Martin, looking like Woody Allen, (or is it Woody Allen doing a good Martin Scorsese impression?) was endearing and the Stones, distilled by the years, were as potent than ever. They had a couple of guest musicians, one being a young pup from the contemporary group White Stripes. The music lingers on. . .
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 5" x 7"
signed, dated and comments on the back

Happy Birthday Eric

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Hope you're enjoying your birthday as much as I am! Black Forest Chocolate cake after dinner tonight.

- Nancy

New Leaf

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A dry rolling landscape carpeted
in faded russet leaf litter
innumerable gray vertical lines
thin tree trunks
bare
rising into a tangle of sky
gray void and cold air
an unexpected warm day
full sun
produces a combustion of green stars
filling space
collecting spring to make summer
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 5" x 7"
signed, dated and comments on the back

Daffodils and Boulder Again

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The daffodils are back. This is the same view that was painted a year ago, one of the first paintings I offered for online auction. It's been a good year, full of work and learning. Many heartfelt thanks to everyone who's contributed to my efforts: Ann, Sharon, Roxane, Lynne, Milton, Cathy, Catherine, John, Joanne, Judith, Brad, Jill, Ken, Mike and Deb, Sha, Eric, Richard, Liné, Suzanne, Linda, Kathleen, Donald, Joan, Kathy, Laura, Joseph, and Susan who bought the first painting of "Daffodils and Boulder."
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 4 1/2" x 6 1/4"
signed, dated and comments on the back

Yellow Tulips

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Sitting on a windowsill
backlit by the sun
the glowing color of the petals
made me forget everything else.
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 4 1/2" x 6 1/4"
signed, dated and comments on the back

Narcissus

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More than just a pretty daffodil that made it's appearance in the yard after a long colorless winter, this Narcissus is a reminder of an important lesson. Remember the story of Narcissus, the handsome man who fell in love with his own reflection as he gazed at himself in a pool. In his mindless adoration, Narcissus fell into the water and drowned. One of the greatest obstacles for an artist, is avoiding "the water hazard". So easy it is to fall in love with one's own beauty, foolishly drowning oneself. Look beyond the reflection. Be more than just a pretty flower displaying one's colors and fragrance in an effort to lure pollinators. Do not fall in love with one's own image.
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 5" x 7"
signed, dated and comments on the back

OK Harris Works of Art

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While in New York City last weekend, going from gallery to gallery in SoHo, I stopped by OK Harris Works of Art. Very glad I did so, and very glad I went to their website afterwards: www.okharris.com. Before then, I'd been bothered by questions, "what is it that makes a work of art notable?" and "what is it that makes a person an outstanding artist?" After viewing the exhibition and reading the "About. . ." page I believe I understand. The last paragraph of that page reads:

"The gallery's main concern is to show the most significant artwork of our time. In the choice of works to be exhibited there is no prejudice as to the style or materials employed. The sole criteria is innovation of concept and maturity of technique. OK Harris' exhibitions over the years have proven soundness of judgment in identifying important artists and established it's pertinent contribution to the visual arts culture."

Thank you Ivan C. Karp and associates for many years of good judgment. May you have many, many more.

- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 5" x 7"
signed, dated and comments on the back

Street Gallery

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Artists display their work on the sidewalks of SoHo whenever weather and regulations allow. In the shadow of prestigious galleries, the hopeful wait for recognition or at least a few greenbacks with which to feed themselves.
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 5" x 7"
signed, dated and comments on the back

Ward-Nasse Gallery

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SOHO in New York City, is home to many art galleries, showing all kinds of artwork. The diversity is not only in the artwork shown, but in the galleries themselves, each gallery operating on a unique set of values. Even the street vendors selling art have their own criteria. There's something for everyone and so much food for thought that it is a rather exhausting feast.
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 5" x 7"
signed, dated and comments on the back

Mares Tails Over Cholla

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This is a more typical scene of the Sonoran Desert, broad skies over a landscape of cholla, ocotilla, palo verde and jojoba.
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 5" x 7"
signed, dated and comments on the back

Lupine and Poppies

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Barlett Lake in the Tonto National National Forest Arizona, is well worth visiting in March, especially after a wet winter. The shoreline trails are full of lupine, poppies, and many other flowers seldom seem in the desert. I thank my lucky stars for seeing them all, and being able to paint them this year.
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 5" x 7"
signed, dated and comments on the back

Peppers and Onion

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Hot peppers, the warm heart of southwest cooking. Add beans, corn, rice, tomatoes, cheese and fresh tortillas and you're right at home.
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 5" x 7"
signed, dated and comments on the back

Brittlebush Overlook

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Mid March 2008 and the Apache Trail is lined with Brittlebush, a yellow daisy-like flower. The generous foliage of this plant gives the scenic views of Canyon Lake a lush appearance. It's been a bounteous spring enhanced by winter's rains.
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 5" x 7"
signed, dated and comments on the back

Canyon Lake

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Traveling up Apache Trail toward Tortilla Flat, the road winds along the shore of Canyon Lake.
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 5" x 7"
signed, dated and comments on the back

Cholla Trail

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Just one of the hazards of mountain biking in the desert, Teddybear Cholla is a cuddly-looking cactus, but please, only look and do not touch. Give it a wide berth when passing by as the cholla is full of nasty spines which are very difficult to remove.
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 5" x 7"
signed, dated and comments on the back

Dried Ancho Chilies

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In their leathery skins and flaky chip-like seeds, the ancho embodies a milder heat of the desert, compared to other chilies.
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 5" x 7"
signed, dated and comments on the back

Big Rock Sky

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This view can be found near the Indian ruins on the way to Bartlett Lake. Just another awesome little touch of Mother Nature's hand.
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 5" x 7"
signed, dated and comments on the back

Superstition Mountains

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This is the view of the Superstition Mountains from the visitor center at the head of The Apache Trail. The trail, which is actually a two lane road, leads up to Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat, through impressive countryside. There are many places to pull off the road and take in the view: cliffs and buttes and canyons and three lakes. Please note, this is not a drive for the timid, past Tortilla Flat the trail becomes a one lane dirt road with treacherous drop offs and no guard rails to obscure the view.
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 5" x 7"
signed, dated and comments on the back

Bartlett Lake

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Water in the desert is always a beautiful thing, but when it's shores and trails are embellished with poppies and lupine, there is an aura of magic.
- Nancy Boudreau

acrylic painting on gessoed mat board, approximately 5" x 7"
signed, dated and comments on the back