"Halos of Hope" ~ COV-19 Works

When the unthinkable happens... What do you do?  How do you react?  This global pandemic has certainly put all our lives on pause.  You have a choice on what you do with this time of stillness and separation. During my quarantine time in Shanghai, I turned to what always gives me peace...  yoga and art.  It took my mind off of the news, the absence of seeing my family, and it filled my days with positive vibes.  Now with so many lives lost, the rise of unemployment, and the world's economic decline, it seems almost apocalyptic.  I have "HOPE" that this COVID-19 that has touched all our lives in one way or another will soon be under control and I pray that a vaccine will soon be available and lives can be spared.  

I chose to call my works created during this time "Halos of Hope".   
A halo is a representation of spiritual light and the shape... sanctity.  
The "sanctity of human life" is at stake. 

Hoping that my art will give you "HOPE" and remind us that we are not alone...

bringing "HALOS" of light encircling each of our lives.

* All profits  from sales will go to Action Against Hunger

[Only Available in China]

Chinese New Year 2020

My First Painting of 2020

Shanghai, China

Avventura Creativa! Grazie!

Recently I had the opportunity to attend a 7 day painting workshop in the Gartagnana Region of Italy just outside the medieval village of Barga and just north of Lucca.  It was truly a "avventura creativa"!  Chris and Krysia opened their Tuscan farmhouse, "Val di Pazza", which overlooked the Apuan Alps with such wonderful hospitality.  The food & wine were amazing, the company very diverse and "favolosa", and the lessons pushed all of us outside our (artistic) comfort zones.  We worked with all sorts of mediums from charcoal, oil, acrylic washes, wax, and watercolor.  As we lugged our easels and paints to all sorts of places to find the "perfect view", we were so captivated by the beauty around us.  Sometimes during our painting sessions, I would have to just step back and my "yogi-ness" would come over me to truly "BE PRESENT IN THE MOMENT".  

Thank you Lord for allowing me to live in such a culture rich environment where I am able to experience so many different lifestyles, languages, and people.  Above all... the PEOPLE!  I have met so many interesting people from all the world!  As I sat in a small cafe' on a coffee break during an outdoor painting session,  an old man with no teeth and long gray hair kept looking at me and doodling on his napkin.  I engaged in conversation with him and it turned out that he had survived cancer 3 times (where much of his gum had been removed).... his vocabulary & intellect as he talked about his life did not fit his appearance at all...  As the group was about to leave, he thanked me for the conversation and handed me the napkin...  it was a sketch of ME!  I was completely blown away!   Everyone has a story.... and it was so uplifting to hear his story and how he is so accepting of his circumstance.  By allowing people into our lives, our eyes become more open to the world around us...  

Grazie! 

Village of Barga 

Artists at "Work"

Plein Air 

 Barga Countryside

Sketching with Watercolor Pencils

 View of the Apuan Alps from our window @ Val di Pazzo

 Partially Completed Work

 Working Pizza Oven 

 Mari working her culinary pizza skills

Colleverde Vineyards
(Bio Olive Oil and Wine)

 Colleverde Vineyards

 Our Group from age 20 to 86! 
UK, South Africa, Scotland, and Belgium

Lucca Crossbow Exhibition

Sommocolonia

Chris explaining the process....
Until next time... Arrivederci! 

A Proud Day! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

On October 14th, the American Women's Club of Antwerp opened our 3rd breast cancer lounge at Middelheim Hospital in the Antwerp area. Carol Brazel heads up our "Caring Hearts" program where heart shaped pillows are made by our members and delivered to patients who have undergone breast surgeries at several area hospitals. The new lounge provides a private place for patients to consult with their doctors, nurses, and therapists. Kanika Holloway(President) & Carol Brazel gave enlightening speeches of what our club is about and how we are involved in several philanthropies in Antwerp and internationally to a large number of doctors and nurses at Middelheim Hospital. I was honored to donate two paintings with one entitled "...City of Hope" and the other "Think Pink" to the new lounge. I was so impressed with the staff at Middelheim Hospital on their endless energy in making this project a success. An extraordinary reception was held in honor of the new lounge and acknowledgements to all involved.

  "...A City of HOPE"

   "Think Pink"

  

  Susan, Kanika, & Carol

Thank you to Middelheim Hospital and their fabulous staff!

Things that Matter...

First, let me pray for all the victims affected by the devastating hurricanes and wildfires in my country. Bring them peace and comfort. Bless those who are volunteering and surround all who are grieving the loss of loved ones with prayers of strength. May our hearts be filled with compassion and generosity for all who are suffering. Love in Christ. Amen

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

Philippians 4:13

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Fortunately, the summer of 2017 holds many positive memories for me personally! God blessed us with a new little angel (arriving nine weeks early) who is now healthy and happy. Cameron Grace Calhoun arrived in May and I was able to spend several weeks in the USA watching my new little granddaughter get stronger every day and spend time with my precious grandson. My step-daughter came to live in Antwerp with us for the summer and later my daughter visited for two weeks. Lots of laughter, travels, food, and family time. All the "things that matter ..." I am truly blessed!

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." 

~   Winnie the Pooh  

Now that the holidays are over ... my paints and brushes are calling my name! It feels good to be back in my studio with a blank canvas staring back at me. I have worked on a few industrial pieces and am currently putting together a portfolio of work to be displayed this fall for a charity exhibit. In a few weeks, I will travel to the south of France to study under two talented artists. I continue to challenge my creative limit in order to develop a freedom from my own boundaries. As I've said before ... enjoy my journey. 

 My Little Angel ~ Cameron Grace

 Sailing Home 

[metal on wood]

 Industrial Series 

[metal on wood]

MY JOURNEY...

   These last eight months I have been getting accustomed to living in a foreign country for the first time in my life.   During the fall, I spent the first semester at the University of Antwerp learning a little Dutch and started painting (“schilderkunst” as they say in Dutch) at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts.  I will continue my studies at the Academy until I leave Belgium.   My professional art career has been on hold while I have taken the opportunity to “hone in” on some basic skills.  I have a minor in art, but my professional art career did not begin until 2007, so having this opportunity at my age to hit the “refresh button” has been phenomenal for me!  Yes, that means back to the drawing board… mixing paint… focusing on tones, perception, depth, light, and dark… all the things I learned in college, but on a much more advanced level.  We have live models constantly to work on flesh tones and the anatomy.   Since January,  we have focused each week on drawing and painting noses, mouths, eyes, ears, hands, feet, etc.  It has been amazing to see the different styles of painting by everyone in the class!  Some could be portrait artists, while others have a version that looks more graphic. 

   A fellow artist told me one time that she was always trying to re-invent the wheel.  Well, I have learned you cannot re-invent the wheel.  To put it in perspective… a wheel will always be a wheel…a cube will always be a cube… a sphere will always be a sphere... and so forth.  In art, you have to recognize those shapes in your environment and use them as a foundation while your creative juices start flowing.    I am looking forward to attending some art retreats in the spring and fall to experience painting in villages,  gardens, and cafes in the south of France.  I can't wait!  

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   I am currently updating my website with some of my new work and some old favorites, but for the meantime enjoy watching my journey….

                                                                 

                                                             THE BASICS

SKETCHES & ANATOMY

GOING INDUSTRIAL - WORKS ON METAL

New Work Coming Soon!  

        

                             

Tis the Season...

      As we enter this holiday season, I pray for world peace.  My husband and I were in Europe when the Paris attacks occurred and I observed people flooding the churches on Sunday morning …all religions …all nationalities with a combined desire for unified peace and a sincere mourning for all the innocent lives lost.  It was so reverent.  The sound of the Cathedral of Our Lady ringing her famous bell for each life lost was an experience I will always remember.

   Earlier in the week, we were going about our business...everything was normal.  I felt so fortunate that I had the opportunity to visit Peter Paul Rubens' home, while admiring so many beautiful paintings, then sitting in front of Anthony Van Dyck’s statue just taking in the scenery… I was in “Art Heaven”.  To stand in front of the original painting of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden that I’ve seen in so many religious books (namely..the Bible) was so exalting. 

I’ve included a few pictures from my visit to Germany and Belgium…

Rubens' Garden

Self Portrait of Rubens

Adam & Eve

Statue of Anthony Van Dyck

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My holiday ornaments this year focus on the scripture from Luke 2 ~ the Birth of Christ… along with our need for Guardian Angels and representation of the Cross for strength.

My new gold leaf series is displayed at The Lyons Share in Fairhope, Alabama and Amber Ivey Fine Art Gallery in Mobile, Alabama.

My ceramic ornaments can be purchased at Shoefly in Mobile and in Fairhope. 

My silver and gold wine glasses representing old and new friends are available at The Paper Moon in Biloxi, Mississippi and Amber Ivey Fine Art Gallery. 

My work will be available at the upcoming Christmas on the Hill in Mobile, The Holiday Market in Daphne, Lighting of the Trees & Open House in Fairhope, Small Works for Christmas at The Lyons Share in Fairhope, Open House @ The Paper Moon in Biloxi, & Open House @ Four Seasons Gallery in Birmingham.

I feel so blessed to be able to focus on what I love by using a gift that God gave me.... May all of you have a safe restful holiday season.  

"Who is it that overcomes the world?  Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."  ~ 1 John:5:5

I am taking orders for Christmas. You can contact me at sccalhoun2@aol.com or (251)751-4146.