Here's H.I.'s painting of her daughter again, just because today needs a splash of colour and warmth.
She is standing in the crystal clear water of the massive lake which is a reservois at a place on the West coast of France, the name of which I have completely forgotten. It is very near the biggest sand dune in Europe - appropriately called La Pila - and is also near Cap Feret of oyster renown.
I know that this painting was made 24 years ago, because this was where her son - then around one year old - said his first sentence, and I am honoured to say that it was addressed to me.
The water stays shallow for about half a mile out, so it is the perfect spot to let children safely paddle whilst keeping an eye out on the sandy, pine-fringed beach.
The boy was standing next to me near the water's edge and we were enjoying a moment of peaceful silence.
On a whim, I said to him, "Get in the water Mars."
He responded with, "No, YOU get in the water," and started to push me from behind.
We both laughed - mainly because of the surprise at the sentence. I think he surprised himself.
Green Eyes is in that painting somewhere too. Roughly in the middle.
The train of thought that painting inspires is perfect, I think...
ReplyDeleteYes, but I try and forget the screaming tantrums that little Mars had in the oyster restaurant. I didn't react too well to them.
DeleteFirst sentences. I still have that pleasure to come with my Great Grand-daughter Ula.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed Weave. I am so lucky that his first sentence was to me.
DeleteI think the Cote d'Azure is the most beautiful place I've seen. I read about oysters served in Monaco that were served so fresh, their little edges were still fluttering. No raw oysters for me.
ReplyDeleteI eat oysters, but I wouldn't if they moved. The last physical reaction I expect from an oyster is the powerful attempt to keep its shell closed.
DeleteA happy memory indeed.
ReplyDeleteEspecially in the cold weather.
DeleteIt is very Craigie Aitchison as I probably said before. I like it and I like Craigie Aitchison.
ReplyDeleteThe reason it reminds you of a Craigie is that they were/are both colourists of the modern era.
DeleteI have to have an early night after cooking so I'll reply tomorrow. Honest!
ReplyDeleteArt is a subject that normally does little for me but that is a remarkably effective painting. Even more inspiring I imagine, when it's of somebody that you know.
ReplyDeleteYes, but whatever you do, do not describe any of H.I.'s paintings as 'effective' in her presence. Inspiring is ok, though.
DeleteAs it is our closest seaside, just a note that Cap Ferret is Archachon way ( Biscarrosse lake) near Bordeaux while Cap Ferrat is the Nice one - if you see what I mean. It still takes a while to sort out the 'ferrets' from the 'rats'.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, Archachon is where we were borrowing a friend's flat - near the white casino. And yes, it was Biscarrosse lake. Thanks for reminding me. No ferets involved that I remember. I drove one of the Volvos down there from here, with all three and a half of us in it.
DeleteI was hoping that someone would say it was the closest to the seaside as The Cro flies.
DeleteI need comments on the other two posts Potso. Don't waste them here.
DeleteThat sounded a bit rude - it wasn't meant to be! I just meant that I think people have stopped commenting at the momemnt. I don't blame them.
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