Monday 27 March 2017

Get in the water


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.

18 comments:

  1. The train of thought that painting inspires is perfect, I think...

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    1. Yes, but I try and forget the screaming tantrums that little Mars had in the oyster restaurant. I didn't react too well to them.

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  2. First sentences. I still have that pleasure to come with my Great Grand-daughter Ula.

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    1. Yes indeed Weave. I am so lucky that his first sentence was to me.

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  3. I 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.

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    1. I 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.

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  4. It is very Craigie Aitchison as I probably said before. I like it and I like Craigie Aitchison.

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    1. The reason it reminds you of a Craigie is that they were/are both colourists of the modern era.

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  5. I have to have an early night after cooking so I'll reply tomorrow. Honest!

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  6. Art 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.

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    1. Yes, but whatever you do, do not describe any of H.I.'s paintings as 'effective' in her presence. Inspiring is ok, though.

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  7. As 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'.

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    1. Ah 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.

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    2. I was hoping that someone would say it was the closest to the seaside as The Cro flies.

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    3. I need comments on the other two posts Potso. Don't waste them here.

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    4. That 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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