The French Easel

2012. Un Souhait.

2012-01-15T13:58:00.000-05:00

Le Bisou Eternel Gouache on paper by Linda Hampton Smith

My 2012 gift of a wish for you is une belle naissance, a beautiful birth, of your best self. Where fears fall away and life is lived with a lightness of spirit, une vrai légèreté.

A sparkling, glittering, pétillant portrait of you...as you heed your whispering heart. A heart who says this, and only this:

Tu es bien aimé. You are so loved.

Au Printemps

2011-04-22T10:14:00.000-04:00

The Angels of Vermont. Watercolor. by Linda Hampton Smith

Yesterday, a pretty shower of snowflakes danced upon our daffodils as fat robins hopped about. This was the icing on the cake, literally, of a sweet Spring vision. A whispered adieu from Winter's magic. A thrilling bonjour in birdsong.

Le temps, c'est comme un flocon de neige, pendant qu'on se demande ce que l'on va faire avec, il fond.

-Anonyme

Le coeur mène où il va

2011-02-14T14:14:00.000-05:00

                                Le coeur mène où`il va.   by Linda Hampton Smith


                                                      Follow your heart.

                                                      It knows the way.


                                    Bonne Saint-Valentin!

Bien Dans Sa Peau

2010-08-30T10:01:00.000-04:00

Elle y est. ink & colored pencil. mounted on William Morris design. by Linda Hampton Smith

One of my favorite expressions is to be "bien dans sa peau" (feeling good in one's own skin, at ease with oneself). I'm much closer to that state of mind in my fifties, than I was in my twenties. But I'd like to be positively aglow with self care and self love and self celebration. Kindness unto me. A sweet gentillesse.

In order to help that feeling along, I figure one must truly care for oneself, non? Take time to exercise, meditate, breathe deep and nourishing breaths, eat well, sleep well..... All of which is one's true "beauty" regime (and none of which I do on a consistent basis.)

So, as a nice first step in consistent self care, I thought I'd initiate a daily face cleansing routine... French Style:

1. Apply cold cream to face. Massage in a circular motion.

2. Remove cream with cotton balls, wiping off in upward strokes.

3. Apply a toning lotion with the cotton.

4. Apply a light moisturing lotion.

I've done this for a couple of days, now, and I can say that the extra minute of pampering is a cherishing moment at the mirror.

A sweet tendresse. To which I say, continuez, ma fille.

Fenêtre

2010-08-13T13:47:00.000-04:00

Les Fenêtres Watercolor by Linda Hampton Smith

"J'ai tendu des cordes de clocher a`clocher; des guirlandes de fenêtre à fenêtre; des chaînes d'or d'étoile à étoile, et je danse". -Arthur Rimbaud

and

"La fenêtre, en province, remplace le théâtre et les promenades." -Gustave Flaubert

and

"Les yeux sont les fenêtres de l'âme." -Georges Rodenbach

All of these wonderful "window" quotes come from an awesome online resource. Mots d'auteurs allows you to search for quotes by way of a single keyword (mot clef). I find this wildly entertaining and sometimes make a game of it. Choissisez un mot and give it a go!

Vive le Chocolat

2010-07-28T23:21:00.000-04:00

"Vive le Chocolat" Ink & Colored Pencil by Linda Hampton Smith

Many of my quirky little characters come from absentminded doodling. I clearly had chocolate on the brain when I penned this picture. No surprise there.

How 'bout quelque chose séduisante, melty and merveilleuse? (I ask myself this question on a regular basis.)

Miam. Miam. Miam.

La Vie est Belle.

Fleur de lis

2010-07-15T00:31:00.000-04:00

Fleur de lis watercolor by Linda Hampton Smith

In honor of Bastille Day, I rummaged around for my Fleur de Lis painting so I could post it here. I've always adored the Fleur de Lis. I suppose it's ironic that I'm featuring the very symbol that the citizens of Paris protested as they stormed the Bastille, for this represented the monarchy. Politically incorrect or not, it's pretty - n'est-ce pas?

It's believed to be an abstraction of both the iris and the lily and I love its symmetry and its curves. From my studio window (yes, I have fleur de lis sculptures on my windowsill!), I can see the abundance of blooming lilies in my backyard. Fleurs de lis partout. Happy Bastille Day!

Les Lis watercolor & gouache by Linda Hampton Smith

Je me souviens

2010-06-28T17:18:00.000-04:00

"Je me souviens" Graphite on Paper by Linda Hampton Smith

La Mémoire.

Waves of nostalgie wash over me. All the time. And they're not rosy, dreamy vignettes. They're vivid and compelling and immediate. As if they've just happened and are happening still. Time drops away. Maybe it's because I'm a visual thinker. My memoires are like pictures that hang on the walls of my mind. Like one of the grands salons in the Louvre where the paintings hang floor to ceiling.

And what hangs on the walls of this salon? A gazillion things. I share a few.......

Un panier de chanterelles. Just last night we dined on chanterelles (sauteed in a port wine sauce and poured over baked chicken breasts flavored by orange slices. YUM. ) Earlier in the day, my son Will (a 20 year old amateur chef extraordinaire) and I picked them together on a nearby forest trail. I savor, avec de la gratitude, this sweet gift.

......................................................................................................

Years ago in Paris, I spied this dalmation waiting for its owner. I loved and love this moment. Not only for the pleasing palette of colors but for its portrayal of a quiet and resigned longing.

.....................................................................................................

Opening a door, one day, in Vieux Montréal, I was greeted by an apple red surprise. For some reason, this insistent advertisement makes me really happy! "Entrez," I say!

....................................................................................................

Images of my mother. I treasure them not only for her beauty but for the fact that she has always encouraged my love of art. As a young woman, she read an article about the benefits of exposing your baby "in utero" to great music and art. So, while pregnant with me, she walked the hallways of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, lingering in the French Impressionist wing. Years later, when I studied art in college, she hung my paintings all around the house. It struck me then, seeing my framed pictures so lovingly displayed, that I must, in fact, be a " true artiste!" Surely, it's no coincidence that I'm drawn to French art, as well.

Grâce à vous, maman.

Merci

What wonders we carry within us.

Un veritable tableau vivant.

Vergennes French Heritage Day

2010-06-13T08:17:00.001-04:00

"French Heritage Day" Watercolor and Gouache by Linda Hampton Smith

A sizeable part of Vermont's population has Québécois heritage.  This hearkens to the mid 1800's when the province of Québec suffered widespread crop failure. Political clashes between the British and the French worsened. Many French Canadians sought employment and refuge from discrimination by traveling south. They found work in the mill towns of Vermont and throughout New England. Life was no paradis, however. Wages were low and spoken French was forbidden in the classroom. Sadly, many children felt ashamed of their heritage and the French language soon languished.

In a redemptive move at righting such wrongs, many Franco-Americans are casting a compassionate eye on their heritage. French Heritage Festivals are springing up everywhere. Here in Vermont, Vergennes hosts "French Heritage Day."  This year's fête will be held on July 9th and 10th on the city's beautiful town green, in the Opera House and along the streets of this charming ville. A parisian-style waiter race is among the days events!

I will be exhibiting and selling my artwork along with other artistes, pâtissiers, boulangers, chanteurs...
I get to revel in pure Francophilia and chat in French toute la journée!  LOVE it. If you're in the area, je vous invite!

Along with this groundswell of Franco-American pride comes a growing number of musical groups who perform traditional Québécois songs. "Va et Vient", a local band, has samples on their website. Écoutez and Enjoy!

Dreaming in French

2010-05-30T13:12:00.002-04:00

Dreaming in French. Watercolor & Gouache by Linda Hampton Smith

From time to time, I dream in French. I love when I do because I'm quite fluent in my dreams. Not so in real life. I speak a decent French. I can get by in a Francophone country. But if someone responds to me in "bullet-speed" French, forget it. Je suis perdue!

The following dream may point to my insecurities on the matter. (Or deeper insecurites, perhaps!) Any takers on interpretations?......

I was in a train station and about to depart for France. I could not find my ticket. I stood in line at a ticket booth. I approached the ticket master and still hadn't found it. I was pulling wads of papers out of my purse and going through them one by one. I apologized profusely in French to the ticket master. At this point, there was a long line of impatient people in back of me. I turned around and apologized en français to them as well. My ability to speak French wasn't winning me any sympathy!

The ticketmaster finally said, "You have one hour to find your ticket. Otherwise you can't go." At that very moment, I found the ticket. I had tucked it away in a little pouch in my wallet. The ticket had a picture of three little pigs (!?) printed on it. I was elated. I turned around for one last time and apologized to the crowd- "Désolée," I said.

Vue Panoramique

2010-04-26T10:35:00.003-04:00

Along the highways and byways of France, there are road signs that always catch our attention. They read: Vue Panoramique. Printed on arrows, they point this way or that. Who could resist?

"Argenton" by Linda Hampton Smith. Watercolor on Paper

In the petite village of Argenton, we get out of the car, explore the interior of a church and exit by way of a huge oak door adorned with fanciful hinges. We stand in a courtyard and admire the sweeping view. Ah, deep and lovely breaths of French air and the satisfaction of, well, magnificence. We've never been disappointed with la promesse of panorama. Except for one occasion. We dutifully followed yet another sign, walking and panting our way up the hills. We came across a field of sheep who stopped munching on sweet French grass and blankly stared at us. Then we stumbled upon an abandoned hamlet. This really excited our imagination. We walked past miles, it seemed, of woodland. Utterly exhausted, we finally turned around in search of (please, God!) flat ground. We never found the elusive "view" and wondered if it was someone's idea of a joke. Yet that never-ending hike gave us an intimacy with le paysage that we would have otherwise missed out on.

Nothing beats a good walk in France, vue ou non.

Le Tournesol

2010-04-13T09:00:00.008-04:00

"In the Woods" by Linda Hampton Smith. Acrylic and Gouache on Paper

Although the trees limbs are still bare and there's a chill in the air, the soil has finally softened. I've been happily working away dans le jardin - edging my garden beds with stones I collect from the woods. The effect pleases me. This will be a special summer. We recently cut down many trees due to having become, over the years, overgrown by moss. I anticipate for the very first time in this home setting: La lumière du soleil. And a ton of sunshine-friendly flowers to follow!

"L'amour de la Fleur" by Linda Hampton Smith. Watercolor on Paper

Which brings to mind: Le Tournesol. I've never, jamais, ever been able to grow sunflowers because of the shade. Now here's my chance! I've been studying seed packets in the stores. La variété est grande.

I'm envisioning Provence in my own backyard!

Enfin Le Printemps....presque

2010-03-29T16:41:00.002-04:00

Here in the north, Springtime's a tease. One day I'm tilling the soft warm soil. The next day it's frozen solid. The shovel lays beside the garden until the earth softens up again. In the meantime, I "virtual garden" on one of my absolute favorite sites: L'atelier Vert

Still, True Spring is not far off. With great anticipation, my arbor lays in wait. Soon climbing roses will cover, no, smother it with a fragrant and lush embrasse.

Un très bon printemps à tout le monde....

I'd send you a chocolate bunny if I could. Certainement, one of our more joyous and delicious symbols of Spring!

Bleu et Blanc

2010-03-14T21:20:00.015-04:00

Those blue and white Parisian street signs evoke much delight. To the Francophile, moi!, these utilitarian signposts symbolize such bons souvenirs de France. I'm not the only one. They have a cult following, it appears. A bit of online research yields a dizzying amount of trade surrounding the ubiquitous bleu et blanc. Companies like Emaillerie Normande will customize them with any message you want. Or you could choose from their own selection: LAPIN LUNATIQUE or HAMSTER MALICIEUX or ENFANT TERRIBLE. Drôle.

I may just order the ENTRÉE DES ARTISTES for my studio door.

And these nifty cufflinks as well -- Is that going too far?

I think not.

According to Eric Tenin of Paris Daily Photo, Napolean decreed in 1806 that street names no longer be engraved on the walls. Rather, they were to be painted. In 1847, authorities chose the enamel plaque. Could they have envisioned what a hot commodity they'd become?

Je t'adore

2010-03-07T12:15:00.004-05:00

This little sketch really gets to the heart of me. I've always loved deer and the romance of the deep woods. As a child, I pored over the magnificent illustrations of Adrienne Ségur. She often depicted magical forests.

I now live in one. It is a true gift when deer quietly step into our yard. They are so lovely.

I have a friend who is of Ojibwa descent. She recently told me that if you find yourself particularly attracted to a certain animal, then that is your totem animal. C'est ça. I knew it.

"Penser, c'est chercher des clairières dans la forêt.
-Jules Renard

La Bonne Chienne

2010-02-28T11:56:00.003-05:00

I spied this dog outside an apartment window in Paris. I enjoyed the play of greys and how she herself was the finishing touch in this quintessential Parisian palette. I'm sure she soon climbed back inside for her déjeuner, but with watercolors, I immortalized her nonchalant pose pour toujours, so there she stays, sur mon papier.

My own sweetheart of a dog, Ginger, is a miniature dachshund. Sometimes we get fancy and call her "Gingembre" to which she cocks her head in puzzlement. "Mais vous savez très bien que je ne suis pas française" she seems to say. "Enough with your French Mania." Does ma bonne chienne know that she is the star of many of my paintings? This is my best selling design! Take a peek at my line of "Ginger Gifts."

And if you buy a little something, I'll have the extra argent to buy her a French collar

And some lavender shampoo

And this French pull toy!

Oh la la.

Dansez Avec Moi

2010-02-21T09:57:00.002-05:00

As a girl, I danced. Everywhere. In the front yard. In the back yard. Up and down the sidewalks. After incessant begging on my part, my parents enrolled me in the André Eglevsky School of Ballet. This was one of their greatest gifts to me. I lived and I danced, for many years thereafter, right in my own heart's calling. After some time in this reverie, I graduated from supple pink slippers to satin toe shoes. In doing so, I felt I had graduated to another layer of the atmosphere. Life in the stratosphere included a beautiful memory of looking back at myself in the vast mirrors that spanned the walls of the school and seeing a lovely creature - suspended, mid-air, in a grand arabesque.

Ballet school was where I first heard spoken French and terms like arabesque, plié, and frappé became part of my everyday usage. I am certain that I love French so very much because it hearkens back to these effervescent memories.

French is the language of ballet for it was King Louis XIV who established the first official school of ballet. The Paris Opera Ballet remains one of the finest ballet schools dans tout le monde.

I wish you some dance in your day!

Les Olives!

2010-02-15T12:46:00.007-05:00

I have a love affair with olives. These petites delicacies make many grand appearances in my culinary life. There are about 20 varieties of olives cultivated in France and I've set myself on a quest to try them all. Four popular varieties (as described in Stephanie Curtis' excellent article: Provencal Olives) are Picholine, Salonenque, Luque and Nicoise. Ms. Curtis gives a recipe for Olive Cake (oui: cake!) and Tapenade. One of my favorite uses of Tapenade is to drop a dollap onto salad greens and toss. It makes a wonderful salad dressing all by itself. Another way I enjoy olives is to bake my signature Olive Pesto Pizza....Take a pizza shell, spread a layer of basil pesto on top, then sprinkle a layer of Parmesan and Mozzerella. For extra zing, I sometimes use Pepper Jack. On top of that, toss a generous handful of slivered olives. (I use a variety of olives). Bake in a 450 degree oven for 8 minutes or so..until cheese is bubbly and edges are browned a bit. Je te promis: délicieux! One of the best accounts I've read about life on an Olive Farm is Carol Drinkwater's Olive Trilogy. I highly recommend this great read.

Le Chapeau

2010-02-08T23:33:00.004-05:00

My mother, pictured below, once had a fabulous collection of hats. Like most women in the 1950's this was de rigueur. As a girl, I would play dress-up with her hats. By then, they sat in stacks of boxes in the attic. Here is a fashion trend that I wish had never disappeared. It's remarkable how donning a hat can utterly transform a person. The stylish chapeau needs to come back!

Coco Chanel began her career designing hats. For the French film "Coco Before Chanel," milliner Stephen Jones designed the hats for Audrey Tatou, who plays Chanel. Enjoy his website: http://www.stephenjonesmillinery.com/ and see how he is bringing le chapeau back to life. Merci à vous, Mr. Jones!

Bon Comme Pain...French Bread

2010-01-29T13:13:00.002-05:00

One could write volumes about French Bread. It is legendary. What do I love about French Breads? Well, mostly, their beauty. From a Provençal fougasse to a Parisian baguette, I find them thrilling to look at. I would rather go to a good French bakery and study the line-up of breads than go to a museum and study paintings on a wall. C'est la verité. They are all showstoppers to me and I have a hard time deciding which one to purchase. I anticipate the mystique of a good crust and am rewarded when a crust flakes off and falls like petals onto the table-forming a mosaic of contentment.

An exciting new development is the resurgence of the communal bread oven in France! Crumbling stone ovens are being refurbished and reactivated! How I'd love to tote my dough over to one of those, wait for it to bake, inhale intoxicating aromas -- all the while communing with friends and neighbors. Carrying home the warm and precious heart of my next meal....How excellent would that be? Sounds like bread utopia. To discover more about communal bread ovens in France, read William Rubel's fascinating article : "Ovens in France"

A Little Lavender Love

2010-01-26T12:32:00.002-05:00

J'adore la lavande! Take a sprig and pin it to your lapel. Or wrap it around your wrist for the lovliest of bracelets. Spritz some lavender spray onto your pillow at night. May your dreams be sweet.

Le Chocolat. Pour Toi. Enjoy!

2010-01-24T23:42:00.007-05:00

Un Petit Café

2010-01-24T10:45:00.002-05:00

Bonjour et Bienvenue! A warm welcome to The French Easel. Un café anyone? A cup is brewing at the moment. I'd love to share un petit café and a few of my sketches. I hope to pepper these pages with the whimsical characters that dance around in my head and twirl their way onto my easel.

Cup in hand. A toast. Vive la France, Vive l'amour de la France, Vive l'amour.