Karen F Rose My Painting Journey

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Winston Churchill the painter

Winston Churchill (detail of painting)
by Douglas Chandor
at Smithsonian
photo credit © Karen F. Rose 
The Portrait Society of America organized a bus trip to the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian in Washington DC during the national conference in 2010 which I was lucky to attend. 
I was pleased to study a portrait of Winston Churchill I had never seen. (This is just a portion of the painting by Douglas Chandor)

Mr. Churchill was a painter himself. In the book Winston Churchill His Life as a Painter A Memoir by His Daughter Mary Soames, there is a touching story describing how Churchill during the war convinced President Roosevel that while in North Africa he must see the sun set over Marrakesh.
Roosevelt was carried up the stairs of a tower and "the two friends sat and watched the sun set in all its glory." Then in the next two days Winston Churchill, who had brought his paints with him painted, the scene. 


Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Portrait Society of America Annual Conference

Bart Lindstrom signing his Mystery Sale Painting
Just returned from the Portrait Society of America Annual conference where John Howard Sanden was the recipient of the 2010 Gold Medal. What an inspiration John is as well as all of the distinguished artists there in attendance. 
I had just the best time with a fellow painter and dear friend who I met sixteen years ago at a workshop with Mr. Sanden at the Art Students League in New York City. 
Bart Lindstrom, a superb artist from Atlanta painted in the opening night face off competition, gave an instructive and entertaining discussion on color during one of the Friday break out sessions and contributed to the Mystery Art Sale. And...my friend won his exquisite little painting.
How lucky Mary is to have that beautiful painting to take back to her home and studio. Congratulations Mary and thank you Bart for the photo op!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Open Air Arts Closing Reception April 25, 1-5 PM


There is still plenty of time to view and purchase art at the Open Air Arts Exhibit in Melrose, FL. 
Melrose Bay Art Gallery, Bellamy Road Arts and Shake Rag Arts are hosting the exhibit with a closing celebration on Sunday, April 25th.
I was honored to receive an award for the Best Impressionistic Painting for my oil on canvas Sentinel Pines. There are so many wonderful works of art-enjoy the show!