While in Arles, many years ago, I visited the very spot where Vincent Van Gogh painted one of his most famous paintings; ‘The Yellow House." He had a dream to turn the house into a refuge for artists. Paul Gauguin who like Van Gogh loved the the sun and colors of the south, came to Arles in October 1888 and stayed with Vincent for two months. 

A wonderful view into the life of Van Gogh and other artists who visited Arles, is the book "Vincent Van Gogh - The Letters”. It offers an intimate account of the genius and sensitivity of Van Gogh. And how he longed for companionship and understanding. At the beginning all went well but soon they began to argue, and life together became unbearable. A few days before Christmas, they were in a bar where Gauguin said, Vincent threatened him with a razor. It was this event that precipitated the infamous act of Van Gogh cutting off a piece of his ear! It was one of the first serious signs of mental illness, and it’s a moment when things started to change in Vincent’s life. 

"I think that Gauguin is a bit disappointed with Arles and above all, disappointed in me. I can’t exactly describe what I have.

I suffer terrible fits of anxiety at times. Without a clear cause. At times, I feel perfectly normal.

But the attacks increase in frequency. I think it's best I admit myself to an asylum."

"Perhaps you’ll be disillusioned with Arles if you come at a time when the mistral’s blowing, but wait... 

It’s in the long term that the poetry down here soaks in."

"My dear Vincent, I’ve just read your interesting letter and I entirely agree with you on the slight importance

that accuracy contributes to art. Art is an abstraction; unfortunately we’re becoming increasingly misunderstood.

I would very much like it if we were to achieve our aims, that is, my coming to Provence. - Ever yours, P. Gauguin."

Join me as we follow in the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh through Arles!

ArtSpace Auction allows collectors to purchase one of my paintings directly through my studio. It's a great way to start a collection by buying original art at a reasonable price and for us to begin our creative journey.

Most of my auction items are small gems. A little painting can say a lot... it's all about the joy of expressive brushwork, simplified design and using color to express the light!

Add this little gem to your collection... best of luck!

Auction Starts: Wednesday, March 25 and ends Saturday, March 28, 2020 5pm EST

"Children at the Shore"  8" x 8" - Oil on panel

This is an intimate painting of two children exploring the shoreline. I often do these from sketches done directly from life or from photos.

AUCTION INSTRUCTIONS:

- The painting you are bidding on is Unframed

- Minimum Bid must be $100. dollars or higher

 - Minimum Bid increments of $25. dollars

- Place your bid in the Comment box below - You must place a dollar amount in your comment to bid

- Winner will be notified by email when auction closes.

- Shipping and Handling not included and will be added to winning bid. (local pick-up in Bermuda)

- Payment must be received within 24 hours of notification through PayPal

- Buy Now for $350. - if you don't want to risk being outbid

I have a lot in common with Winslow Homer; first of all, we were both born in Boston, Massachusetts. Like Homer, my career as an illustrator lasted nearly twenty years before studying and painting in Europe. In re-establishing his love of the sea, Homer found a rich source of themes in the Cape Ann area. I also spent many months painting in Gloucester, initially during a month-long residency and later as an invitational artist with the Cape Ann Plein Air Festival. 

Contemporary Artists in the Style of Winslow Homer

 If you have an opportunity to visit Gloucester in the next few months don't miss this group show at the Charles Fine Arts Gallery. The exhibit features a series of works inspired by Homer and his travels near and far. The gallery will be hosting multiple events throughout the entirety of this exhibit, including live artist demonstrations, and historical presentations of Homer. The show runs from October 1 - November 31, 2019. 

Homer's View by Eli Cedrone ©

In the winter of 1884, Homer ventured to warmer locations such as Florida, Cuba and Bermuda. His tropical stays inspired and refreshed him in much the same way they have inspired me. Bermuda is now my second home and I've been enchanted by it's gentle landscape since my first visit 43 years ago; its unique architecture; surreal waters. The palette here is so very different from that of New England that it demands an intense study of the effects of light and color. All of my paintings in the Gloucester show were painted on location in Bermuda. 

Sunrise Cooper's Island Bermuda

I'll be teaching a 3-day workshop - Plein Air Bermuda | October 18, 19 & 20, 2019
Join me for a unique experience, from the breathtaking beaches to the winding alleyways of St. George’s. You'll learn the fundamentals of painting outdoors while following in the footsteps of Winslow Homer and others who’ve found inspiration on the island. In this intensive 3-day workshop, you’ll develop the skills necessary to translate light into the language of paint. Each session will provide a supportive environment for the beginner and a challenging new way to consider the landscape and figure for the more advanced painter.

For more info visit my workshop page: http://elicedrone.faso.com/page/20490/workshops

Bermuda Plein Air Festival October 26 - November 2, 2019

I'll also be participating in this bi-annual event sponsored by the Bermuda Plien Air Painters and the Art Centre Dockyard. This is a wonderful group of local painters and the event is open to artists from around the world. For more info visit: www.bermudapleinair.com.