Paintings of Time and Place

“The World at Her Fingertips,” Oil Painting of a Medieval Woman with a Contemporary Attitude”

The power of Woman!  More than I could ever imagine when growing up in a world where women were expected to follow only a limited number of careers if, indeed, they were to have careers at all.  How the world has changed!  Woman does indeed have the world at her fingertips and in her hands.  It is discouraging to me to read that a large number of women educated in some of the best schools in the country choose not to pursue their disciplines in some way upon graduation.   Are we becoming a lazy country?

The World at Her Fingertips, Oil on Canvas, 16 “ X 8” (unframed size), 20” X 12” (framed size), $280 USD

Copyright Charlotte Shroyer 2013

"Renaissance Woman," Monotype

The Renaissance haunts me.  It was a time of art renewal, of appreciation for fine art and respect for its artists.  Patrons helped support artists in their quests to find their

"Renaissance Woman," Monotype on Paper, 6 X 4" (image size); 11 1/2 X 9 1/2" (framed size), $115 USD

muses and to create pieces of wonder.   Today's art world needs a renaissance for those artists in their studios creating in spite of a declining middle class market for the arts.  There seems to be money for purchase of electronic gadgets which will be obsolete in less than two years, but little for the purchase of an art piece which can bring joy for 50 years of a lifetime and longer beyond a lifetime.  How have we as a culture  arrived at a point where that which makes a culture richer and deeper has been pushed to the wayside?  Where is our renaissance? 

 

www.charlotteshroyer.com Copyright Charlotte Shroyer 2012

"Mystics," Abstract Monotype of Spiritual Figures of Medieval Europe

I am often asked what inspires me to create the images in my paintings and monotypes.  There is no one conclusive answer--maybe something I saw in my daily activities in Taos or in New York (one of my recent stops), maybe something I read in a book or a newspaper, and then there is always just intuition.  Mystics falls into the latter category--just the way the ink worked on the plate.  Something to just satisfy my inner muse.  Figures in long dresses have been and are an ongoing pattern in my work for the past 10 years.   A past life or just a dream of times gone by?

Mystics, Monotype on Paper, 4 X 6" (image size), 10 X  13 1/2" (framed size), $115

Framed in contemporary black frame with matting to match image color

 www.charlotteshroyer.com 

Copyright Charlotte Shroyer 2012

 

 

"Eavesdrop in the Abbey," Oil on Paper of my Fascination with Cistercian Abbeys

Once again I find myself fascinated with the life of monks in Cistercian abbeys of the Middle Ages.  Why this fascination persists I have no idea.  A friend, who is also a Benedictine monk, says it is because I have a spiritual part of my being which accepts the existence of the soul.  I am not Catholic which is even more surprising, but from the first time I saw a photo of one of the French abbeys and even more when I visited Le Palais des Papes in Avignon, I felt this affinity.  I don't paint as many abbeys as I once did, but every so often one just appears on canvas.  Even in abstract pieces, I see architecture of this era inserting itself.

 

 

"Eavesdrop in the Abbey," Oil on Paper, 6 X 4" (image size), matted and unframed, $60 USD

                                   SOLD

                    www.charlotteshroyer.com

                 Copyright Charlotte Shroyer 2012

 

 

"Prayerful Meditation," Oil Painting of a Medieval Woman in Meditation

 

 

Another of my women from medieval times and another redhead waiting to be seen.  About what is she meditating?  Could her loved one have gone to war while she waits at home?  Special thoughts for his safety and a meditative prayer that he may be watched over wherever he may go.  Not much different from our decade when loved ones have gone to Iraq and Afghanistan.  Always someone left behind.  The historical era may have changed, but the emotions remain--human emotions that will always be with us.

 

Prayerful Meditation,  Oil on Masonite, 12 X 2 1/2." $62 USD

"In the Abbey," Oil Painting on Paper, Mystical Image of Medieval Times

 

I have to wonder some days if there is such a thing as past lives, lives other than the one we are currently living.  For some reason, images of abbeys, especially in Europe, pop into my paintings.   The Cisterican abbeys of France hold special appeal for me.  On my last trip to France and a visit to Fontenay, I could almost feel the feet that had walked on the stones, hear the chants, and so much more. This is one of those images, appearing as if from nowhere.  There is a mysticism open to the interpretation of the viewer.   

 

In the Abbey, Oil on Paper, Monotype with Oil, 6 X 4," $55 USD (matted but unframed)

 

                 SOLD

"Duo," Abstract Monotype on Paper Inspired by Memories of Tuscany

 

This duo came out of my imagination.  No intent to create two such individuals, just putting etching ink onto a plate, printing it, and letting the images "talk" to me.   They speak of Tuscany and more specifically, Florence.  Could they be part of the powerful banking institution of the Medicis in Florence?  So much mystery and mystique.  Banking, trade to other parts of Europe, life in Florence......

 

Duo, Monotype on Paper, 6 X 5" (image size); 16 X 14" (framed size)

 

             SOLD

"Of the Past," Monotype on Paper, Inspired by Love of Medieval Europe

 

More of the figures reminiscent of medieval Europe appeared as I worked on yet another spontaneous monotype.  When I start braying the etching ink on the plate, I have no preconceived idea of the image to appear.  Work on the plate becomes more a matter of color than form initially, but as I squish the ink around one way and then another, I begin to see an image.  Still there is no guarantee of the final image until the magic appears.

 

Of the Past, Monotype on Paper, 8 X 7 1/2" (image size); 16 X 15" (framed size)

 

                SOLD

"Waiting for the Carriage" under the arches of Fontenay Abbey, Montbard, France

Another of my women from past and present, this one is "Waiting for the Carriage." Like many of the other women in my paintings–whether coming out of the dark, moving into places of transition, or just fearless and undaunted by the difficulties confronting them–this wistful woman represents a part of the history of where we have been. Accompanied by her faithful cat companion, she waits under the arches of Fontenay, the French Cistercian abbey for the carriage to take her to her lover. Will he be the love of her life? Has the abbot given her good advice? Or has she just listened to the sonorous chants resonating to the heavens within the abbey’s cavernous vaults?

The Abbey of Fontenay, today a UNESCO World Heritage site, was founded in 1118 by Saint Bernard. The abbey has experienced a tumultuous history with periods of prosperity initially followed by war and sacking then followed by its transition into a paper factory during the French Revolution. Fortunately, it has retained most of its original buildings making it an excellent example of a Cistercian abbey. For photos and history  of this glorious example of Romanesque architecture, go to:

www.abbayedefontenay.com

 

"Waiting for the Carriage"  Oil on Canvasboard, 28" X 21.5" (framed size), $1099 USD

 

Prayerful Thanks

On this special day of freedom, I yearn for freedom in the rest of the world so that all might aspire to realize their dreams and goals for their families and themselves.    This image reminds me of the holy persons of the world who spread these messages of hope and faith.  It appeared as many of my images do--out of the blue.  May each of us do our part of make the world a better place for all in which to live.  Happy Fourth of July!

 

                                               SOLD