Monet on my mind.

A recent trip to New York always gives me pause to reflect. One of my favorite paintings on the trip was Monet's large water lily painting at the Museum of Modern Art. This is such an amazing painting because of the surface and giant brushstrokes. It is a simple idea but put together with a sense of scale that goes far beyond the easel. The fact that he was in his 80s when he did this painting is completely astounding. Imagine working away at 80 years old in your warehouse studio on such a series. It really alters the definition of the artist in old age.

Petite gardens

I have been working on some small paintings of the my favorite theme. It is interesting to compress the color and brushstrokes. I am trying to add enough details without getting too clunky with the paint. I hope to do a series.

Petite Garden

9" X 12"

oil on linen

Sibley Park Summer of 2009

William Bukowski

oil on linen

40" X 30

Peak

Sometimes you work so long on a painting and look at it and wonder if the hours and effort show at all. It could look like another "pretty flower" picture, when in your mind you are constantly struggling with light, weather, actual plant growth, color, composition, brushstrokes, expecting some kind of artistic breakthrough.

Does it really express the intensity of the experience? or is it just another pretty picture.

Christy's Cafe Wine Tasting and VINE Benefit Show

There is a reception this Friday, from 6 -9 pm,  June 12 at Christy's Cafe in North Mankato.  For me it is only the second show in a restaurant and still an unorthodox location for an art exhibition.  I think there have been many shows in cafes in Paris and the capitals of Europe, why not North Mankato? 

Like my recent shows, the focus is the garden at Sibley Park in Mankato.  Morgan Creek Vineyards of New Ulm will be doing some wine tasting and hopefully people will be enjoying the views of summer.