I am back. With a vengeance.
So my life has been a roller coaster for the past 2 months. Breath-taking highs and shocking lows. Hurricanes, flooding, losses, birth of a grandchild and death of my father.
And the universe has amazed me at how we are all connected.
You may have heard the phrase, “death comes in threes…” and I have found that to be very true across my entire life. So when my dad passed away a few weeks ago I waited for the other shoes to drop. I did not have to wait long. Two days later I got a call. An artist that I had known for over 12 years had passed as well. Her husband was calling to tell me the news. A funny thing- it turns out in a weird connection that she was also in the same hospital as my father in Pittsburgh and in the same hospice wing and on the same floor. Her husband and I could have passed each other in the halls during visitation.
This artist was pretty special to me. She took a number of my workshops and being a very savvy financial person, she convinced me to set up a “mentorship” program. I resisted. It took some convincing, but she wore me down and I started “mentoring” her. So because of her I wrote many lessons over the years regarding color, design and the handling of pastels. I eventually branched out and mentored as many as 8 artists every month from all over the world including Russia and South Africa. I used the same lessons and in a realization of self-discovery, I found out that I was pretty good at helping artists improve their work and moreover, at giving them confidence. And it was fun. And lucrative. So she deeply affected my artistic path. I also visited her at her home studio when she bought a serious set of Roche pastels (pictured above) and I helped her understand how to use them.
When I moved from Pittsburgh to South Carolina we lost touch. So I was surprised when her husband called to tell me that she had passed away, but he was also calling to tell me something else. Her family wanted to give the Roches to someone that would put them to good use. In return, they asked that I paint her portrait.
I was overwhelmed. For those that are not familiar, Roche pastels have been made in France since 1720 and are the pastels used by Mary Cassatt and Degas. They are very expensive- typically $20 for a single stick depending on the hue. I have collected a handful over the years and have used them in my work that has elevated my images. I could not have created the work I have made in the last 5 years without them. Having all of the colors they make now at my disposal is like winning the lottery. (I frequently have said in many workshops over the years that if I ever won the lottery I would buy the entire set)
So I brought them back to Greenville. And at first I could only look at them by opening the teak drawers and peeking at them as though viewing royal jewels. 2000 royal jewels.
And then I knew what I had to do…I set the drawers on the floor of my studio and started to sort them into the way that they will work for me.
It was overwhelming and inspiring. And I know, I just know…that my work will change. Maybe not in what I create, but it will open up my options in how I create. Now I can play with color options and power unlike anything I have ever done before.
And then I looked up how much it would be if I were to buy the complete set in these drawers right now online from the company in France. The price tag is over $30,000. Yep. It is a breathless amount for any artist. I am humbled with gratitude at this kindness which will shape my work and my decisions as an artist going forward. These “tools” will be put to use. I will not let them sit in those drawers no matter how pretty they are. I will not be afraid to break them, shatter them and burn them up- because just like a Lamborghini they were made to be taken out and run at full speed. I plan on putting the petal to the medal.
But first, I will paint the memory of my friend.
I am excited for you and your dedication to your chosen vocation.May you be rewarded by artistic talent in the beauty seen visually, sensually and mentally.
Thank you Randy! 🤗
Heartwarming story. Usually we go through life without knowing the impact we’ve made on others. In this case you were mutually impactful. We are all looking forward to your future artworks utilizing the apex of pastels. .
You experienced serendipity “an axiom of the artist way book”, the universe is a great place and great things happen to us. Congratulations
Every day I am so grateful and absolutely love my life.
Beautiful 🙏
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Wow! Speechless… thank you for sharing.
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Good heavens, a true gift from the beyond. May it lift you up. They still have their papers on and are virtually untouched! Should be inspiring.
They are! The grit is unlike any other.
Welcome back. My condolences for your losses .congratulations on being a grandma and happy painting with the royal jewels. Thank you for being my mentor and sparking the love for pastels.
Thank you! It has been my joy to work with you. 😀
Christine, I am so sorry to hear about her passing. I remember her well and was in a couple of your classes with her and remember when she was excited to have acquired that impressive set of Roche, I believe it was a gift from her husband. Of course, I could not be happier that you are the recipient of that set and that the family realized that was where they belonged.
I also remember that she started Web MD. She was very bright and creative and fun.
Blessings to you. I can’t wait to see your new works.
Rosemarie
Yes, she was a beautiful, enthusiastic creative who loved art of all kinds. And loved pastels and the color purple! There will be lots of purple in her portrait.
What a wonderful gift it is to be remembered and then gifted such extraordinary tools to continue your work.
I didn’t know you were in Greenville! How is the city after those horrific floods two (?) months ago? We traveled to So Carolina last year and were taken by the beautiful soft, warm air and the lovely people we met. So now we have rented in Beaufort and in Greenville for next April! Our son went to Clemson – many years ago now.
Looking forward to seeing your beautiful work in one of the galleries.
Awesome! Look me up when you get here. The hurricanes were rough, but we are back to normal. More north of us is still struggling. I didn’t lose much and am grateful it wasn’t worse.
What a magnificent example of what it means to be open, available and authentic in our artist lives Christine. You responded to a need and it came back home to you 100 fold at a time when YOU were in need. A need of bolstered confidence and renewed strength. I believe that’s what being an artist truly is. It’s not hiding out with our paints in an isolated holdout, brooding and whining, it’s being available and sharing with those that want to exchange energy (money for lessons etc) with us. Being open to try something we are resistant to only to find out we probably get as much or more from teaching them as they do from us. I’ve certainly found that overcoming my reticence to teach has exploded my art and career at large.
Yours was one of only two workshops I’ve ever taken. I remember it well. I hope you will race this Lamborghini at speeds you could never even imagine. I just bet your dad will be right there beside you for the ride.
Oh Natasha. I remember that workshop and you being in it as well. You have such passion for the medium! It is so amazing to see how you have developed your style over the years. And I agree, those who teach from the heart learn so much in return.
Christine, I am so sad for your losses, but fond memories will eventually soften the blows. I hope you will post the portrait of your friend/mentoree. Sometimes doing a really personal portrait is a journey in itself.
Please remember to slow down and not “Roche” your paintings!
Agreed. Slow and steady.
Wow!
First let me express my sympathy on your losses.
Secondly, when God closes a door, a window opens.
I pray you heal from your loss and forge forward with new inspiration!
Absolutely! Im jumping out a window!
Oh my gosh Christine, This post makes me cry. I am overwhelmed with emotion for you. I admire and relate to your tenacity and resilience. What an honor of a gift that you gave and what was in turn given back to you. I hope some day that what I do will have an impact on other’s lives as well. The Roche pastels would be a bonus! especially considering my future plans lol. I look forward to seeing the paintings that you create with these. Sending love!
Love back!
What a great tribute to you as a mentor, and artist and a friend, as you are to many of us. I am so happy for you and will continue to grow my collection of Roche, most likely a few sticks per year!! They are wonderful and you will put them to good use. Sorry for the loss of your dad and your friend. Happy for you new grandchild and your set of Roches!! Enjoy!!!
Thank you my friend! Hugs from afar. 🤗
What an amazing and generous gift.
I’m hoping you share her portrait with us too.
Will do!
Your story gave me chills. I am so sorry for your losses. In her estate sale, I purchased old oil paint brushes last used by my first oil painting teacher… and how special they are to me!! … but I won’t use them like you will these pastels. I cannot wait to see how your paintings are impacted and for us, living through your experience with this amazing present… I hope you will specifically point that out.
You bet. We artists are meant to share.
What an awesome story. The true magic of the world , your mutual influences on each other, your gift of mentoring, her gift of friendship, the connection kept in such a magical way even though you were unaware of each other through such difficult times. The world is a small place and yet so big. Can’t wait to see her gift showing through yours.
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First, sorry for the loss of your father. Secondly, thank you for sharing this lovely story. I know you will do GREAT things with these Roche pastels. Can’t wait to see your friend’s portrait. Take care. ~joycelyn schedler
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So sorry for all the losses and tragic happenings in your life over the past 12 months, Christine. Looking at those beautiful Roche I am sure they will inspire you to paint and paint and paint. Cannot wait to see the portrait you create of your dear fellow pastelist. Be well.
Cant wait to get started!
That was a beautiful story about your friend. Congratulations and condolences on having such a wonderful friend.
Thank you! 🤗
It’s about the balance in life.
Agreed. The older I get the more I see it everywhere.
Over 30K… wowza. They look brand new!
So sorry about your Dad and friend though.
Thank you!
Amazing!
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Wow Christine what a fabulous story! Just goes to show that a kindness is repaid in kindness! What an influence you must have been to her and isn’t that a wonderful thing to do – inspire another artist?
Amen. 😀
Wow, Christine! What an experience. I look forward to the continuation of this amazing journey! More power to you!
Thanks! 😀
Christine, I’ve always been a believer in good luck/bad luck balancing out the universe. I am so sorry about your losses–both in possessions and important people. May the birth of your grandchild and the gift of Roche pastels be your balance. I am looking forward to seeing how your recent life events and the new pastels change “how” you paint. I have a friend who sings and plays piano. After the death of his son, his music became richer, stronger and more emotional. I know he’d much rather have his son back, but like you, he has gone forth with a vengeance and made a personal memorial from inside himself. The Roche pastels may be the tools, but you provide the love and passion.
Thank you my friend! 🤗
Lovely tribute to not only the art in you and your vision but the tribute that this lovely artist honored you with. I KNOW you will sail into different currents of passion knowing that the power you possess can bring it to you. Just a side note. You say every painting has a yellow phase. Is this true to watercolor as well. I have had to leave my beloved pastels behind and have taken up WC which I adore. Does the yellow phase apply?
Thanks and Yes! Washes of yellow in watercolor is where I started underpainting this way. Good luck!
Wow, Christine. This was not an accident. This was divine intervention. So happy for you with this new gift. Can’t wait to see where this will lead you.
I believe so too. 😀
That is amazing and well deserved.
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Wow! What a story. Brought tears to my eyes. Good luck with the poignant portrait.
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They are in the most capable hands. Looking forward to see what you will create!
Wow! Thank you for sharing, Christine! How blessed you have been for following the call of your creator to use the gift you have been given!
I know you will do great things with those Roche pastels!
So sorry for your losses.
Thanks. 🤗
I’m so thrilled for you and look forward to seeing the amazing portraits you will create with these. What a gift!!!!
You’ve been in my thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.