My Subject is Light
Part of an artist’s work is to look at other art. We just got back from a couple of weeks in Florence, Italy and steeping ourselves in renaissance and other art. It’s a privilege, I know, do be able to do this, and I haven’t always been able to so I don’t take it lightly. The trip helped me reinforce some of my thoughts on art making. And as well, I’m always learning about the application of paint and looking closely at virtuosic brushstrokes — this really is a necessity for any painter. Returning from Florence, I wrote the following in my notebook:
My only subject is light. The light of a specific day, a specific time that comes and goes never to be repeated again. My work is a reflection of this fleeting moment, as the still life and flowers also represent the passage of time, of which our lives are made.
The specificity of the light and close study of the forms and shades it reveals is the subject. This is what inspires my creativity and I have no interest in anything else.
I appreciate the worlds of many other artists, living and past, but my work is a record of moments in my life which I hope to share with the viewer. This neutrality, instead of imposing my vision on others, allows for people to experience light and time the way I have, with wonder.
Seeing great paintings and art from the past at this point in my own life (how many summers do I have left?) has been more moving and affecting than ever. I would say the experience of Florence was defining, validating. It felt like a renewal of vows at this point of my long career — a career that has always felt like it’s just beginning somehow. My own particular truth is a composite of all these discoveries I’ve made along the way and which form every single brushstroke (of which there are many!) in each of my paintings.
So when people might wonder if I ever tire of painting peonies, the answer is unequivocally no. Each brushstroke feels like a new enlightenment, a new truth about painting. Which isn’t the secret of the universe or anything like that, but still holds abundant meaning.
It’s the time of year when some of you might be considering buying a holiday painting. Please view my gallery representation page to see available work. If you’ve never purchased art for your home before, these people will walk you through the process with joy and interest and enthusiasm. Your first step is to email the gallery or DM them on their social media.
I’ve been very fortunate to have wonderful galleries working for me so that I can work on my paintings, spend time living in the world of brushstrokes, invoking the scent of peonies on a warm early summer day.
Peonies, I know from experience, make a beautiful backdrop for daydreaming, hoping, and recharging. We can give our minds a break from the worries of the world and live with flowers for an interval.
Robert Lemay in Florence at the Marino Marini Museum, November 2024.
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with thanks,
Rob