Hubris

Autumn Palette

December 1, 2013 /

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“Apart from practical considerations, there is something magical about a crackling fire on a chilly night that evokes more than mere coziness: it summons up basic human emotions that have prehistoric roots.” —Meredith d’Ambrosio

The Disappearing Land

By Meredith d’Ambrosio

Meredith d'AmbrosioDUXBURY Massachusetts—(Weekly Hubris)—12/2/2013—

“October,” Watercolor, 15” x 21” (1999).
“October,” Watercolor, 15” x 21” (1999).

Our tiny cottage on Daniels Island in Mashpee on Cape Cod had no heat nor insulation, so my husband, Eddie Higgins, and I depended upon our fireplace and electric blanket for warmth when we first arrived in late spring and, again, in October before our annual migration south. Apart from practical considerations, there is something magical about a crackling fire on a chilly night that evokes more than mere coziness: it summons up basic human emotions that have prehistoric roots.

“Autumn In New Boston,” Watercolor, 131/4” x 211/2” (1997).
“Autumn In New Boston,” Watercolor, 13” x 21” (1997).

When traveling through this quaint and graceful old New Hampshire town, I would always make a point of visiting this scene. This particular mid-October day, I picnicked on the hilltop overlooking this cozy farmhouse, and pondered the mystery of the dark woods behind the birches beyond the farmhouse . . . then proceeded to paint.

“Daniels Island Early Autumn,” Oil on Canvas, 24” X 36” (2005).
“Daniels Island Early Autumn,” Oil on Canvas, 24” X 36” (2005).

My faithful chocolate lab, Clifford Brown, and I began our daily jaunts from the cottage, the oldest of 15 houses on Daniels Island. Two bays surround the island. The seasonal tones of spring and summer have finally turned the mid-rushes, flanking the Ockway Bay inlet, to early autumn rusty oranges with remaining yellow-greens. Walking along this road seemed like paradise. Beneath the arch of trees, I would remind myself that one day I would paint this scene.

Boston-born Meredith d’Ambrosio, a Renaissance woman whose creative work crosses many genres, has successfully combined careers in the musical and visual arts. In 1958, in Boston, d’Ambrosio began singing with small bands, accompanied by Roger Kellaway on piano. Although she has worked primarily as a jazz singer-pianist, she is also known internationally as a calligrapher, watercolorist, creator of eggshell mosaics, composer, lyricist, recording artist, and teacher. D’Ambrosio branched out into New York City in 1981 and, since then, has toured extensively throughout North America and Europe (view d’Ambrosio’s complete discography at www.meredithdambrosio.com). D’Ambrosio’s paintings, both watercolors and oils, may be viewed at www.meredithdambrosio.com, her multifaceted website, which covers her work as a musician, painter, and writer. (Author Head Shot Augment: René Laanen.)

32 Comments

  • Will

    December 2, 2013 at 6:57 am

    Three lovely images. I especially like the two watercolors – the luminosity of the subject scenes comes through even digital reproduction!

  • Anita Sullivan

    December 2, 2013 at 10:47 am

    What a pleasure to see these intense and vivid paintings! I especially appreciate watercolors that are “dark” and bright. Thanks so much!

  • Elizabeth Boleman-Herring

    December 2, 2013 at 10:54 am

    Welcome to “Weekly Hubris,” Meredith! I so enjoyed your work that I just had to share it, three pieces at a time, with a little of the history behind each painting. I love your palette, and your composition, and hope readers will use the blueline to go to your site and see more (hear more). xoxoxoxo Elizabeth

  • Rick Boling

    December 2, 2013 at 10:56 am

    Beautiful work! I was reminded of the several years I spent in an old cracker house near Gainesville, Florida, where, in the winter, I used to rise before the sun to split wood, then construct a multi-layer fire that would grow into a blazing house-warmer while I went back to bed, crawled under the covers, and slept until my wife woke me with the smell of frying bacon. Great memories, captured wonderfully by your prose and paintings.

  • Ted Balk

    December 3, 2013 at 6:30 am

    Meredith,
    It is wonderful of you to share your astounding work with us here at Weekly Hubris! I look forward to seeing what paintings you choose to reveal in the future. Of course, I couldn’t help myself and went to your website to view more, but it is expecially nice to have the personal note attached to each piece.

    Now I’ve got to check out your jazz library.

    Welcome!

    Ted

  • Ed Polansky

    December 4, 2013 at 12:37 pm

    Dear one,

    Today I looked up the word gifted in the dictionary,, and guess what??????
    There was a picture of you.

    Thank you for all of your gifts.

    Ed

  • Lee Hartley

    December 4, 2013 at 9:21 pm

    To think that someone can paint like this and also sing like an Angel is ever so amazing. Thank you Meredith for sharing all your gifts. I hope to someday see this part of our great country even more because of you.

  • Meredith d'Ambrosio

    December 5, 2013 at 10:03 am

    To Rebecca (great singer) . . . are you saying that I should keep on painting?
    Meredith

    To Lee H.,
    I’m glad that my paintings make you think of seeing more of the beautiful landscapes of this beautiful place!

  • Roger Schore

    December 20, 2013 at 3:32 pm

    I know of no painter more adept than Meredith in recreating the glories
    and wonder of our natural world. Viewing a painting such as “Autumn In
    New Boston,” I am enchanted by her use of colors, her artful blending of
    shadows and light and the sheer beauty of the landscape which she so
    successfully captures.

  • Fred Crane

    January 6, 2014 at 9:24 pm

    Thanks Meredith,

    You seem to possess the road map of the human
    condition. It’s your calling to leave us touched.

    Fred

  • Robert Scofield

    January 8, 2014 at 10:09 pm

    Meredith you are such a visionary . You continue to amaze us with your beautiful art. We miss you very much.

    Bob &Martye

  • Cindy Kleiman

    January 9, 2014 at 8:51 am

    Beautiful, esp. the fireplace painting – wish I had seen it two days ago when it was negative 15 degrees! Regards from your Jersey cousins.

  • Susan Schuander

    January 9, 2014 at 2:20 pm

    Here you are again, making more wonderful art. You are so talented.
    Your paintings make me lonely for “home”. We are in FL.

  • Ruth Hellkamp

    January 9, 2014 at 4:04 pm

    Thrilling paintings, Meredith…I especially love the fireplace scene..talk about cozy! Heard you mentioned several times on JAZZ AFTER HOURS on NPR…and have prayed for you since …just to hope you are ok and thriving! I have played Eddie’s album ‘HAUNTED HEART” so many times the grooves might disappear….just love his style. I am still in my long term gig here in NY…in my 33rd year as hotel pianist ! Drop a line…and keep up your wonderfual artisitic work…you are a world class artist, and person!

  • Elliott Ames

    January 9, 2014 at 4:36 pm

    Love your work; you are truly an artist of the first class –but -please come back
    to jazz! I I look forward to paying my collection of your CDs on the radio. —
    Elliott