Spring, Almost
“It is a rare occurrence to experience nature at its most spectacular. This was one of those evenings. On my walk to the store, I stopped abruptly, taken by surprise as I came around the bend of my street. I stood for several minutes, transfixed by the splendor of the blazing sunset which became brighter as the sky grew darker every 15 seconds.”—By Meredith d’Ambrosio
The Disappearing Land
By Meredith d’Ambrosio
DUXBURY Massachusetts—(Weekly Hubris)—5/12/2014—
This scene is opposite the scene in “Steps Of Auvers.” The cherry trees were beginning to bud on this blustery day. Most of all, I was looking forward to tackling the patterns formed by the shadows in the street, and the way they climbed up the sidewalk and onto the house.
A brunch was given outside our host’s house in honor of Eddie’s and my concert held the previous night in Sarlat, France. Chanterelle mushrooms and wild strawberries were gathered in the woods before the feast. I watched with amusement as a young, beautiful Appaloosa playfully jumped and danced in the meadow beyond our table. Her mane and tail were wildly blowing as she raced around. The grasses were so high that the horse’s ankles were hidden. I rose from the table to meet the horse, which I later learned was called Bijou. She met me at the fence, we talked for a while, and I fell in love. She needed to be painted.
It is a rare occurrence to experience nature at its most spectacular. This was one of those evenings. On my walk to the store, I stopped abruptly, taken by surprise as I came around the bend of my street. I stood for several minutes, transfixed by the splendor of the blazing sunset which became brighter as the sky grew darker every 15 seconds. Luckily, my camera was with me. I was envisioning this on canvas but the scene was unexpectedly completed when Paul, an antique car collector and owner of “Manley Tree,” drove past the railroad crossing heading in my direction in his 1947 Dodge sedan.
Note: Meredith d’Ambrosio’s exhibition of paintings entitled “Landscapes Of The North Countries” will run from Sunday, November 15, 2015 through Sunday, February 14, 2016 at the Art Complex of Duxbury, Massachusetts, 189 Alden Street, Duxbury MA; daily opening times, 1 till 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday; Monday and Tuesday, closed. The opening reception will be held on Sunday, November 15, 2015, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.; Ms. d’Ambrosio will give a concert, accompanied by Chris Taylor on piano.
Meredith d'Ambrosio
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.)
11 Comments
Laura
Wonderful art and descriptions :)
Tim Bayer
Hi Meredith,
To the point: I really like the style of your painting. Kudos.
Tim
Fern Driscoll
The paintings are just lovely – how amusing to have a ’47 Dodge arrive at just the right moment. good luck with your show!
Meredith d'Ambrosio
Dear Fern,
Amusing is the right word, though I might even call it mysterious!
Meredith
Meredith d'Ambrosio
Thank you, Laura and Tim!
xox
Cat Conner
Your paintings stand on their own but to have your lovely descriptions there, adds even another dimension to the whole experience! Fabulous!
Chris Taylor
Hi Meredith,
Your paintings are absolutely stunning. The first one that caught my eye was back in 1988 when I spotted, and was intrigued by, your painting “The Cove”, the cover of your Sunnyside release by the same title. I’ve been a fan of yours ever since. And now to be accompanying you on November 15, 2015 at the Duxbury Art Coplex, surrounded by your extraordinary paintings will be a real treat for me, and I might add, a great honor. The chill of that late autumn afternoon will surely be warmed by your art and song. I look forward to it!
Your admirer and friend,
Chris Taylor
Meredith d'Ambrosio
Dear Cat,
You are a faithful friend. Thank you for your lovely comment!
With love,
Meredith
Meredith d'Ambrosio
Dear Chris,
Your overwhelming comments warm my heart. I am truly looking forward to you accompanying me on the piano at the museum reception. You are one of the most wonderful and fascinating jazz pianists in this country. Lucky me!
Love,
Meredith
Rebecca Parris
These examples of Meredith’s visions show how truly deeply involved she is with nature and all it’s glory. I see the farmhouse and field , and feel an “ahhhh” wash over me . The house and shadows take me to another time and place, and the dear horse , ankle deep in grass is just idyllic.
I love these works and love their creator. Much gratitude, Meredith.
Meredith d'Ambrosio
Dear Rebecca,
Tears came to my eyes while reading your comment! You hit the nail on the head.
I love your incredible talent and love you very much, too!
Many thanks for your sweet words.
Meredith