The Art of Charles Muench Newsletter

Spring 2015

Antelope Valley Afternoon

20" x 30" Oil on Linen

RHYTHM OF NATURE

Annual one man show

Galerie Gabrie, Pasadena, CA.

May 13th - June 27th

My quote from the show catalog:

"I recently heard an author describe humans as "pattern seeking, storytelling animals." Pattern seeking- looking for variations in shape, color, and tone, fuels the passion of an artist. It is interesting to see how individual artists are drawn to certain patterns. Notice the angular masses of Maynard Dixon or the musical notes in the shapes of E. Martin Hennings. These interpretations of Nature define the artist's style. I find myself seeking the movement of serpentine patterns and steep angles. The ocean currents of the poppies in Antelope Valley Spring and the roller coaster ride of angles expressing the expanse of open space in The Heart of Tejon- these rhythms are integral to my paintings. This ensemble of work represents my continued fascination with the Rhythm of Nature."

"It's not the years, honey, it's the mileage."

-Indiana Jones

Years of climbing around the Sierra range and various places in the west have exacted a toll. This morning, I am resting on my deck with my leg in a cast and looking towards the Sierra while I recovery from surgery. I find myself asking, "How did I get to this point?" I am reminded of Hemingway's quote on writing and realize it holds true for painting:

"In going where you have to go, and doing what you have to do, and seeing what you have to see, you dull and blunt the instrument you write with. But I would rather have it bent and dull and know I had to put it to the grindstone again and hammer it into shape and put a whetstone to it, and know that I had something to write about, than to have it bright and shining and nothing to say, or smooth and well-oiled in the closet, but unused."

The photo montage included below helps to answer my question. Unrelenting pursuit of one's passion has consequences. Fortunately, I have a great surgeon skilled with tools more delicate than a grindstone and hammer. I plan on being back in the Sierra this fall, continuing my pursuit.

Charles

If you are interested in Facebook, please take the time to like my page: