And Now for Something Completely Different

We got an inch of snow overnight, which instead of providing minimal traction on the slippery surface of the glacier, merely covers the glare. Despite extreme caution in the driveway to collect the morning paper, I very nearly lost my footing. On a more positive note, the temperature soared to 37 degrees and the sun was out most of the day.

Last night's reception (yes, there seems to be one every night) was sponsored by the state's Council on the Arts, in conjunction with an exhibition featuring four artists, three of whom were present. The event promoted the "Adopt an Artwork" program--each artist has a work up for "adoption," meaning that a person or agency can fill out an application to have that artwork on display in one of the state buildings (which must be accessible to the public.) Very cool.

Even more cool, my favourite artist is included. And extra-super-cool, he was there with his wife--also an artist.

Fangirl that I am, I wasted no time accosting them. It wasn't our first meeting. More like the third time I'd met him, and the second time I'd met her. (Not that they would remember...but I certainly do.) At an art museum I once got him to sign a repro of one of his works. And the Chap and I had the great pleasure of touring their garden in June '05.

James Aponovich is most famous for his exquisite still life paintings of flowers and fruit. The flowers--tulips, daylilies, poppies, peonies, roses--all come from their extensive gardens. In a very real sense, we were gazing at future paintings "on the stem".

We've attended at least three exhibition of Aponovich works, a sampling of which can be seen here and here.

The web pictures merely give an impression of the vividness of his pictures, which should be seen in person to be fully appreciated. He also paints landscapes and portraits--he was commissioned to do the portrait of one of our recent governors.

The focus of our conversation was gardens, not painting. We discussed the dire plunge in temperatures, the lack of insulating snow cover, the hope that oak-leaf mulch will save our cherished roses. Because basically, we grow the same things. The difference is, he has the skill to paint his flowers.

I, however must rely on photos to preserve my garden's glory--and his garden, too.

Below are some shots I took among his flower beds--a pretty and summery display to brighten the January gloom!

Blue delphiniums


Poppies


Foxgloves


Rose


Necessary reminders that winter is only a temporary condition!