WHERE AM I?

Showing my work  is a kin to psychological testing.  The most reserved, conservative, methodical  collectors  are attracted to the wildest of my creations. I am often surprised when Mr. Macho is drawn to a delicate pastel. Then, there are those who like a certain painting because they relate personally to where or what it is."Oh, I've eaten there." The most often asked question while painting this butcher was "Where am I?" That was easy to answer

 More men than women have offered to pose for me. I always say, "Yes, but I only paint nudes." The conversation usually stops there. 

I'm often taken with a work of art by the mix of colors. Some people look at  art to go somewhere and some don't look at all.

FRENCH CAN CAN Jean Renoir

The festival Vendages Montmartre kicked off last Monday at the movie-house Pathe-Wepler. A double feature - "French Can-Can" and the more recent, "Moulin Rouge" with Nicole Kidman.

I've seen the Renoir film perhaps five times, but, it's been thirty years since it was offered to me on the silver-screne.  My memories were the cinematographic mix. This time - my wonderful nights at The Moulin and the scenes from my neighborhood. My landlord's office is in the same building of that historic landmark.  Years ago, I had the privilege, of having a front row seat every night to sketch the dancers. Later, I would return home to modify my pastels. I swear that there was not an occasion that I didn't get into the Can-Can joy. 

I remember, my first evening sitting in awe of the beautiful filles on stage. Then, my conscience asked, "Would you really rather be there?" I was in my place she decided.

To watch the film again was a joy. Jean Gabin's family was present, as was the mayor, Daniel Vaillant. To create joy is an art.

FÊTE DES VENDANGES

 The Montmartre Fête des Vendanges officially corked off this morning on the gentle hillside behind Sacre Coeur. The vines were golden yellow and The Republician Montmartois were in costume. At moments, traditional songs blocked other traditional songs and finally, the mayor, Danial Vaillant, spoke and the cacophony  stopped.

It was a beautiful autumn  morning and we were all happy to be there. For the tradition. Not the wine - an elusive cru. Up the hill, there were many stands set up for degustation of wines, cheeses, saucissons and other temptations.

The parade is this afternoon from the Mairie down to rue Lepic enough time to walk it off.

LES NUITS BLANCHES

The Fête "Nuits Blanches" will celebrate its seventh all-night festival tonight in "the name of art".

Brilliantly initiated here seven years ago by Paris's mayor, Bernand Delanoë, it is a good excuse to stay out all night - in the name of art. One year, all the museums were free with a musical event at many. A painting at the Musée d'Orsay got slashed. The program the following year got changed.

This year, it's les gares et les églises.

In Russia, there will be ballets and concerts galore. Toronto is gearing up for a feast also.   

I first learned the term les nuits blanches as a translation for insomnia. I believe the earlier expression dates back Dostoevsky.

At any rate, this is an international night for celebration - in the name of art.