SALLY'S POND #3 'BRIAN'

SALLY'S POND #3

24 X 20

Oil on canvas

I mentioned my canoe trip with BRIAN in relation to an earlier painting.

My friends listen when I speak.

I often speak nonsense, but I always demand an ear.

While enjoying the beauty of his pond, BRIAN was kind enough to stop paddling and listen as I rambled on from the rear of his canoe...

This work is for sale, $1,790

caron.stephen@videotron.ca

KNOWLTON CEMETARY: STEPHEN CARON, 2009

"...in solitude, where we are least alone."
(Lord Byron)

KNOWLTON CEMETARY: August 2009

11 X 14

Oil on canvas

My visit to a sunlit place where peace reigns sovereign. As I grow older, I wonder at the significance of my short 'strut' upon this planet.

I attempt to paint the light which defines our lives...

This work is for sale: $790

YOUR HUMBLE PAINTER...

I am the 'Star' of my own show...

The face you see is neither a prince nor a pauper.

It is the face of a man who, to the best of his ability, strives to produce something of value as dusk approaches his horizon.

I play poker, as this particular 'uniform' suggests. I like to calculate 'odds' and then make decisions. I am a 'retired' BLACKJACK player. I used to count cards. This endeavour in Montreal was soon "nipped in the bud" as the Casino planted it's yellow card in the shoe... about 2 decks closer to middle.

I love to cook.

NASCAR auto racing intrigues me. I enjoy the speed and precision involved in this sport.

Tennis excites me. I appreciate individual sports, where one man or woman has talent and is brave enough to go 'all-out' before a world-wide audience.

I LOVE the arts. Classical music inspires me; BACH, BEETHOVEN, LISZT and so many other great composers. Great music stimulates a spiritual core that lingers above the tip of my spine. CHOPIN! Have I mentioned FREDERIC?

As I grow older, I find that simple things give me enormous pleasure. I might be standing in line at the 'check-out' counter... and when a sweet face smiles in my direction, I feel thankful.

I am somewhat of a philosopher. I have few answers and MANY questions. I somehow refuse to believe that my life is meaningless, yet (at the same time) I ponder in awe the extent and depth of the universe.

I recognize that my life is a grain of sand upon a VERY large beach.

When all of these things are packed into a box and sent to the attic, one thing remains; one thing that I hope will define my petty existance upon this planet. I hope to leave a thin trace of my presence after I have taken flight.

I PAINT!

I revel in a small world where there is a brush in my hand, some color upon my palette; and when a white field begs to be filled.

THANK-YOU for viewing my art.

STEPHEN CARON

December, 2009

caron.stephen@videotron.ca

HOMAGE TO FREDERIC...

When I was younger, FREDERIC CHOPIN was my god. He is still my favorite composer. I played (poorly) many of his piano works. Today as I paint, his Ballades, Scherzos, Nocturnes and Waltzes are loud and crisp in my background.

The most fabulous composer of the ROMANTIC era, Monsieur FREDERIC embodies the passion of our combined spiritual quest; the wistful, nostalgic yearnings of our innermost thoughts.

CHOPIN mesmerized his audiences.

Described by the harshest critics of his time as being pallid, frail and of having a "sick-room talent"; and while Polish-born FREDERIC performed in the most intimate interiors of elite Paris Salons during the formative years of the nineteenth century, his passages reek of the SPIRITUAL tremors in our dreams and of the magnificent glory of nature itself.

CHOPIN opened one of history's doors.

IMPRESSIONIST painters walked through it and took their seats.

Born in Warsaw in 1810, our master poet of the keyboard died in Paris in 1849. We can only wonder at the superb body of work we have been denied by his untimely death.

SALLY'S POND #2: STEPHEN CARON, October 2009

12 X 10

Oil on Canvas

This is a small painting which depicts my good friend BRIAN's old cottage at SALLY's POND, near Knowlton Village in the Province of Quebec.

I refer to it as BRIAN's 'old' cottage, since this picturesque dwelling has been torn down. 'Mr Brian' has rebuilt. The result is a spectacular new country home.

I believe the 'old' dwelling should be remembered.

Many of Brian's friends (including your humble painter) savored its rustic charm as it sat perched above SALLY's POND for many years...

The painting is for sale: $690

STILL LIFE: 'THE ARTS': A. SCENDY

STILL LIFE: 24 X 30 1/2 inches

This large, classical Still Life painting has been in my collection for approximately 25 years. I purchased it from an Antiques Dealer in the Montreal area during a period in my life when I could ill afford to buy such quality art. I felt there was little choice, however, and I had to own it. It is time to make room, since my walls cannot accomodate all of the paintings that I wish to display and enjoy. It is time for change, so this work is FOR SALE.

I cannot provide details concerning the artist, SCENDY. My educated guess is that the work dates from circa 1920 or earlier.

This is the work of a MASTER.

Beginning with composition, elements of the painting are interdependant. The components fit together to form a complex, harmonious whole.

The colors are rich and vibrant. Elegant reds are lifted by subdued, receding greens.

Realism has been built from painstaking attention to detail and an elevated classical sensibility.

Witness the execution of the lace.

This painting might be entitled 'THE ARTS'.

Everyone will recognize the elements in this work; the books, a violin, the illustration in a book. Taken together (a symphony), they portray our greatest artistic endeavours: MUSIC, LITERATURE and PAINTING.

This work is for sale: $2,500

WE STRUT A FEW MOMENTS...

We strut across this planet for a short while...

and we leave a mark.

We offer our impressions because we believe that we have something to share.

I walk and I paint in our present time.

A few colors cast upon canvas shall endure beyond my counted days.

My gift is what I see and feel...

as I strut a few short steps upon this earth.

(Thank you for a borrowed word, Mr. Shakespeare.)

STEPHEN CARON, September, 2009

BRIDGE AT SALLY'S POND: STEPHEN CARON

20 X 16

Oil on stretched canvas.

The work is for sale: $1,490

VIEWERS OF MY ART...

Dear readers;

I've been told that, in person, I appear somewhat menacing, rather inapproachable...

I assure you that I am built of only the softest, most pliable materials.

I've walked proud and confident at times, and I've sat cross-legged in wonder on other occasions. My bundle of flesh and bones has rested upon our planet for 57 years..

I am resilient, but I wonder if others enjoy my work, if they have questions or suggestions.

I paint to please myself; but of more importance, I paint to please others.

It's important to me that I understand what you think!

Please leave comments or questions concerning any of the paintings featured. (Under each post, there is a small space marked '0 comments'. You need only click on this, then enter your question or comment.)

I can be contacted by email at caron.stephen@videotron.ca

THANK YOU for your interest!

And now I'm off to sign the SALLY'S POND painting, to frame it; and then to begin another artistic voyage!

Your humble Painter,

STEPHEN CARON

SALLY'S POND, WEST BOLTON: AUGUST, 2009: STEPHEN CARON

This painting is my latest (as yet unsigned and unframed).

Oil on Stretched Canvas

20 X 16

LANDSCAPES capture my imagination. I have always loved the pastoral works of REMBRANDT, CONSTABLE and others.

I am a city boy, but the countryside excites me. Skies are ethereal. Trees live and breathe and have personalities. Trees speak to us from the past. Some are confident, self-assured. They dance. Others turn away in protest.

I am a COLORIST.

I am a COLORIST in the sense that I would never attempt to astound you with shocking tones or 'showmanship'. I am a COLORIST in the sense that I portray nature, people and things using sometimes 'unlikely' COLORS... to invoke a spiritual response to our world, our sense of 'being there'. This is a personal endeavour in which photography can never compete.

This is my painting of the BRIDGE AT SALLY'S POND in West Bolton, Quebec.

It's the result of a short canoe trip which I enjoyed in early August 2009 with one of my finest friends, BRIAN, a resident at 'the Pond'.

I pretend to be neither a master nor a prince, but I cannot (as yet) do better...

Please see my next (latest) post for details.

This painting will be for sale, signed and well framed at $1,490.

LES FLEURS DU VILLAGE: STEPHEN CARON

LES FLEURS DU VILLAGE (THE VILLAGE FLOWERS)

ST-LAMBERT: August, 2009

14 x 11

Oil on Stretched Canvas

"Le Marche aux Fleurs du Village" takes its place among a row of merchants in downtown St-Lambert on the South Shore of Montreal. St-Lambert retains much of the character and charm of bygone days.

Early afternoon sunlight bathing the storefront in light drew me to capture the 'moment'. I was particularly attracted by the exciting reds, blues and violets... as well as the sharp contrasts between highlights and shadows.

The lady entering the picture from the left helps to invite us into the scene. It seems to me that she is anxious to begin her investigation of the merchandise...

This work is for sale: $490

THE TOOLS OF MY TRADE...

Whether or not my work pleases you, I wish to assure potential patrons that I use only the FINEST quality materials in all of my paintings...

Starting with the ground, all of my works are presented in oils upon stretched canvas unless otherwise specified. I either stretch the canvas myself or purchase highest quality (acid free) pre-stretched material.

As for my brushes, I spend a small fortune... although these are of less importance to you the viewer. (Paint could be applied with a wooden spatula and, in the hands of a master, the result would be spectacular.)

I use FAT OVER LEAN techinique. The underpainting is completed using a thinner mixture than the finishing (external) layers. Oil paint is flexible. Imagine applying a thin layer of paint over an elastic band and then stretching the elastic band! The paint would CRACK, I believe! Any artist who does not understand this principle cannot create works that will ENDURE...

My paints are of the HIGHEST QUALITY. I favor the REMBRANDT series, manufactured by TALENS; although I also use oils created by HOLBEIN and a few other manufacturers. All are EXTRA FINE in quality.

Finally, a painting must be protected in order to endure. Although oil paintings may be "dry to the touch" after several days, a work must be allowed to dry thoroughly for at least six months before a protective veneer can be applied. All of my works are varnished according to this principle, which assures stability and LONGEVITY. My paintings will greatly outlast the life expectancy of your humble painter!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE AND FOR YOUR INTEREST IN MY ART!

Stephen Caron, August, 2009

JUNE 24, 2009: St Jean Baptiste: Stephen Caron

Oil on canvas

16 X 20

This painting was inspired by the colors and atmosphere at noon during a major day of celebration in Montreal. The occasion is 'FETE ST. JEAN', a popular holiday in the Province of Quebec. The setting is Ste. Catherine St. East, widely known as the 'Gay Village'.

The population of that sector is known to 'sleep late'... and so the street scene is fairly tranquil, with some signs of growing activity.

This work is for sale: $690

LANDSCAPE: ARTIST UNKNOWN

OIL ON CANVAS BOARD: 7" x 9"

This small landscape has been in my possession for many years. Unsigned, it is an attractive and well executed work.

It is for sale: $195.

ROSS: STILL IN PROGRESS

There remain several elements to be rectified, but I believe I am heading toward a decent portrayal of my friend 'Ross' and my recent visit to the Ile Perrot Yacht club.

This painting will be for sale.

Please come back for details!

BROSSARD BICYCLE PATH #2

JUNE, 2009 (Stephen Caron)

Oil on Canvas

16 X 20

This work is for sale: $490

IN PROGRESS: 'ROSS'

Oil on Canvas: 14 X 12

Another work which is 'under construction'.

My subject 'Ross' has been a loyal friend for more than 30 years. He is a sailor and VIP at the Ile Perrot Yacht Club, a locale which has provided me with some fantastic subject matter for other paintings.

There remain several areas to articulate and the 'sparkle' is not yet present; but I will soon complete this work and (hopefully) pay due respect to a sunny afternoon at the yacht club and my highly respected friend.

ILE PERROT YACHT CLUB, EARLY MORNING #2

OIL ON CANVAS: 12 x 10 (Stephen Caron)

This painting began during the late summer of 2008. It was finished March, 2009.

ILE PERROT YACHT CLUB on the western tip of the island of Montreal offers everything a landscape painter might desire to portray during our northern summer months: excellent contrast between lights and shadows, dazzling morning reflections and wonderful subject matter (the yachts).

This painting is SOLD

MY WORLD IS CHANGING!

PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR 'FAVORITES' LIST and come back often!

Add comments or questions to any of my posts:

Inform other art-lovers that I LIVE, I BREATHE...

and I PAINT!

LANDSCAPE: signed ROBINSON

8" X 10"

OIL ON STRETCHED CANVAS.

This is a small painting which has been in my possession for more than 20 years.

The artist (Robinson) is not a well-known or collected painter. However, the scene is painterly and charming.

Price: $195 (Canadian)

CONTACT ME:

I appreciate all comments or questions concerning my works or those of others.

My email address is:

caron.stephen@videotron.ca

THE 'PATH' IN MY PAINTINGS...

The PATH in my landscapes reminds us of our journey.

It is a road, a sidewalk, a bicycle path...

We stand along the way.

We advance toward a distant point, where all things vanish.

I paint the things along our journey; quiet things, things which live and breathe...

as we approach the horizon.

STEPHEN CARON: APRIL, 2009

IN PROGRESS: BROSSARD BICYCLE PATH #2 (RED MAPLE)

Oil on canvas: 16 x 20

This work is almost complete.

There are no surprises.

I love morning sunlight, with its cast shadows and surreal stillness. I hope always to provoke one's sense of BEING there...

This painting will be for sale. (Please come back for details.)

TOMATO FARMER, ATWATER MARKET

Oil on canvas: 10 X 8 (Stephen Caron)

This small painting was inspired by my visit to ATWATER MARKET one morning during the late summer of 2008. It was finished in March, 2009. As always, I strove to capture the light and time of day; as well as the stoic gaze of one our farmers who offers the results of his labor...

The work is for sale, $390