Bill in Les Jardins de Giverny (CLAUDE MONET'S HOUSE AND GARDENS)

Letter 2008 - 2009

Hello!
I hope this letter finds you and yours in good health and of good cheer. An election process we never thought would end has produced a potentially excellent team to run the “machine.” We should all give them a good chance to succeed. We certainly don’t even want to dwell on the negatives. . . enough said.
Well, as usual, I’ve been leading a pin-ball existence – changing locales with the season and plying my wares to all those yearning to have a little “art” in their lives. (Of course, I’ve had to convince them that they are yearning more often than not.)
After a wonderful winter between Key West, Florida, painting and teaching "open-air" outdoor workshops with the six-color palette, I returned to Nantucket Island and opened a new studio in the little village of ‘Sconset on the east end of the island. It is steps from the beach where the first light of the Millennial New Year appeared. (I missed that party – Oh, well.) The space is in a shared building with a revered Nantucket artist, Barbara Kauffmann-Locke, whom I have known since the early 80’s! She’s a great friend and we’ve had a ball this summer. I had a little “opening” in the fog on August 2nd – it was really foggy, and I think a few people got lost along the way. heh! heh! It all worked out well; and I will be back next year. People are finding me again after being a bit absent for four seasons. Right now, the gallery is newly painted, the works are covered and tucked away for the winter, and I’m packing the old van (’97 Plymouth Villager van – not very sexy, but VERY reliable! Who wouldn’t settle for that?)
My sister (who had us down to Venice for Christmas) and I went to bonnie Scotland for 11 damp days in September. We island hopped on ferries (will I ever have a life without ferries? (sic)) and I think it was the most beautiful scenery I have enjoyed to date. The panoramas of hills, heather, sheep, water, shafts of brilliant late-day light will always be in my mind’s eye. Our hosts were the best. . . we drank great whiskey (duh!) had haggis (don’t ask- won’t tell), stayed in a real Scottish Baronial Castle (I got lost in it), were spoiled to death by it all. We had the company of several delightful Brits as well as a galfriend of my sister’s who was charming and added spice and humor to everything. We want to return soon! I’d like to paint outdoors if it stops raining long enough. Lovely people, wonderful game, lamb and duck, freshest salmon, oysters, scallops – all so good from the cold pristine lochs and bays. Found a little gem island called Bute, with a town called Rothesay that was a Victorian treasure. And the castles, manors – grand! All spectacular!
Well, off to Florida soon. Spending the winter in Key West teaching and painting!!
Stay well and stay in touch! All my best wishes for a great New Year!
Big hugs, Bill