Outside the Gate - Vence
Oil on linen
7" x 5"
Vence has several gates with great views into the heart of the city. This was my favorite. When I set up to paint this early in the morning, I didn't immediately realize I was directly in front of an artist's gallery. When the artist came to open up his shop, I apologized for being in his way. He said no problem and invited me to come in when I finished. That was just the start...
This is what I saw walking into Christian Ruiz's studio. This is one prolific, dynamic painter. He studied art in Paris, is an internationally renown painter and has been living with his wife for twenty four years in Vence.
A large piece he had just finished working on. I decided to buy a small painting but didn't have cash on me so told him I would come back in the afternoon. When I came back the gallery was closed but Christian was waving from his house nearby. He had told me that he had a lot of work there as well.
Christian standing in the doorway of his gallery with his house in the background.
With both him and his wife waving me towards the house, I decided to check it out. Christian wasn't kidding. He had a ton of work in his house.
I got the distinct feeling that if it didn't move, Christian would paint it. Furniture, walls, found items, nothing was safe from Christian's energetic, colorful brush.
The cup of coffee they gave me on Christian's dining room table.
Christian playing a special "drum" used for flamenco music.
It was quite a treat getting to know a local artist and his wife. I will thoroughly enjoy the piece I bought. Thanks so much for the hospitality and wonderful little painting, Christian!
