I’m married to a painter who works magic. She looks at both ordinary and incredible things in an extraordinary way. Here is an example of what she looks at, the Chambord Chateau (castle) in the Loire Valley of France, and how it comes out after she looks at it for a time and paints it.
She is far more amazing to me than this spectacular chateau of the Renaissance, a little lodge of the French royalty where they and their friends gathered to hunt, they claimed, to control the animal population of the day. But I doubt this was the real reason they hunted. I suspect it had something to do with manhood, of proving oneself worthy of leadership, perhaps an affirmation of their birthright among the privileged classes.
Anyway, here’s Ellen Summerfield Russell at work. And at play.
Ellen Russell at work and at play on the Chambord Chateau, July 2013.
And here’s an example of her artistic magic.
“Charming Chambord,” July 2013.
Some artists have criticized her work as elementary, as childlike, as a distortion of reality. In my mind that is at the heart of her amazing work: the ability to see things through new eyes, to throw off the shackles of technical precision to the point of photo-quality painting. As she says, “Why don’t they just take a photo and be done with it if that is what they’re trying to copy.” She’s not big into copying. Her work is never boring. It almost always slaps the viewer into paying attention.
I chose her “Charming Chambord” painting for the cover of my second book of nonfiction, Meanderings and Mullings (2017). While the contents of that book haven’t exactly been heard around the world, her painting of the Chambord Chateau deserves to be.
Among a great many other things, Ellen taught me her love of French culture. And I’m grateful for that, as I am every day that we share this orbit together.
Years ago she saw me through new eyes. I still don’t know what she saw. But one day she may do an Andy Warhol-type painting of me–elementary, childlike, and a distortion of reality. That’s pretty much me.
Related posts:
Recouping in France, June 28, 2013 (1 in a series of 4)
Normandy Musings–Unexpected and Long to Linger, July 12, 2013 (3 in a series of 4)
France – The Marais, Heart of Paris, July 19, 2013 (4 in a series of $)
Watch for stories from growing up on a poor Tennessee farm, moving away, study, travel, parenthood, striving, setbacks, and just crazy stuff! 
earlbrussell 
Ellen obviously has the “eye of an artist.” Being able to look at drab, everyday things and see something beautiful and exciting is a gift most of us don’t have. I’ll bet she could look at frog and see a prince. 😉 I agree you are a lucky duck.
Bill, thanks much for your comment. Several years ago Ellen gave me ceramic frog with a prince’s crown on his head. Her gift and your comment may be directly related. 🙂
I paint a little, too, and I can tell you it takes a lot of left-brain talent to be an impressionist. Wonderful work! Thanks for sharing.
Linda, thanks so much for your comment. I will share it with Ellen.
Really appreciate the photos of your stay in France. Enjoy seeing the artist at work as well as your write ups. Keep them coming as time permits. –Irvin
Thanks much for the feedback, Irvin. We head out to Normandy and Brittany tomorrow. There’s no telling what we may come across. 🙂
I’m so glad you wrote this!! And that you posted her painting!!!! What a beautiful thing to wake up to!!! I want one of these….This could be her new series….Wow-she is so good!!!!!
Bobbie, thanks so much! The artist has read your comment with great pleasure, as I did.
Whimsical. I like it.
Myra, whimsical is a good word for it. Thanks much!
Beautiful painting! Utterly magical and creative and unique and bold.
Helen, I appreciate your kind note. Your comment in a few words surpasses what I tried to convey in the entire post!
I like it! Can’t wait to see her painting of U!!
Thanks, Ramona. This post does make one wonder what such a painting would look like, but I don’t sense that it’s likely to be produced anytime soon. Ellen has standards. 🙂
I love Ellen’s version of reality. What a wonderful way to spend the summer. Enjoy to the hilt!
Thanks so much, Shirley. Our piece of the summer here won’t be long enough!
What a beautiful tribute to Ellen!!!!! I loved the picture. Through your blogs I am reliving those 3 years I lived on the Loire River and visited all of those places. Keep having fun.
Betty, thanks for your thoughtful note. You were so fortunate to have spent three years in this incredibly vibrant part of France. Much of our fun is amazement (and much is the food!). 🙂
Beautiful! The ability to “see” with your own eyes and heart is a quality not everyone has. She has a gift and I assume many people are as aware of it as you are. Nice to read something showing admiration and love for your partner. 🙂
Trudy, thanks for your kind and thoughtful comment. I’m a most fortunate observer of Ellen’s creativity.
looking grand!
Joe, this is a grand place, the Loire Valley of France where we’ve been for a week now.