Paysages magique / Magical Landscapes

First exhibited at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Magical Landscapes has found its way to the French art scene.

The title comes about through the bringing together of two artistic movements (Deep South architecture and Japanese Ukiyo-e woodblock prints) that are separated in space and time, creating a magical landscape that communicates with a new language of images.*

I am now excited to share with you Bulletin #62 from Galerie AM'carta announcing my next solo exhibition:

For my English-speaking friends, the translation from the French announcement follows:

René Shoemaker
Magical Landscapes
from July 21 to August 3, 2025
Opening reception Wednesday, July 23, 6:30 p.m.

René lives in the town of St-Maixant with her husband, near Aubusson. Born in New York, she built her artistic career while living in Athens, Georgia (USA), where she earned an art degree from the University of Georgia. For over 30 years, she has been painting on silk, having previously undergone extensive artistic training. Since 2011, she has been leading workshops on this technique, and since 2001, she has had approximately 30 solo exhibitions, mainly in Georgia but also in New York, California, Mississippi, Paris, London... and even La Creuse!

After her exhibitions on the theme of Felletin, and then her “Flâneries en Aubusson,” (Strolls around Aubusson) which we exhibited at AM'carta in 2018, René returns with her “Magical Landscapes,” a cross between the architecture of the southern United States, in Laurel, Mississippi, and her museum's collection of Japanese prints. Inspired by Japanese aesthetics, her compositions combine motifs from the museum's woodblock prints with buildings typical of the “Deep South” of Laurel. The architecture is screen-printed with strong lines, superimposed on the delicate lines of silk dye painting, thus creating “Magical Landscapes.”

Open every day (except the 27th and 28th) from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with free admission, often in the presence of the artist. According to Kristen Miller Zohn, curator of the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, "Inspired by Japanese aesthetics and representation of objects, patterns, and colors, her compositions respond to the designs that are engraved onto the woodblock prints, and incorporate scenes from the Lauren Rogers Museum buildings and the intriguing architecture of Laurel itself. By bringing together these two artistic movements separated in space and time, the artist creates a magical landscape that communicates through a new visual language." Opening reception on Wednesday, July 23, starting at 6:30 p.m.

If you’d like to explore the collection—either in person or online—contact me via text or phone (+1.706.424.4739 or +33.(0)6.86.13.84.80) . I’d be happy to welcome you into this magical world and discuss the paintings in detail.

*Paraphrased from curator Kristen Miller Zohn’s statement for the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art exhibition.

Do you love travel & discovery?​

After an 11-hour flight from Paris, I landed in the yet-unknown-to-me city of San Francisco.

What a treasure!

The experience was everything I hoped it would be: beautiful views of the mountains and city, sparkling lights at nighttime, fog rolling in over Twin Peaks, views of the bay, a studio to work in, a beautifully curated gallery to plan an exhibit in, a workshop to teach, and new people to meet.

I find that travel rejuvenates and inspires me; oh, maybe you already knew that about me? How about you? Do you love travel, too?

The memory of San Francisco, via René’s impressions:

• the kindness of the people

• even the dogs all seem content

• and the HUGE windows that were on so many houses to let in the sun.

Sunrise view from my window., looking towards the Bay. Noe Valley, San Francisco, California

+ + +

After San Francisco I landed in Toronto, then New York. While walking In Manhattan, I happened upon this striking building I had painted in the past. The experience is akin to running into an old friend on the street in a strange city:

705-711 Greenwich St, NYC

I invite you to discover these historic doors and grand windows that dance with the energy and spirit of zen that inhabits these two connected buildings in the heart of the West Village in New York City.

René Art can remind you of places you have discovered, experiences you have shared, locations you may have found in a quiet moment, even in the midst of a busy day, when you can feel the energy of the city, the joy of adventure, and the delight in color.

Whether in your hometown or a distant city, observations can give you a lovely moment of happiness while walking down the street.

Enjoy your adventures today!

Dates to remember:

2023

December 3, 2023

Silk Painting 1 day workshop
Original Art on Silk​
K. A. Artist Shop, Athens, GA
https://kaartist.com/products/original-art-on-silk-workshop​

December 10, 2023

Business of Art workshop
Business of Art professional workshop​
K. A. Artist Shop, Athens, GA
https://kaartist.com/products/the-business-of-art-workshop​

December 14 and 15, 2023

Athens Holiday Market​
Big City Bread, Athens, GA
https://www.visitathensga.com/event/athens-holiday-market-%40-big-city-bread/16434/​

2024

July 21, 2024

Opening reception for San Francisco / Paris / New York City exhibit
Michelle Thomas Fine Art Gallery + Studio​
San Francisco, CA
The exhibit will be on view through October 25th, 2024
https://michellethomasfineart.com/about-gallery-and-studio​

July 22-24, 2024

Three-day silk painting workshop
Michelle Thomas Fine Art Gallery + Studio​
San Francisco, CA
https://michellethomasfineart.com/about-gallery-and-studio​

September 2024

Silk painting art retreat​
Manor and Maker, the Château de Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Dordogne, France
https://www.manorandmaker.com/maker/2024-silkpainting​

Spring 2024:

Paris, France
Exhibition in the planning phase in the 14th arrondissement​
More information soon!

To purchase the painting above in my shop, click here .

With appreciation,

Sometimes You Win

Sometimes you win, and sometimes you don’t.

Juried shows are like that; a call for art seems so inviting that you have to submit to it. But over the years, you are the same artist making art, and often the gallery you are submitting to is the same place you have submitted to before.

It all depends on the jurors, doesn’t it? What they are looking for, what their backgrounds are, and what kind of art they feel is significant.

This year I was not juried into the 48th Lyndon House exhibition, but that’s okay. I’ve been accepted there before, I’ve won awards, and I even had my own exhibition there, shared with my good friend and fellow fiber artist Judy Bales.

This is good news for you!

The three artworks I submitted this year, I chose because I envisioned them displayed sweetly together to create a beautiful arrangement on a wall. I can now offer them directly to my readers so they can share that wall space with you!

The three paintings on silk, all from my New York City series, include: 

Washington Square Park, Greenwich Village, NYC by René Shoemaker (7”x7”; framed: 12”x12”)

Washington Square Park is the heart of Greenwich Village, bustling with activity surrounding the iconic arch that was built in 1871.

Grove St, Greenwich Village, NYC, by René Shoemaker (9”x9”; framed 14”x14”)

I’ve always loved this building. I once read that one of the smallest houses in Manhattan sits behind it. The buildings are both unique because they are wood construction, which was banned in Manhattan after 1822.

Cherry Lane Theatre, Greenwich Village, NYC by René Shoemaker (7”x8.5”; framed 12.5”x13”)

The Cherry Lane Theatre is the oldest continuously running off-Broadway theater in New York City. This lively painting shows off the charm of a building that was originally constructed as a farm silo.

Here I have arranged the paintings as I envisioned them nestled together:

Three Greenwich Village paintings ready to adorn your home!

The cost of each painting is $500, or you can buy all three as a set for $1,000 with code ILOVENYC.

Meanwhile, in France, we recently took a road trip north (with the new dog, bien sûr!) and stopped by Chartres for inspiration and education. As I have created artwork incorporating Charlemagne’s mother, who stands at the west end of the cathedral, I have my photo taken with her each time I visit. Don’t you think we are beginning to look alike?

Chartres is renowned for its stained glass windows, which are fabulous. The two towers of the Cathedral de Notre-Dame at Chartres are asymmetric because they were built at different times, and I am intrigued by the labyrinth found on the floor of the nave. 

On the same trip we visited the Cathedral in Laon where life-size oxen statues reside on the towers. Although that may seem a little odd, to this animal lover it seems perfect! One of the theories as to why the ox are there is to commemorate the bullocks that hauled equipment and materials during the cathedral's construction.

Now, in my small village in France, winter is slowly being nudged out by spring. I hope where you live you, too, are enjoying the flowers and buds starting to emerge, signaling new beginnings, creativity, and renewal.

* * *

Expanding your art collection?  Contact me for commissions and/or a private tour of my art, which is available in many sizes & price points.

In Athens, my paper goods and small gifts are carried by:
 KA Artist Shop 
and Community 

Sustainable packaging courtesy of 
noissue .

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Why Do I Make Art?

L’Êtang de la Valette, St, Maixant

Why do I make art?

To feed my soul.

Why do I live in France?

Because the aesthetics of France match my soul aesthetics.

Pont de la Terrade, Aubusson

Beauty, harmony, balance, & light. This is what I take away from my everyday experiences in La Creuse.
The fields, the mountains, the cows, the medieval towns.

I am fortunate to be in such an inspiring landscape and stimulating environment, and lucky to be able to share it with you.

What makes your soul sing?