With its grandiose buildings, sail
boats floating aimlessly, and strollers meandering
the bank, the river Seine always makes me want to
linger for a while. Sunday Stroll, a
painting from my Robert Girrard years, causes me
to reflect on my time by the Seine. When I worked
in this style, I was keenly aware of the light and
color of the Impressionist style. It was an
enjoyable period in my development as an artist
and a time I still covet.
For Sunday Stroll, I have
turned back the clock to an era when the
Impressionists were in full glory. Various
elements within the painting direct us through the
scene. The bridge in the distance is one of
countless spans that cross the river Seine, many
of which date back to the days of the Romans. At
the right of the composition we get just a hint of
the booksellers. They are truly an ubiquitous part
of the walking paths that line the Seine. Sail
boats suggest the perfect relaxation of such a
moment, while figures clad in 19th century
garments remind us that it's an ideal time to make
a memory. The bench invites us to enter the scene
and relax. Perhaps it is time to settle back and
feel the sunshine on your shoulders and ponder
life's goodness.
The French Impressionists captured
not just light, but a moment frozen in time as
well. My hope is that Sunday Stroll
captures those timeless moments for all to savor.
-Thomas Kinkade
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Robert Girrard
