Art is certainly a consistent thread throughout the Three Pines canon.
Are there any real-life artists or works of art that come to mind when you envision Three Pines?
A Return to Three Pines: Still Life
Art is certainly a consistent thread throughout the Three Pines canon.
Are there any real-life artists or works of art that come to mind when you envision Three Pines?
Located in the Equitable Building in Manhattan, Minotaur Books publishes bestselling and award-winning crime fiction ranging from thrillers and suspense to traditional mysteries. Minotaur has published Louise Penny since 2007.
128 replies on “A Return to Three Pines: Still Life”
I just want to be able to view Clara’s “Warrior Uterus” art
Books are always better, but this is a Canadian series that begs to be on the screen. I imagine it in the, ‘Broadchurch’ style but with the patois of language and culture that is realized in the landscape of the Eastern Townships of Quebec.
They did do a tv movie once – personally, I don’t they did justice to it. I’d rather they just let us all create the characters and the settings in our own minds. I realize they did a successful Inspector Linley series based on Elizabeth George’s books – which incidentally had the same actor who played Linley playing Gamache. But it too was a disappointment to me. The actors are good, in the Linley series and also the TV movie of Still Life, I mean no criticism of them at all, but they just don’t match my mind’s picture.
Totally agree!
The company that produced The Crown is doing a TV show, more here: https://deadline.com/2020/05/three-pines-left-bank-amazon-louise-penny-adaptations-1202939209/
I don’t like Amazon. I try to not do business with them…but I just might have to join for Three Pines.
I watched the movie that was made. Promptly when the movie was over, Armand Gamache reverted to the image of Armand Gamache that was in my head. Each of the characters has their own unique appearance in my own mind. For that reason, I prefer to read the books also.
Still Life introduced me to a village I knew I’d revisit again and again. Jane’s art was intriguing. I loved the description of it, as well as the food, folks and scenery of Three Pines. I long to stay there, and I do, whenever I read or re-read Louise’s books!
Well, this just makes me want to start over and read them all again…and again! I love being transported to that world of art, poetry, food, and deep relationship. Thank you!
I had all of the books over the years and during Covid lockdown, I started again with number 1 and read the all again in order. Loved it!
When I’m stressed and need to go to my Happy Place, Three Pines comes into my head. I think it’s Gabri’s genuine love of life, the great food at the Bistro, and all the camaraderie of the characters.
You’re right – it’s the good food, the comraderie of the characters and, of course, Armando Gamache and his combination of strength and compassion that draw me in! It is my haven.
I love following Clara as she ‘ grows into her own skin’. I am in awe of Louise’ description of the portrait paintings and how The Three Graces celebrate age but especially Hope- no spoilers
So happy to be visiting Three Pines again. “Hello friends” I’ve missed you! ❤️
I lived in Portneuf Quebec in 1949/50s and from memory I envision Three Pines, Love the books.
Clara makes me feel that it is okay to have food stains on all of my shirts and clay in my hair.
YES! For me it is bread crumbs and bits of sourdough starter in my hair, and bread flour all over my clothes…
Yes! I can see myself in Clara – however not artistic in any visual way. Still, as she finds her footing and inner strength I feel fortified, and more forgiving of the cookie crumbs and flour dusting the odd spots of my attire.
When I first started drawing, then painting, I gravitated towards barren trees or pines. Something about getting lost in the act of adding branches would slow my breath and empty my mind. Andrew Wyeth’s watercolors come to mind when thinking about Three Pines. I also discovered an artist on Pinterest that seemed to capture the essence of those iconic images – a watercolor by Frances Dierken called Snowy Hillside.
My sister-in-law, Kathie Odom, paints plein air, the French style of painting outdoors. Like Jane, it took a while before Kathie shared her paintings with others. When I see Kathie standing in a pasture painting, I think of Jane.
You are welcome to see some of the paintings on her website, kathieodom.com
I just took a peek at her work. I’m not am expert on art work but I know what I enjoy. Love her pieces. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Marie-Josee!! You ARE an expert because, as you say, you know what you love!
Beautiful. So peaceful
Such a high compliment Cathie! Thank you.
Kathie’s art is beautiful – I love it. Thanks for introducing me to her.
Hi Donna, thanks for the words of encouragement!!
Beautiful work! Takes me home ( Ok. farm) just looking at her work. I picture Jane’s work as more primitive, no less passionate.
Connie, I call myself a nostalgic impressionist because of the same things you said… it takes me back home. Thank you.
Oh my, her work is exceptional. I saw that she is in a gallery in Fredericksburg, TX. I’ll be there in a few weeks and I will definitely stop in there!
Which gallery? I’d like to see her pictures! We live not too far from there.
Hi Mary Lynne… wish we were closer to the wonderful hill country like you are! And yes, please do stop in Gallery 330 in Fredericksburg. The gallerist, Mary, is so sweet! And tell her hello from me!
I love her pictures! Nice to find new artists.
Hi Cindy A !! So nice of you to consider stopping in Fredericksburg someday to see my work! Gallery 330 is a BEAUTIFUL gallery and you can see some of my pieces on their website in advance, but as you know, there is NOTHING like seeing art in person! Thanks again and tell the gallery owner, Mary, how you discovered me!
Thank you for sharing Cindy!
Cindy, I’m googling this artist also. I love the poetry and books quoted in the Gamache series and luckily I have a large supply of poetry books on hand to survive the Covid lockdowns.
I’ve been doing a series of stained glass pieces with hand-painted pine trees, set in Maine. Perhaps I was inspired by Three Pines!
Somehow I think of Winslow Homer. And the food, well I could spend a week eating at the Bistro! As for the books, I could spend the next few years rereading Louise Penny
I loved envisioning the art in all these amazing books. How I would love to meet all the artists!
Maud Lewis!!!! Painted her house surfaces….Canadian folk artist.
Yes, Maud Lewis came to mind here too.
Maude Lewis, perfect! CTV News Atlantic, Halifax, NS ran a story about her. Four of her original paintings found in a box in Banbury, UK as part of an inheritance. Had been in the family for 70 years and we’re the artist was unknown to them. Research led to them fetching a hefty sum at an auction house in England earlier this month. Canadians drove the bidding war and at least 2 of the paintings are coming home to Canada. The 2016 movie Maudie with Sally Hawkins and Ethan Hawke could be an interesting view for anyone looking for a way to pass so time in Covid lockdown.
I loved that movie
Such a good movie. I want to learn more about her.
Yes, that is who I thought of. Her style was not the same as Jane’s–Jane’s people were recognizable–but they both had a simplicity and a joie de vivre.
Googles her pictures. Very nice!
Thank you for introducing me to Maud Lewis. I am just starting to learn about this Canadian artist, and I love the connection to Nova Scotia, as my brother and sister-in-law have a house there.
The theme of art, poetry and more is what makes these books so wonderful. I enjoy them all.
And FOOD!! I could gain 5 lbs with every book!
Yes! Food, for sure. I’ve been re-reading Deborah Crombie’s series & noticing how the characters frequently find themselves “starving” and then eating the most unappealing food. Bring me back to Three Pines!
I sent for and downloaded the recipe book last winter- made the onion soup…
Wait -what cookbook?? How did I miss that? Husband and I read her books and discuss them for weeks. More info?
Me, too! Where’s the cookbook?
It’s called The Nature of the Feast from MacMillan Books. I couldn’t find it on Amazon.
Not sure if this is the same thing – but there was this a few years ago, and it still seems to be available to download: https://macmillanlibrary.com/2016/03/22/the-nature-of-the-feast/
As well, there was a blog by completely unrelated people who took it upon themselves to cook and write about food in the books – they called their blog “The Night is a Strawberry” and Louise gave her approval, though pointing out she had nothing to do with it. It was really cool. The whole blog is still up there for people to read, though the writers have stopped adding to it. https://thenightisastrawberry.blogspot.com/
I found an online version: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/nature-of-the-feast/NatureOfTheFeast_Final.pdf
Please post info about the cookbook. Thanks.
Please share how to get the “cookbook”. Would love to make some of those mouthwatering recipes. Thank You
I didn’t know there was a cookbook. Where did you get it and what it is called. Love to own a copy. Thank you for any information you have to share.
The recipe book is here – or search for Three Pines cookbook – it is called The Nature of the Feast:
https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/nature-of-the-feast/NatureOfTheFeast_Final.pdf
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Gosh, I asked for a cookbook several years ago and had no idea one had been created! I’ll be getting it ASAP!
Awesome! Thank you so much for the cookbook. I am looking forward to trying the recipes as soon as possible!
Thank you for the recipes! Who deserves the credit?
Thank you so much! What an interesting collection!
Thank you! Can’t wait to make them!
I threw a Three Pines birthday party for my sister. She also loves the series. I didn’t tell her the menu just the book each course came from.
5 courses and so much fun.
Each present came from the book as well.
Happy to share if anybody wants.
Oh my gosh! What a gift. I can’t wait to try turning my kitchen into the bistro!
thank you so much for the link! it’s actually free!!! how outstanding. I downloaded it to my computer.
Yes, we made the onion soup too – delicious!
Could you please tell me how you bought your Three Pines Cook book?
Thank you
Katie Curtis
It’s a free download.
https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/nature-of-the-feast/NatureOfTheFeast_Final.pdf
Absolutely! Can envision the plates, the spreads, the enjoyment. Certainly this aspect gives depth to the stories as well.
I have no art background but I love the theme of art that runs through the books. It ties me to my daughter. She’s a young emerging artist, Anika Schneider.
Rosa, I like your comment regarding reading about art. I do also. I searched your daughter’s name and will read up on her and her work. Thank you.
Ann, thank you for your interest in my daughter and for taking the time to learn about her art!