Through the Artists’ Eyes

Yves-Noel posing for his portrait © Albert MacDonald 2019

Albert MacDonald arrived one day in the nicest way to our Marigot Gallery Museum, his camera an extension of his inspiration as he moved in lithe manner circling the studio while Roland’s magic emerged before us. Every Thursday Roland’s passionate talk and painting demonstration drew more audience, and this day, two magicians filled the room, one focused on the other, as I bore witness to them both.

Albert’s generous devotion bore fruit on many branches; while first Roland modeled for his lens, Albert then sat to be immortalized through Roland’s brush, yellow madras reminiscent of plaid, his Scottish white mane a plume around a gentle face with eyes as deep as soul.

“Albert MacDonald, Photographer”Original Oil painted from lifeSize: 26” x 21”Dated June 2019 — “Albert MacDonald, Photographer”
Original Oil painted from life
Size: 26” x 21”
Dated June 2019

Weeks later, Albert returned with a gift, a photo of Roland printed on smooth aluminum that glimmered with such life you could feel Roland’s animated gesture as he spoke while waves triangulated from a painting behind. It was magic! I immediately cleared a shelf eye-level for everyone to enjoy and it quickly drew enormous attention and the ultimate compliment, an admirer and buyer, who has since become a dear friend. More magic.

Albert joined in staging an exciting exhibit blending his nature and portrait photography from St. Martin with Roland’s Plein Air paintings, that harmonized in movement and color in a joyful upsweep of spirit throughout the public corridors of our Frenchside community hospital. Visitors, doctors, patients, all looked right and left, pointing to Albert’s shimmering aluminum surfaces that beckoned viewership in a sweet flow of friendship and creative collaboration which we will forever remember with gratitude! Thank you, dear Albert.