A Paul Goodnow water gilded 23 carat gold leafed, handmade scraffito cornered, Florentine, closed cornered frame and his own painting. This is about as fine as framing gets.- My dear friend Paul Goodnow, framer and artist, died last night. He died at his easel. painting, late at night. I hope that happens to me too. I am in shock. It is hard to believe he is just gone. How does that work? One day they are here and the next they are not? I can't believe I will never see him again or hear his ridiculous wise guy Rhode Island accent. He was a true friend to me and we went on many painting trips together. Since we both snore, we were always assigned to the same room. We painted together on a Willard Metcalf site in Cornish, New Hampshire this fall. It never crossed our minds that it would be our last and final goodbye. .
- One of the things I have done today is to go back and reread some of our facebook messages. Here is a string of them. I hope you can get a feel for the guy he was from reading these. Some of them are a little rough, I apologize to those of you who are weak, self righteous toads, judgmental and ostentatiously over sensitive martinets, but here they are just the same. Portions have been redacted for brevity and content.
Goodnow">November 13, 2009Paul Carter GoodnowWhen we would go out painting I was the framer but what now ? When you speak of framing , am I the painter? I wasn't forgiving you right away, but I do now .
- November 20, 2009Paul Carter Goodnow
- hedgehog
Do Hedgehogs eat barns? Keep him away anyhow . The Woodpecker has a girlfriend and seems to have lost interest in destroying the barn .
Stapleton Kearns">November 20, 2009Stapleton KearnsHe is now putting the wood pecker to his girlfriend instead of your barn.
- Goodnow">January 2, 2010Paul Carter Goodnow
I stopped filling the holes at this point but he hasn't been around in about two weeks , maybe more . I have about two cords or more of logs he could go to town on but no.....
- Stapleton Kearns">January 19, 2010Stapleton Kearns
Paul will you grab my two paintings while you are there too, please? I will see if I can get God to replace your hair.
...............Stape
- Stapleton Kearns">June 10, 2010Stapleton Kearns
Paul;
I don't know what the deal is with that. Its not my birthday. It is some weird face book glitch I guess.
- June 11, 2010Paul Carter Goodnow
turning thirty nine is no big deal Stape , I am almost there myself
- Stapleton Kearns">June 11, 2010Stapleton Kearns
59 is not old if you are a tree!
- Goodnow">June 12, 2010Paul Carter Goodnow
Thats why I have gotten wider as I grow older , merely to accommodate the rings ." Big Baby Davis " The occasional obligatory sports reference.
- Stapleton Kearns">June 12, 2010Stapleton Kearns
. Go Seltz!
- Goodnow">June 12, 2010Paul Carter Goodnow
34 years married today
- July 18, 2010Paul Carter Goodnow
and what is your stance on trading vehicles for paintings?
- Stapleton Kearns">July 18, 2010Stapleton Kearns
Depends on the vehicle. I took in a 76 T-bird once. Great car. Concealed headlights, wicked fast!
- Goodnow">July 18, 2010Paul Carter Goodnow
I like the names you come up with in your blog , good thing your wife named the kids. Always entertaining and informative . was that a 390 or a 429 in the t-bird? Remember the sunbeam tiger with the 289 or 302s, my neighbor had one a few years back , bodies rusted horribly but .... My first Car was a Cougar 1967 , second was a 69 Ford Cortina remember those?
- Stapleton Kearns">August 29, 2010Stapleton Kearns
I know you figured this out, but I don't use Kims name on facebook. Believe it or not he has to keep a low profile, there are weirdos out there when you are a rock and roll hero. Who knew? I know Brittany has problems. I think Taylor Swift is the most talented young woman in show business t0day!
- Goodnow">September 18, 2010Paul Carter Goodnow
saw Kim playing one of these in the videos . This one is mine but the major difference is that he can play his .
- October 29, 2010Paul Carter Goodnow
Cool that you got to paint with Marc Hanson . He told me Stape said you were a good guy , Susan Lammers said pretty much the same thing before . I started thinking , nice that Stape says that but what is it that I am doing that people have to ask that question? I told Susan that you are the glue that holds everyone together . You are like everywhere and everyone knows you . And of course they all like you too , that is important . Get your six by eights ready for Rockport . Drop off is on the 16th .
- October 29, 2010Paul Carter Goodnow
big orange hat!
- October 29, 2010Stapleton Kearns
You are a good guy. But I told them you were an irascible prick.
- October 31, 2010Paul Carter Goodnow
Stape you are the reason the Patriots sent randy Moss to Minnesota , just so that we could keep you here . That guy didn't catch a break, grew up down south went to Minnesota first then California , then New England , now back to Minnesota . That has to be like the sauna to the cold dip tub and back etc. Glad you like it here . I hope I get to paint in Vermont with you guys , maybe it works out that we get the regulars all together this year at some point . side note :Deer tick got me good man , looks like antibiotics are in the near future .
- November 1, 2010Stapleton Kearns
Is he related to Sterling Moss?
So you got Lymes. I am always paranoid about that. Maybe I have it too I certainly am at risk. Hope you have a speedy recovery.
........Stape
- November 1, 2010Paul Carter Goodnow
Gotten bitten anyway , and there was an infection or at least a red circle so antibiotics is the next step. I saw the doc and it is two pills a day for 14 days . Just worth taking the measures they recommend because the disease can be bad . I was thinking about you guys that are out all the time , good news is that the frost ends the threat so .... I found out I have high blood pressure and I told the doctor that maybe the tick had it and gave it to me. I hate deerticks as much as Woodpeckers , well maybe more at least the woodpeckers haven't directly attacked me .
- November 1, 2010Paul Carter Goodnow
Wasn't Sterling Moss a German test pilot or ace or something?
- November 5, 2010Paul Carter Goodnow
I am taking the antibiotics for 14 days , it seems that the situation is pretty common so be on the lookout next season and all you need to do is see the doc and get the pills if they do bite . If you don't and it is Lyme disease it can be very serious . I was out filling woodpecker holes in the barn so it is another woodpecker related incident! I tacked a black plastic bag on the back of the barn and so far no more attacks . Happy painting man.
- November 26, 2010Paul Carter Goodnow
TM and I were wondering if we will be able to get you to go to Vermont in about January when we go because of your celebrity status . happy for you having such a big following but hoping that it doesn't mean you won't be able to go then , would be nice to get the gang together . I think it will be my one trip up there .
- November 26, 2010Stapleton Kearns
Probably, Whats the date?
- December 27, 2010Paul Carter Goodnow
going to Vermont in January with us , right? Or am I going with you?
- December 27, 2010Stapleton Kearns
You will do as you are told
- January 24, 2011Stapleton Kearns
I keep hearing about powerball. Is that a sport too?
- January 25, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
I believe it is for some . Mostly it seems to be an expensive hobby , kind of like painting is for many of us.
- February 1, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
I try not to be a follower but logic wins out sometimes , I had tried the walnut oil , and still use the medium sometimes and have titanium white graham paint , which I like , then a year or so later when we were painting in Vermont you were using the Liquin . I tried it one time when I couldn't get the walnut oil knowing that you liked it . I got hooked on it and am even using it mixed with oil color to do some finishes on frames . I guess it is good to have all the info you can because even if reluctant at first ..... I can see the liquin in the picture of you painting . They should give you endorsements .
- February 1, 2011Stapleton Kearns
Paul;
The walnut oil is good too, but I worry about all of the warnings on the bottle about flammability.
Is Tony Francona right about Becket?
........................Stape
- February 1, 2011Stapleton Kearns
The only color that RGH makes that I am not totally happy with is their Cobalt violet. I get mine from Gamblin now
...........................Stape
- February 1, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
Wow Stape you have added new names to the repertoire , now we have Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez added as well . So you mean that a rag with walnut oil must be highly flammable even more so than another medium ? that would be a concern for sure . I empty wastebasket once a week now . that 11x14 that you did in the fall in Vermont finished drying out with a gloss and hasn't needed varnishing at all , pretty impressive in that regard , love the painting too. I tend to use the Liquin now anyway but thanks for mentioniung the volatility .
- February 1, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
Ah Yes speaking on volatility , The Tampa Bay Rays haver chosen to ignore the volatlity of our old friend Manny Ramirez (Manram to his closest friends) and they gave him a contract so he will be facing the Red sox this season . They still haven't signed Alex Katz however.
- February 23, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
Hey Stape when someone says a woman's face has character aren't they really saying something else in a roundabout way? Mens faces can have character and it doesn't mean they are ugly .
- February 23, 2011Stapleton Kearns
It depends on their inflection. Watch their eyes.
- February 23, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
If it gets to 5.00 a gallon you might have to be taking weight out of the trunk of the Lincoln or installing a sail or something . I have an 8 cylinder in the truck , fortunately I can't afford to think about changing vehicles so that makes that decision easy. We need something that will run on old turpentine and urine for the long painting trips . If only more scientists were pleinaire painters ....
- February 23, 2011Stapleton Kearns
The gas isn't such a big deal. You would have to burn a loy of gas to recoup the cost of replacing a vehicle. I just got a 96 Honda Civic. Looks clean, runs like a top. That should cut our fleet average. I think it gets 40 mpg. I got a deal on it because it was old and had a stick. No one can drive a stick anymore.
- February 24, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
Price keeps going up need to find a gas station that takes paintings . How bout that Manny Ramirez? He won't go away now he is playing for the Tampa Bay Rays.
- March 3, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
seems like it . There is lots of money for them to fight over . As long as they don't all become painters while they are out of work .
- March 10, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
I often wish I could go back and listen more to the details in the stories that my Dad told . Can't get enough of that now after it is too late , Great that you listened well , your memories keep him alive . I used to get bored hearing some things then , now they would be treasures to hear again . My dad had a heart attack in my chair in my kitchen while I was making him coffee and My wife , Sister and Brother in law were sitting with him . He had a triple bypass years before but you never expect it so sudden and I tried to revive him but he was just gone . Only 66 . I miss him and it feels good to miss him as I am sure you miss your Dad and always will . I didn't get to spend the time you had with your Dad near the end and I am sure he heared every word you said to him when you were there and knew you were there , all worthwhile time well spent . That story was beautifully done .
- April 24, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
Hey , I actually have to buy the gold if you think about it . I have started using RgH now too though I haven't loaded tubes yet.. I wanted to tell you that after seeing three of his paintings , I totally get what you ask the question for but it should be "whats the deal with Alex Katz buyers?"
- May 25, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
I saw something about shellac being from tree resin or something , I was remembering it being from the secretions of the lac bug . Seriously if it isn't shellac it is lacquer but they actual say that in one of the reference books , that stuck with me , not that I was going to go looking for lac bugs to coax out their secretions or anything . Well I bought the RGH now I have been forgetting to buy the tubes and they have been sitting in their jars but I will be using them soon . I sometimes look at the pretty colors when I am squeezing out the Windsor Newton so that is a start. Still using Liquin , I really like that stuff .
- May 25, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
I found myself using the Zinser on panels sometimes too , I had a gallon and after reading it said "sounds like great stuff . "
wish I could remember this exactly but there was a study by norwegians I believe it was , that found that going to museums and plays was good for your health . I mean it was doctors that did the study . Was on the news yesterday wish I had recorded it but it must be somewhere on the internet .
- May 25, 2011Stapleton Kearns
Norwegians are very nice, but you can't go by their statistics.
- May 26, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
And what of their furniture?
- June 16, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
How bout them Bruins?
- June 17, 2011Stapleton Kearns
What Bruins are those
- June 17, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
winners of the stanley cup , Boston bruins . I was just bringing you your sports moment for the month of june . Hope everything is going well, Paul
- July 4, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
I too have come to see the need for the cheap but decent frames and will be gathering up the damaged omegas returned from shows to metal leaf and recycle them . I was just looking at a 16x24 Strisk "driftwood"frame because I won't have time to make one for a show . The frame came off his painting to give way to a nice goldleaf one when I sold the painting. Now suddenly the driftwood has new appeal.
- August 8, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
Happy Birthday! 59 years young
- August 8, 2011Stapleton Kearns
and not dead!
- August 9, 2011Paul Carter Goodnow
Always better that way, in fact I believe at least four out of five doctors recommend that!
Goodbye Paulie
Posts
20 comments:
I think my favorite is...
"We need something that will run on old turpentine and urine for the long painting trips."
I think he was on to something.
I am sorry... my sympathy
Your post touched both my funny bone and my heart. Thanks for sharing, he sounds like a true friend. My deep sympathies for your loss.
2011 was a year of loss for you, I am so sorry that 2012 has not been easier. Life is both incredibly tough and fragile and one day can change everything.
Isn't that is why we paint....to hold onto a moment, place, or thing and give it permanence? It's the permanence that is our paintings' real illusion, not the image. His paintings do remain but it is his loving memory with friends and family that will endure.
"Need to find a gas station that takes paintings."
That creative and inventive statement hints at the fun and wit
a plein air painter needs.
Paul in now in our hearts, and will always be near.
Thanks Stapleton. Great portrait. Joking with him at Turbats Creek late this summer....still trying to wrap my brain around this.
This is a heartfelt and personal post. Thanks for letting us get a glimpse of what a wonderful, thoughtful, and witty man he was. Your tribute is a testament to what a special friendship you shared. So sorry for your loss.
Men "of a certain age" do tend to lose buddies. That we can now keep a and recall transcript as you did is terrific. It is nice to be able to leave material evidence of our existance but leaving fond, loving memories is so much more important and and self perpetuating.
It's just great to see postings again, regardless.
Your friend sounds like a true friend indeed and fun to be around, thanks for sharing and my deep sympathies for your loss Stape.
Paul was an uncomplicated man. Even when you knew things were not going well for him, he would not let it show. He almost always broadcast that big smile of his. RIP!
PeterClarke
Clarke Gallery
I am sorry Stape for the passing of Paul. I have been following his work for a very long time. I just can't believe it. It makes me think of my own mortality. I will miss his work .
Stapleton,
Thanks for posting about Paul. He and his wife Grace built quite a number of nice frames over the years, I made many trips to their shop in Pawtucket, always enjoyed the visit.
Regards,
Peter Jung
Hudson, NY
Sorry for your sudden loss. Condolences to you, all his friends, and his family. Nice to read this exchange. Tragic. He was too young. May your own memories of him last for a very long time. Best wishes.
Great banter...My condolences
Stape, I am so very sorry to hear of your friend's passing. You really did him justice with the eulogy.
What a wonderful tribute to a very special friend. I didn't know Paul but now, in a sense, I do.
I am so sorry for your loss Stape.
Joy
Paul does sound like a good guy, both salty and sweet. I'm so sorry for your loss.
Stape-
Sorry to hear your sad news. My condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Just a little wake-up call from the universe... But what a way to go, with his brushes wet! I think I might go open an old jar of Liquin. -RQ
Thank you for sharing these conversations with my dad. They made me smile. He was lucky to have a friend like you.
If I only knew I would have the same sentiments about him soon after he wrote this...
Paul Carter Goodnow
◦I often wish I could go back and listen more to the details in the stories that my Dad told . Can't get enough of that now after it is too late , Great that you listened well , your memories keep him alive . I used to get bored hearing some things then , now they would be treasures to hear again . My dad had a heart attack in my chair in my kitchen while I was making him coffee and My wife , Sister and Brother in law were sitting with him . He had a triple bypass years before but you never expect it so sudden and I tried to revive him but he was just gone . Only 66 . I miss him and it feels good to miss him as I am sure you miss your Dad and always will . I didn't get to spend the time you had with your Dad near the end and I am sure he heared every word you said to him when you were there and knew you were there , all worthwhile time well spent . That story was beautifully done .
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