Welcome painting with dancers in Moulin Rouge style, placed at the entrance of La Grange.
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In this Blog
A Vision in Red: The Artistic Concept
La Grange Brasserie in Yardley, PA, is a project close to my heart. I was invited to collaborate on transforming the space into something truly special. I knew right away that the project would be an exciting challenge. I was assigned the task of creating art to elevate the restaurant experience. My goal was to honor the French culture. I aimed to capture the brasserie ambiance envisioned by La Grangeâs owners and interior designer, Mycle Gorman. As a painter and muralist, I felt an instant connection to the projectâs soul. My mission was clear. I aimed to infuse the space with the essence of French culture. I used bold, expressive art to do this. The art was meant to speak to both the eyes and the heart.
La Grange will open its doors on May 5, 2025. It is a lovingly restored barn in Yardley, PA. Here, art, food, and culture converge. This French-inspired brasserie celebrates old-world Parisian charm. It also embodies contemporary elegance. This makes it a perfect match for my Neo-Expressionist art style. The rich red tones and vibrant brushstrokes in my paintings create a visual narrative. This narrative reflects the lively spirit of the restaurant. I was deeply inspired by the work of Toulouse-Lautrec. However, I added my personal interpretation through modern expressionism. I blended French landscapes, bold colors, and figurative forms.
âFrench culture was essentialâitâs in the brushstrokes, the color, the gestures.â
The Work: Bold Paintings & Handcrafted Details
- Five original paintings (up to 4′ x 7′) in acrylics
- Chalkboards at the entrance, like those found in old French cafĂŠs
- Hand-painted wall decorations
- A floral fireplace in rich red and gold tones
- A signature red color and French landscapes tie the collection together
One of my favorite piecesâhay bales in the French countryside.
Each painting began with a dozen hand sketches. Interior decorator Mycle Gorman, a longtime friend and creative collaborator, refined and selected them. He served as the bridge connecting me to this project. He has been collecting my work since my studio days in Bristol Borough.
Creating five large-scale original paintings (up to 4âx7â) for La Grange was a thrilling and deeply personal effort. The art had to interact with the spaceânot just sit on the walls. I wanted my paintings to invite diners into the narrative of the restaurant. My approach to the project was not just about capturing a scene, but about evoking a feeling.
Each of the five paintings reflects different elements of French culture. These range from the lively, bustling energy of Parisian nightlife to the peaceful serenity of the French countryside. One piece features dancers in the spirit of Moulin Rouge, capturing their movement, grace, and flamboyance. This painting was specifically placed in the restaurantâs entrance, as it promptly sets the tone for the guestsâ experience. It’s playful, energetic, and filled with the romance of the French cabaret tradition.
Another piece that Iâm particularly proud of shows hay bales in a vast French landscape. They are bathed in the golden light of the countryside. This is a quiet, still moment. It contrasts with the vibrant energy of the Moulin Rouge-inspired piece. This contrast provides balance and depth to the space. This painting, in particular, captures the calm beauty of rural France. It was placed strategically in a more tranquil corner of the restaurant. This placement invites diners to pause and take in the atmosphere.
The chalkboards that greet guests at the entrance bring back memories of the old French cafĂŠs. In those cafĂŠs, handwritten menus, messages, and daily specials were part of the ritual. These custom chalkboards were not just functional but designed as a part of the visual language of the restaurant. Their bold black frames and expressive lettering add another layer of personality to the space.
As part of the overall design, I also hand-painted a floral fireplace in shades of red and gold. This ties into the signature red color of the art. This was a key element in establishing the feeling of warmth and intimacy in the space. Itâs a centerpiece, one that beckons guests to gather around and feel at home.
Creating Atmosphere: A Restored Barn Turned Brasserie
La Grange is located in a beautifully restored barn, a space rich with history and architectural charm. This setting had rustic beams and an open layout. It was the perfect canvas for the immersive experience we sought to create. The spaceâs architecture shows the marriage of old-world charm and modern design. This union is also clear in the artwork that adorns its walls.
The collaboration with Mycle Gorman was pivotal in bringing this project to life. He has been a long-time friend and supporter of my work. Mycleâs vision for the interior design of La Grange was clear and bold, yet flexible, leaving room for artistic interpretation. We worked closely together. Our goal was for my artwork to enhance the environment. It also needed to become an integral part of the dining experience.
As a muralist and painter, my goal is always to integrate the art into the space. It should become part of the atmosphere. It should not be just something to look at. The paintings at La Grange are meant to engage guests. They enhance their experience whether theyâre dining with friends. They also enhance a quiet moment in the corner. They reflect the vibrancy of French culture and encourage diners to feel the energy of the space.
Creating artwork that interacts with the space was one of the most rewarding parts of this project. It also engaged the people in it. The art is not staticâit evolves as the space does, with each visit offering something new to discover.
âMy work isnât just meant to be seenâitâs meant to be felt.â
See It For Yourself
If youâre in Yardley or the Bucks County area, I invite you to visit La Grange Brasserie. Experience the art and the ambiance for yourself. The restaurant opens on May 5. I couldnât be more excited to see my work come to life. It will be in such an inviting, dynamic space.
The paintings at La Grange enhance your experience whether youâre there for a casual meal. They also enhance special celebrations. They invite you into a world of color, culture, and expression. The work Iâve done for La Grange is a celebration of French elegance. It reflects artistic energy. I canât wait for you to experience it in person.
Come dine beneath the art. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Let the paintings take you on a journey through the heart of France.
đ La Grange Brasserie
Opening May 5, 2025
915 Antique Alley
Yardley, PA 19067
đ LaGrangeYardley.com
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