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In 2004, artist Constance Payne was commissioned to reimagine the four Alexis Fournier murals that had gone missing from the Roycroft Inn. A task that was simpler said than done. Very little information remained from the original paintings except for the theme, a depiction of the four seasons, and for the extremely unusual composition. Adding to the requirement was the ability to recreate the images as though by Fournier’s hand. Ms. Payne researched and scouted East Aurora locations close by to where Fournier painted. Going out into the landscape to create studies that would imitate his ouvere. But this would turn into no ordinary project.The Roycroft Campus is excited to welcome back Connie Payne to explain in her own words the inspiration, process and tragedy that helped to create the “Four Seasons” murals that can still be viewed in the Roycroft Inn to this day.
This presentation will be offered in-person on Thursday, November 6th at 7:00pm in the Roycroft Power House.
Register Here: https://shop.roycroftcampuscorporation.com/EventPurchase.aspx?dateselected=11/6/2025
Constance Payne - Presenter
Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, at the age of eleven she was enrolled in children art classes at the Detroit Society of Arts and Crafts and the Cranbook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and she’s never looked back. Constance’s lifelong study and studio practices pay homage to the working methods of the most famous French 19th century animal painter, Rosa Bonheur, as well as the French Academy Atelier system.
After 28 years as an Associate Professor of Fine Art in Painting and Drawing and Head of the Drawing and Painting area where she created curriculum in foundation skills at a university in NY, Constance has retired from academic life. She currently works out of her Western New York studio. She continues working on limited private commissions and exhibitions as well as her dedication to anatomical study and working from life models in stables and kennels.
Since 1985 Constance Payne has enjoyed 9 national solo exhibitions which were sold out, and has been included in more than 25 group shows throughout the United States. Her commission work and animal paintings hang in hundreds of private collections throughout Europe, British Columbia and the U S. Her work is including in four public museums and 7 hard cover books along with a plethora of magazine publications. An expert on the methods of the 19thc animal painters, sculptors and life of Rosa Bonheur , Alfred Munnings and other 19th and early 20th century masters of the animal form, she has been invited to lecture at museums, universities, ateliers and private club organizations. For more information and to view her work visit www.constancepaynestudio.com
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
31 S Grove St, East Aurora, NY, United States, New York 14052
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