One way or another we seem to have survived yet another sweltering Houston summer. I think we should drink some chilled pink champagne (or maybe some pink grapefruit soda?) and celebrate with friends and art. Bonus points if we have not gotten bit by raccoons or lost our minds during the full moon or the eclipse. All things considered, we are doing so well!
While this has been in some ways a slow frustrating summer, as I found the heat absolutely paralyzing, I seem to have produced a small series of paintings I’m very excited to share with my collectors. Today I finished hanging Pink by the Pool, my Summer 2026 painting series, in my Montrose Studio.
I even wrote an artist statement to go with it. Here it is:
Pink by the Pool
by Elena Sandovici
Artist Statement
Summer is both oppressive and romantic. Its colors are rich, vibrant, with just a hint of nostalgia. There’s a longing for this sweltering season to be over that clashes with the longing to hold on to it forever. Summer becomes about both seeking magic and refuge, and the two have trouble coexisting. But how can we have glorious pink skies without hot and humid days that make us want to hide inside? Nights bring a little bit of respite and an invitation to adventure. Full moons are glorious affairs that invite us to alchemize into our most playful selves. Meanwhile, people who keep feeding the raccoons on the Seawall are getting bitten as they should. And the carousels keep on spinning.
Should I clarify that I am not, in fact, a petty person, and I do not wish for people to be bitten by raccoons or by anything more ferocious than a brand new puppy or maybe a passionate lover?But seriously, people need to stop feeding wildlife right under the sign that asks them to not feed wildlife. I’m also not sure that Doritos are healthy for raccoons. How’s that for a tangent?
Anyway, if you’re reading this and would like to come see Pink by the Pool, please know that it is by invitation only and that I might actually consider inviting you if you send me a message and tell me that you read this blog and would like to come.
Generally a good place to be to score such invites is my email list. If you want to join it, there’s a fun little gift that comes with signing up. It’s a short story about the Great Storm of 1900 seen through the eyes of a magnificent horse. You can download your free copy of The Mare in the Mansion and join my email list here:
