MICHELLE LOUIS
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The Scent of Rain- Petrichor

4/4/2017

4 Comments

 
Picture
Synesthesia, The Scent of Rain 2, 28"x 32" acrylic on canvas. ©Michelle Louis 2017
    Thinking optimistically, this long string of gray, rainy days will end. Meanwhile, the permeating and powerful scent of rain is hard to miss. This time of year it is a promise of things to come. Spring is here, even if it's coursing mostly underground and our bodies are still desperately craving a boost of vitamin D.
    So what about the scent of rain? A little background - in the 1960's, Dr. Isabel Joy Bear and Dr. Richard Thomas of Australia's national science agency named the unique smell that accompanies rain after discovering what forms it. Their paper, The Nature of Argillaceous Odour, was the first to define petrichor as the earthy scent that occurs when rain falls on dry earth. It comes from the Greek "petra," meaning stone, and “ichor,” meaning the ethereal blood of the gods.
    So how is petrichor created? To greatly simplify, during extended dry periods, plants and soil bacteria release various compounds. When rain drops collide with the earth, the compounds combine and aerosolize to become the unique scent we now call petrichor. Petrichor is most pungent after a dry spell, in the moments when rain first begins to fall.
    Human noses are highly sensitive to the scent of rain. Researchers believe recognizing petrichor on the breeze is important to animal survival because it allows us to anticipate and locate coming precipitation. Some people find the scent disagreeable. I like it. How about you?

Picture
Synesthesia, The Scent of Rain 1, 42"x 61" acrylic on canvas ©Michelle Louis 2017
4 Comments
Jane Tuttle
4/6/2017 12:30:11 am

Love, love, love both of these Michelle! You are so talented! I also love the smell of rain and miss it!

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Michelle link
4/7/2017 03:02:47 pm

Thanks, Jane!

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DeAnna Braaksma
4/6/2017 08:58:01 am

I love the scent of rain. One of those experiences that draws me to hiking, camping, and sitting on the deck.... the outdoor and the smells.

I love your featured paintings with this post. Where can I see these, upclose?

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Michelle link
4/7/2017 03:01:31 pm

Thanks, Dee! I'm currently looking for a gallery or art center venue for my newest body of work-- solo or small group show. In the meantime, I'm happy to make studio appointments for individuals. Just send me an email at mlouisart@gmail.com.

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    Artist and naturalist Michelle Louis has a vigorous curiosity about the natural world. Her abstract landscape paintings cultivate connection to the lands she explores.

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  • Home
    • Paintings >
      • Elemental Series
      • Verge Series
      • Oh Yes Series
      • Of Land and Sky Series
      • Earthscape Series
      • Blue Series
      • Trailblazer Series
      • Invisible Trails Series
      • Yin Sides Series
      • Geometric Series
  • Contact/Shop
  • Meet Michelle
  • Blog