It's a Wrap

If you are any kind of creative person, do you revisit your work?  Do you find that "time away" or incubation generates a little more fine-tuning or simply more definition of where the work needs to go?

I revisited my painting, "Le Quotidian", and now it reflects more of my goals as a painter--
figurative,  play between warm and cool colors  and a movement toward abstraction.

Here's the finished "Le Quotidian".  Ready to let it go....I think.

Roman Nose IV

So after a few tries, I think I got it.  Thanks, Priscilla, for being my model from about 1200 miles.  This is not really Priscilla.  She's prettier.  But THAT'S a Roman Nose!

Searching for that Roman Nose

I am working on a small portrait using my sister as a model. I have painted that nose quite a few times now.  In our family my grandmother, Lona, --"Dandmama" to all the grandchildren--spoke of having a Roman Nose.  I capitalize Roman Nose because it was important (to Dandmama).

Dandmama prized this classic attribute.  She was beautiful, loved beauty in all forms and Dandmama loved art, so her opinions had weight with me.  My dad had the Roman Nose, as does my sister, Priscilla, and my niece, Alyce.  I don't.  My brother doesn't.  So my current figurative painting, with Priscilla as reference, needs to have that beautiful Roman Nose.  I keep coming close, but then it just isn't quite there.

In an earlier post, I spoke of my former painting teacher's urging me to keep searching.  I am searching, I am searching.  I have to find that Roman Nose--capturing it continues to elude me.

Here is my work in progress.............

When I finally find that Roman Nose, shall I title the painting Roman Nose or Red Turban as I had planned?

Cool Hotel

Well, here we are--hidin' out from the cold, dreary February Indianapolis clime.  I am sitting in southern Florida, a few miles up the road from Miami.  Painting in short sleeves on the balcony.  It's restorative.  It's sunny. It's warm.  It's easy.  

A new environment pushes me to paint new things.  I am still staring at people, tucking them away in my brain, but I am attracted to the architecture and the tropical plant life.  It's the land of ART DECO.  And I never met a palm tree that I didn't like! Palm trees are great graphics.  Swirly palm branches and striped bases.  Love, love, love.  So here's my fresh take on what I see off my balcony today.  Clean lines, cool colors.  Cool Hotel.

The Art and the Model

Today I was so happy to receive an email with this darling photo spread. It's my sister/It's my model/It's my sister.  Priscilla is my dear little sister and she is my model, too.  I have completed one painting of her and have another one on the easel, getting close to finish.  I asked her to pose for me last summer before I headed to California to a painting workshop and she did all the work!  When I arrived she had two costume changes ready, did multiple dynamic poses and provided the perfect setting.  And a fake cigarette, just for kicks.  She is a local actress, and it shows.  She exudes energy, creativity and fun.  And this wonderful photo shoot shows that off.

Here is my painting from last summer of My Sister/My Model/My Sister.  Priscilla Ball.  What a lucky person I am to have her for my sister!

At Le Pain Quotidien

Started in Brussels about 20 years ago, I recently stopped in at Le Pain Quotidien in Lower Manhattan.  Translated, Le Pain Quotidien means the daily bread.  Then I learned that it is also a favorite dining spot of my daughter and her husband in Brooklyn Heights.  Rustic, cozy atmosphere, fresh tasty food, coffee  in bowls, communal tables and a great place to make drawings.
Here's my version of Le Pain Quotidien.

Making art in the New Year

Getting ready to take up the brushes again in the new year.
I came across an interesting discussion in "The Age of Insight", a thoughtful book by Eric R. Kandel. Here are some questions he poses and here are some questions I will ask myself this year--
(in no particular order)
•How do you give visual form to ideas?
•Why is this idea worth a painting?
•Do you want the truth or just something beautiful?

Here's to good work in 2013....
Happy New Year!