Girl in a Kimono

I have wanted to do this painting for quite some time but always got distracted by other issues and a couple of experiments in the past few months working in other styles and trying on some different subject matter. This is more of a return to a way of working that I feel more comfortable about. Getting out of that comfort zone has been a good learning experience, however, and always good for shaking up the stale rut I sometimes get into. I like working with a single figure with a simplified background and only minimal props. Here, too, I can concentrate on the flow and drape of fabric which is especially appealing to me. This kimono is an antique that I bought years ago in San Francisco; not a particularly valuable kimono but a decent, heavy silk and a lovely, subtle hand painted pattern on it. I used to wear it with a purple obi and felt very elegant in it. I have since given it away to a young woman singer in a band who wears romantic and funky costumes. The model in this image is the cousin of my ex, with whom I am on very good terms...Josette has posed for me a few times and I have used her in other works. She has a classic face and timeless expression, plus all her curly hair makes for fun painting. (I know about curly hair as I have a mop of it myself and it is NOT always fun to take care of).

Comparing Lisa and Lisa...

"Possession of a Lyrebird" pastel 18"x25" "Lisa" oil 22"x28"

Possession of a Lyrebird

I began this pastel a few months ago and stopped before completion when I felt unsure of how to proceed with it. On a whim I took it with me to an outdoor art show early in the summer and a very lovely lady saw it and fell in love! She called me last week and asked if I had finished the piece because she wanted to purchase it . The period of time I had left it "fallow" was more than sufficient for my brain to be working on it in the background, apparently, because I was able to complete it in one day. It is a sort of companion piece to the "Lisa" oil painting, being the same model, but the intention for the portrait was different. In the first Lisa piece I concentrated on the quiet but intense confidence I saw in her expression and her holding of a vase of silk Hydrangeas seemed a confirmation of that expression in that the flowers are delicate yet permanent...no wilting was going to happen. In this piece, done in the more fragile medium of pastel, she cradles a rare and wonderful Lyrebird. All in life is elusive and possession of anything is temporary - Lisa's wistful , almost weary expression conveys that sad knowledge. She wraps her arms around the bird, his tail embraces her head, and they share a comforting, if fleeting, connection. This tells a story, as do all portraits, and I am pleased to be part of an upcoming exhibit in January, 2010 at the Campbell River Art Gallery on this very topic. Titled appropriately, "Telling Stories" the works will include several artists who deal with portraiture but in very different styles and mediums.

Originals Only Exhibit

Last weekend's Originals Only show went off pretty well in spite of having to batten down hatches to fight the wind which threatened to take off with canopies and art work a few times. The first day was also overcast and very cool but it didn't keep people away. I truly appreciate all those who took the time to stop by my tent and really look at the work with insight and kind compliments. There were only a couple of "buyers" but my cards and brochures all went by the end of the two days and I have already heard from a few people who are interested in portraits and/or classes. For artists making these contacts is the important part of such venues as outdoor shows. I have known people to contact me quite some time after an event (even years after!) to buy a piece they kept thinking about or to commission a portrait. It is tougher in this downturned economy to make the decision to put money down for something that has no real use except to enrich one's life by having it around to look at! Thanks so much to all those who do.

Originals Only show this weekend

This coming weekend is the Originals Only show at the Comox Marina. Over 50 artists from Vancouver Island participate each August in this show and attracts a large audience for the two day event. All works are "original only" paintings, drawings, and sculpture. No prints or craft

items, although small art cards are permitted. I will be in booth 39, (near the food booth!) so

hope to see you there if you are able to attend. The weather is promising to be fair and mild with

less heat than we've seen this past couple of weeks. Please come out and support the artist community! For more info go to http://www.originalsonly.ca

Details

Viewing closeup details of work has its own fascination. Does the feel of the larger piece change or does it allow for more insight to the process? A bit of both I think. These recent pastels have been teaching me to let go more. I am going to be working back in oil paint for my next painting and wonder if I will utilize any of the lessons from the pastel process. One of the exciting things about making art is that even when carefully planned there are surprises that result in the final work.

Finished Poppy Pastel

Finally finished the latest poppy piece. I was sidetracked by a lot of other things going on. We have our grandson, Tyler visiting now and the days are very filled. I am happy with this newest piece...it is looser and more spontaneous than my usual work...could I be developing a more mature style? I am losing patience with finicky, highly detailed things in my work, at least for the moment. I don't like to box myself in by saying that I have changed what I do and will never go back - each work calls for what it needs and I try to be faithful to that.