Monday, December 23, 2013

Artful Greetings

For all the millions of people following this blog - Holiday Greetings and an excellent New Year!

This is a very seasonal painting I did several years ago for a friend.  Hint - don't use a red umbrella in an ice storm!

The Red Umbrella
For your holiday enjoyment, an artsy joke that is the beginning of a  "series":

How many artists does it take to change a light bulb?


Ten. One to change it, and nine to reassure him about how good it looks.



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Friday, December 6, 2013

Limited Palette Part Two

This is the continuation of my project to restrict myself to a limited palette. This is the second three in the group - and probably the last. I used quinacridone burnt orange, anthraquinone blue, white, and a mere suggestion of  cadmium yellow medium.  I used a  light glaze of burnt sienna in some areas to create more warmth. As you can see, the second group, completed at a later date are much less subtle and more vivid than the first three. 
These paintings are inspired by Papamoa Beach, New Zealand, which is near the home of my daughter.


Waiting for your comments!

Papamoa

Papamoa 2

Papamoa 3


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Monday, December 2, 2013

Vermeer, Music and Pounds of Pearls

I recently attended a film called "Vermeer and Music". This is an exhibition at the National Gallery in London, showcasing the  paintings of Vermeer which feature musical instruments. The paintings in the gallery are featured alongside some instruments of that period. The first link will allow you to view some of the paintings and instruments in the exhibition.
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/vermeer-and-music

Follow this link for interesting information about Vermeer's painting techniques.
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/vermeer-and-technique

What interested me however, beyond the musical aspect of the paintings were the pearls.



Everyone is familiar with the Girl with a Pearl Earring, which has now been immortalized in paint, literature and film. Much has been said about the significance and meaning of the pearl earrings. They are thought to be a symbol of perfect beauty, and of virginity. It is even supposed that this is a servant and the earrings belonged to Vermeer's wife, or it is perhaps his daughter. The original title was "Girl with a Turban" and only
later was the title changed to focus on the pearl.
 Vermeer painted many women and many wore pearls - both necklaces and earrings. (None however as beautiful as "the girl".) I have cropped selected paintings to feature the jewellry.

Guitar Player


The Love Letter

The Concert

Woman with a Pear Necklace

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