Tuesday, October 5, 2010

untitled as yet


























24x36" oil on canvas  in progress

OK, so I'm breaking my "in-progress" rule. I will finish this! I will finish this!

A few weeks ago we visited The Brooklyn Museum which is in, of all places, Brooklyn, to specifically take a look at the winner of Bravo's Work or Art reality show. His name is Abdi and I believe him to be uber-gifted. It was incredibly inspiring to see his work up close and personal. His treatment of shadow, mid-tone and highlight is, for me, very Sargent-esque. I spent a good deal of time standing in front of his work, just soaking it in.

Anyway I brought my camera along hoping to capture some good reference shots of other visitors, standing casually around gazing thoughtfully at the artwork, sculpture and exhibits. We were in the building all of 10 minutes when I spied this incredible creature strolling around taking in the sights. It is New York after all, one expects to see interesting humans clad in extremely unique vestments, but I was beside myself when I saw this girl. She had a companion with her, equally uniquely attired and I asked them to sit for a a few shots which they were happy to do.

But this girl, just by virtue of walking around, provided the most incredible opportunities for great shots, however the very first shot I took was exactly what I was looking for. I thought perhaps I could combine a few shots to create the perfect composition, but in this particular shot her head is at just the right angle, her toes turned inward as she balanced gracefully on the four inch thick sole of her "bootie/shoes" and most importantly, some really great detail of that glorious Betty Boop jacket.

And to top that all off, the palette is limited! Every shade and hue of her outfit seems to compliment her surroundings. I'm limited by my reference! Who knew? Looks like this might be a good way to slip into the limited palette thing I've been avoiding for 2 months.

13 comments:

  1. The excitement that exudes forth from your words is inspiring. It is great to see you so into this painting. And the painting!!! Wow! I look forward to seeing the next phase...

    -Don

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  2. This is awesome!! You are the master of folds-love her jacket! Wish I was close to see Abdi's work. I loved watching the show. Please share this one again soon!!

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  3. Suzanne, this is great figurative work---you really got all the nuances of her body language and form, and it's also a neat salute to all the windows there, an aspect I love about Brooklyn Museum.

    Next Brooklyn Museum show you want to see, if you'd like to meet up, just give me an advance call, I'm close enough to walk over to the Museum, weather-permitting!

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  4. Sometimes a gift just falls in your lap and you are wise enough to accept it gracefully! This is going to be beautiful! And thank you for your kind comments on my latest post!

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  5. This is going to be BEA-U-TI-FUL! I mean, it is already. But, wow. I love it :)

    And you have a work in progress rule?? What is it? Do I need to know about it?

    Thanks also for stopping by my blog, loved to see your pic there and hear your kind words. :)

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  6. this is a great work a WOW figurative work.

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  7. Suzanne, you really hit it out of the park with this piece...I love figurative, and you really captured this 'incredible creature'!
    I hope to someday see that show and the work of the winning artist...so fun that you got to!!

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  8. This is so awsome,,,
    did you paint this?? gee,, it is so perfect!
    she looks like she is looking through a peek hole.
    how are those little puggy boys of yours?
    love
    tweedles

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  9. This is going to be a cracker, love the girl and her pose. I took a pic of a girl looking at my work at the exhibition with some quirky attire that I am going to paint, I guess we had the same idea. I know yours is already looking wonderful, I'm looking forward to seeing the finished painting.

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  10. Way, way cool! Love the fabric, the stance, the pose, the concentration etc., etc. Can't wait for the rest!

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  11. Just wonderful. Getting the shots before they start to pose... that's the key. Very cool.

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  12. I love the way its looking Suzanne, the way you have handled the fabrics is fantastic.

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