Here's the deal...
The My 7 Links Project was generated by TripBase to "unite bloggers (from all sectors) in a joint endeavour to share lessons learned and create a bank of long but not forgotten blog posts that deserve to see the light of day again." Bloggers list their Top 7 Links in the following categories... • Your most beautiful post • Your most popular post • Your most controversial post • Your most helpful post • A post whose success surprised you • A post you feel didn’t get the attention it deserved • The post that you are most proud of
...and then Bloggers tag others and so it goes on.
Well this is nice, an unsolicited opportunity to re-post some past work and wax poetic about moi! Let's go...
My favorite post: (or My Most Beautiful Post)...sorry...not really comfy with that.
BABY BLU 16x20" oil on linen
Clearly I'm besotted with my pugs and Blu is a supermodel in a fur coat, however I chose this particular painting because I really like it and if you follow my blog, you'll know that sentiment is a rarity for me. The messy toned background, muted palette, the looseness of the strokes except for his face (thanks for pointing that out Don!), where the focus is his incredibly huge innocent eyes that I get lost in every day. Sorry, can't help it. I'm hooked. On the pug, not the painting.
My Most Popular Post:
THE CAMERA 16x20" oil on canvas I believe this post received the most comments so far, however it was a challenge post so I must give my colleagues credit as well. It was one of those paintings that, after the dust settles, you're left wondering just how you did it and questioning your ability to do it again.
My Most Controversial Post:
I try to stay away from controversy or debate on my blog and so consequently my work is pretty straight forward representational realism. While I certainly don't shy away from whining about my own every day struggles with confidence and direction, I feel that the more important lofty discussions are best had in person and over wine.
My Most Helpful Post:
Metamorphosis 24x24" oil on linen
I would have to say this one because it was done to celebrate International Women's Day through AyrSpace in Canada. The exhibit and sale was designed to observe the centenary of International Women's Day, bring together international artistic response and contribute to the relief effort for Haitian women and their children through partial proceeds from the sale of the artworks and 100% of contributions from visitors to the exhibit.
It also marked a possible new direction for me in style and concept that I hope to explore sometime in the near future. And, I would like to thank wonderful artist and new friend Nicki Ault for suggesting that I participate.
My Most Surprisingly Successful Post:
That Freakin Apple! 6x6" oil on board
This piece of fruit represents one of my first public bouts with that muse stealing virus, "The Dread Mahockiss." My long post of raw insecurity and doubt met with some really wonderful and kind comments! Clearly the apple isn't my best work but apparently it wasn't the drek I thought it was. Who knew?
The Post That I Feel Didn't Get the Attention I Thought it Deserved:
Princess 6x8" oil on canvas
If you are anything like me, halfway through a painting that you know is going to turn out well, excitement about posting and wonder about reaction is definitely on your mind. I was so stoked about this one, done as a daily in March of '09, but when I logged on the morning after, interested to see what the reaction was...there was none. It's really strange, sometimes a painting you would rather burn just for fun is really successful and the one you think will do it for you...whatever that means...is hardly noticed. Of course now as I look at it, it does look a tad cheesy but I still like the actual application of the paint.
The Post I Am Most Proud of:
The Exhibit (in progress)
24x36" oil on canvas
I'm most proud of this still unfinished painting because I was fortunate enough to snap this incredibly arresting vision at the Brooklyn Museum and get it on canvas in a way that feels right. The reference photo was a matter of pure luck. Can you imagine the visual fireworks that outfit would cause if there were paintings on the wall instead of artifacts? Anyway, I plan to do more figurative work in the near future.
And now the hard part. Who shall I tag? You're it guys!
R Garriott
Gwen Bell
Diana Marshall
Mona Conner
Don Michael Jr.
Nicki Ault
Rick Nilson
Dear Suzanne
ReplyDeleteThis is like searching your heart and then laying it out on the sand to examine.
I read the words you wrote and then I looked at each art piece. I could see the paths of your different journeys as your paint brush painted on the canvas. Some of your paths were directed by storms in your heart. Each a beautiful journey, painted beautiful art piece.
Sometime I have examined my own words, and know as the seasons change so do I.
All of your work is a masterpiece,, and the portrait of Blu is the most beautiful pug portrait I have ever seen.
Sometimes I am not good with my words,, I hope you understand what I am saying. You should be proud of what you have accomplished. You are magical.
love
tweedles
Great post. I wish you had set links to the actual posts so I could return to read what you wrote then and what the comments were. I remember the exhibit very well. I thought you shouldn't return to it. It was great already! I don't remember the camera, but I love it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your thoughts on each pick. Thanks.
I've so enjoyed this post and the seeing anew your paintings. Your work is just beautiful, Suz. I wasn't following on that piece that you really liked but I don't think it is cheesy at all. I think it is beautiful indeed. (I hadn't found your blog yet at that time.)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post and amazing paintings!!
ReplyDeleteThose are all beautiful paintings! I like Princess very much. If I had been following your blog that day, I would definitely have told you how great it is! I like the skin tones and the fabrics, it all flows so beautifully! You're an amazing artist!
ReplyDeleteSuzanne,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post. You are not only an extremely talented artist, you are an engaging writer as well. I enjoy all of these pieces and remember all, but Princess... but it is from March 2009 I think that was before I was following any blogs. What strikes me is how much you packed into such a little canvas! I also know what you mean by feeling excited about a painting you are posting and then not getting much reaction. I actually believe I have heard crickets chirping with many of my posts!
Thank you for the shout out and for tagging me. I need to put my thinking cap on!
This is such an intriguing post and fun idea! As I looked back over your choices, I realized that many of the ones you chose were also my faves of yours. I particularly loved "The Camera", "Metamorphosis" and "The Exhibit". You continue to be an inspiration! I feel unbelievably honored to be among your "tagged" players! Now for the hard work of choosing mine.
ReplyDeleteSuch interesting choices! I have only been blogging for about a year so some of these I have never seen. I like the "Princess" piece quite a lot, although I think you would do it better now. I really, REALLY like "Exhibit".
ReplyDeleteWow.
I found this so interesting. I love them all. The one that did not get enough attention really should have got more it is really outstanding and deserves a closer look.
ReplyDeleteThe Exhibit and The Camera are my picks of the bunch but they are all pretty cool in their own ways.
ReplyDeleteBlog tag- what a good idea!
Wow! So great reading your thoughts about the pieces you selected, Suzanne...especially since you have such a vast amount of beauties from which to choose!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the shout out and tag, Suzanne. What a great post.
ReplyDeleteThree of my favorite SuzBerry's are represented in this post: "Blu", "The Camera" and "Exhibit". All of your work makes my mouth water, but those three are some kind of delicious.
-Don
Dear Suzanne... Your "Art"... capital "A" fully intended provides constant food for thought... and your sense of wit always puts a smile on my face.
ReplyDeleteEach post has a singular trait that separates it from the rest... and for that reason I can neither choose a favourite... nor place praise on a single "child".
I so look forward to my regular morning visits whenever a new image lights up my side bar. Coffee in hand... I pore over the image and your thoughts for the day... and never fail to come away feeling uplifted. That is the highest compliment for and purpose intended in making... "good" Art. Good Art makes "You" think... and feel!
Thank "You" for sharing!
Good Painting!...Happy Summer!
Warmest regards,
Bruce
What an AMAZING selection of work! Your figuritive work never fails to have me sighing in awe, particularly the way you depict the fabic of their clothes. I had never seen 'Princess' before. I think she is beautifully and sensitively painted. It would definitely have got my comment had I have seen it! The Pug is of course completely gorgeous! I love the hair on Metamorphasis in particular, as well as the intriguing subject and I have to say that I think the apple is fantastic! If I'd have painted it I'd have been feeling really rather smug, lol! :0)
ReplyDeleteOK, I'm biased, but that painting of Blu rocks me every time I look at it. It makes me go hug Paco! It was really interesting to see what your choices were for these posts. Every painting you do astounds me. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great post! I love reading your insight into your choices. All of your paintings are beyond amazing, so it's great to read your thoughts. You and Kelley make me want to get a pug, not sure if Moose would agree! And I am in love with "The Exhibit".
ReplyDeleteSuzanne, you are simply amazing. All of these paintings are gorgeous and it's so great to see them all in one place. I agree with all of your picks you are truly one inspiring lady!!! Really and truly mean that, your work is incredible and so are you. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderfully diverse subjects your paintings are! I enjoy all of them, they are interesting and beautifully done. But you know, being an animal lover your little pug, Blu is special.
Sue
Wow, your paintings are amazing! The Exhibit really caught my eye. It is really vivid. I admire your talent.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea your friend had and I'm so glad she tagged you. Several of your picks were way before I began following your blog so they are marvelous to see.
ReplyDeleteBlu is a beautiful subject and a beautiful painting. I so understand why it's your favorite. Makes me feel that I know his quite wonderful soul.
thank you so much for your very thoughtful comments! this was a fun project, it provided a great opportunity to see new comments on some old work. i appreciate it so much!
ReplyDeleteWonderful thoughts, all. I especially appreciate what you wrote about "Princess" and the expectation we artists often have about a particular painting. Putting work out for view can be scary and also wonderful, but it is bewildering when no one seems to notice.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the great work. Can you tell we all love your paintings?!