Woman

Yacht Pajamas by Edward Molyneux, 1934

Projects Series

My interest in designer Edward Molyneux [b. 1891, d. 1974] was ignited by my friendship with Pati Hill. Before Pati’s death in 2014, I had only known that she once modeled for fashion magazines and French ateliers back in the 1940s… I must credit my friends Nicole and Richard in their very thorough research done for the exhibition catalog: “Pati Hill: Photocopier”

In 1919, British born Molyneux established himself in Paris. Many of his clients later became globally known fashion icons.  Finding photos depicting Molyneux designed clothing isn’t easy – however I rather liked this ensemble found in a d’Ora studio shot [the model, unknown] from 1934.

A sketch and watercolor taken from a d'Ora 1934 photo of a model wearing nautical theme pajamas.

 

Beaches

Graphic, Projects Series

One of the most idyllic scenes as far as subject appeal for me is that of a woman, alone – or seemingly alone – on a beach. A girl or woman needing no one or nothing more than sea and sand.

In this I sketched from a photo taken by Chris Colls. [If the notations left on it are illegible, I also credit Gigi Hadid, Michael Kors – for the swimsuit, and Elle magazine.] The retro nod in her swimsuit being an aesthetic bonus.

Model Gigi Hadid in a Michael Kors swimsuit from a photo taken by Chris Colls, done in a pencil sketch.

Gigi by Chris Colls 2019

My 2018 Holiday Muses

Brushwork, Projects Series, Seasonal Designs
A vibrant gouache painting which depicts three female muses in tribute to all arts

Arts Muses

The ability to imagine is a vital asset to us all. While not everyone uses this power for good, and then some very sadly don’t have access to its benefits, our imagination is the first step towards change and understanding and progress.

Generally speaking, I don’t share my personal woes with the virtual world. Yet, and with few exceptions, 2018 felt like one woeful day after another. Spring, Summer, and Fall seemed to simply pass me by… Like a year with nothing but a Winter of fear and discontent.

However, I am stubborn. No matter how bad things were, I remained committed each day in creating one thing or another. Such is the powerful force of art.

This year, now soon reaching to the next, I pay tribute to a variety of the Arts – by way of these muses. They are the graces of the written word, music & dance, and visual creations. Furthermore, they are also my saving graces.

As are all of you! Happy Holidays!!

 

Piera Gelardi

Brushwork, Projects Series

“There is a great strength and connection that can come from vulnerability, it connects us as humans.”~ Piera Gelardi

I painted Piera Gelardi before even learning her name. And I don’t typically find beauty ads to be all that rich insofar as inspiring me – yet, her face is featured in a series that was launched by Olay. Aside from her regal nose and mesmerizing eyes, Gelardi has a message I should keep with me, always!

Gouache painting of the face of Piera Gelardi

Piera

Life Drawing: Tattoo

Brushwork, Projects Series

Twenty years or so [gulp!] had passed since my occasional forays with life drawing groups. Three weeks ago I decided to delve in again after finding a group here in Mystic. This prospect was not without a fair amount of personal fear… Yet, the members of this group, who are all quite talented and skilled individuals? They made me feel not only made me welcome and [very much needed] encouraged! And for last night’s session, I brought my own box of colors along.  From the image here, you can see I ditched my graphite pencils mid-way and went bananas with the colors.

Watercolor pencil sketch of a female nude with a focus on her back and the tattoo at her hip

Tattoo

Shear Blue Gloves

Brushwork, Projects Series

There are fashion magazine clippings which I have kept in a binder over the years… [And I do try to keep impulsive clipping at a reasonable binder management level. To “try”, being relative.] My most recent muse came by way of W Magazine and, more to the point, photographer Willy Vanderperre. His photograph offered me two elements I could not resist: lovely hand gesturing and challenging shadows. And I title this as Shear over Sheer because most challenging for me was in knowing when and what to omit.

Watercolor illustration of a Willy Venderperre photo featuring a woman wearing a military jacket and hat, with blue mesh gloves

Shear Blue Gloves

 

Galliano’s Peacock

Brushwork, Projects Series

From a Rossettiesque photo by Peter Lindbergh, a Galliano gown is featured. I liked the near weariness in the model’s pose. And while the original photo [featured in Vogue, I believe] had her set against dark greens and what looked like ivy growing from the ground, I chose to add a bed of Iris instead. As my own Iris is now in bloom, will I follow them?

watercolor painting of a red haired woman wearing a Galliano gown. Featuring Iris bloom in the background, with the gown in the colors of a peacock.

Galliano’s Peacock