Like many women of my generation, I somehow missed An Affair to Remember until Meg Ryan brought it to my attention. It was beautiful, witty, romantic and sappy, just like a great chick flick is supposed to be. And Deborah Kerr’s Terry McKay was completely captivating and one of the first iconic female characters I thought of when beginning the Feminine Wiles series.
With her warm auburn locks and creamy complexion, the film’s wardrobe designer Charles Le Maire wisely capitalized on her natural palette by using autumnal peaches and oranges in her costumes peppered throughout the movie.
Deborah Kerr as Terry McKay in An Affair to Remember, acrylic on canvas panel, 6×6
The character is smart and sassy, beautiful but down to earth and practical. Characteristics perfectly portrayed with a warm, simmering palette.
I have no idea how many of these I’ll do, but am thinking of broadening soon into more contemporary film characters– maybe even by decade? Um, hello, Molly Ringwald anyone? To see more paintings in the Feminine Wiles series, check the archives here.
Film image linked above, art by Lesley Frenz aka Artsy Forager.
Mr. F and I have known each other a long time. We were friends from way back before we became Mr. & Mrs. Long enough and well enough to know each other’s exes. We often speculate on what our lives had we stayed with our former loves ( and thankful each day things turned out the way they did!! ). In her Men I Have Known series, New York artist Juliet Martin crafts woven textile sculptures, each representing a different lover.
In these colorful, playful phalluses ( I didn’t immediately see the phallic quality to some, but then I can be pretty naive like that.. ), the artist, according to her website, is satirizing the idea of man as conqueror and possessor of sexual power. Instead, she’s creating her own “trophies”, bedpost notches, if you will. At first glance, the viewer would have no idea the meaning behind these pieces but the mystery is half the fun, yes? 😉
Interior designers have a special place in my heart. Perhaps because I call so many of them friends and because I spent a few years studying to be one. That plan derailed ( a story for another day! ), but I’m still so appreciative of the work that designers do, especially when it comes to incorporating original artwork into the spaces they design. And Seattle’s Brian Paquette of Brian Paquette Interiors, of course, is showing the world how to using original artwork infuses a space with personality and turns the fabulousness up to 11.
The work Paquette chooses add yet another layer of texture to his already gorgeously layered designs. The spaces are elegant, yet warm and friendly, much in thanks to the contemporary art he uses that is anything but stuffy. Named one of The Next Big Names in Design by Lonny Magazine, the future’s looking bright in rainy Seattle for Brian Paquette Interiors.
To see more of the Brian Paquette’s portfolio, please visit the Brian Paquette Interiors website.
We are more than the color of our skin. Who we are inside and what we do are so much more, yet we’re often instantly judged on this one small detail. In his current series, Puerto Rican born artist Edgar Sanchez Cumbas explores in paint and mixed media the idea of discrimination based on skin color.
We often begin our lives being teased for what makes us different– maybe our skin is pale thanks to a Celtic heritage or perhaps we’re on the other end of the flesh color spectrum and feel excluded due to a complexion much darker than our contemporaries. Instead of embracing the beauty in our diversity, in our longing to belong we ostracize. We lose the ability to see not just see beyond color but to see all color as equal and equally beautiful.
Sanchez Cumbas explores these ideas through his sculptural paintings, the artist builds up thick layers of color and texture, which are then obscured by a large swath of color. Only small hints at the layers beneath remain visible.
The forecast for last Saturday in Eureka was cloudy and rainy, so Mr. F and I planned to spend a leisurely day drinking coffee and catching up on work in a downtown coffee shop. And we did, for a few hours.. until we noticed that the rain didn’t seem to be coming and the sun was shining! So we decided ditched work to spend the afternoon doing a little more exploring around Old Town Eureka. We tasted grains at the local brew shop, browsed a dusty antique shop and a fun little vintage clothing boutique. As we were about to grab a burger & hit up Mr. F’s favorite Eureka watering hole, I spotted an open sign at Sewell Gallery and was so pleased at what we found inside.
Sewell Gallery exclusively features the work of Humboldt County artists and showcases some of the best the region has to offer in a large and inviting space. The current show, up for just a few more days, features the work of textile artist April Sproule . She creates these amazingly intricate contemporary quilt designs– I was especially drawn to the graphic quality found in her monochromatic work.
In addition to the featured exhibition, Mr. F and I found a wide range of mediums and styles to peruse. We both loved these ceramic pieces by Shannon Sullivan— gorgeously crafted and temptingly priced!
ceramics by Shannon Sullivan
Of course, you know I can’t resist abstract paintings and these two were calling to me across the sunlit gallery..
It was just the perfect day to wander through a gallery! We’ll definitely be putting Sewell on our list of places to stop in occasionally.
It’s looking pretty likely that Mr. F and I could be in Eureka at least through the summer and I’m more excited about that prospect than ever. With the largest concentration of artists per capita in all of California, Humboldt County has so much to offer and discover!
If you ever happen to be in Eureka, make sure to put in a stop at Sewell Gallery! Coming up Saturday is my first Eureka Arts Alive event. Stay tuned for more on that next week!
OK, Artsies, please don’t judge me, remember I was a young, impressionable girl growing up in the South.. but I was obsessed with Gone With the Wind as a youngster. Don’t recall how old I was when I first saw the movie, but I’ve already confessed my early love for glamour and gorgeous design. Then as a pre-teen, I read the novel, my first “adult” book, and the full-blown obsession began. The movie always drew me back in and as an adult, I grew more critical and analytical of the characters and design. The fifth painting in my Feminine Wiles series, is a color study of Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara, prominently featuring her signature color.
The character’s costumes, designed by Walter Plunkett feature a heavy dose of emerald and jade hues. The green is an obvious nod to Scarlett’s Irish heritage and her notable green eyes. But perhaps the color was used to make a few more subtle clues into Scarlett’s personality..
Earthy yet regal, in green, we see Scarlett as the renown beauty and notorious flirt, but also the pillar of strength and a cut-throat businesswoman. She uses whatever and whoever may be at her disposal to get what she needs. A character that’s often difficult to love.
Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind by Lesley Frenz
acrylic on canvas panel, 6×6
Did you have any movies or characters you were obsessed with when young? I still can’t resist watching a bit of GWTW whenever I catch it on. Want to see more of the work in my Feminine Wiles series? Check out the archives here. This is the last piece I currently have finished.. guess someone needs to do some painting this weekend!
Film image sources listed above, paintings by Lesley Frenz aka Artsy Forager.
Now that Spring is here and we are eager to explore our new spot, Mr. Forager & I have been getting back into a regular hiking routine, weather permitting, we are out on the trails every Saturday. One of my absolute favorite things about hiking is the chance to marvel at the natural world just outside our back door. Every hike is filled with wonder and discovery. Perhaps that’s what has drawn me to the work of today’s artist. The ceramic sculptures of Susan Beiner are bursting with organic whimsy, making me want to peer closer to take it all in.
Clusters and orbs remind me of the mussels and anemones that we delighted in among the tide pools along the beaches in Trinidad this weekend. Each piece seems teeming with life, ready to explode with movement at any second. All the nooks and crannies, where there may be hiding a new shape, a new creature to be discovered. These pieces are like the best of hikes– there is always something new to see and each glance leaves us looking forward to the next discovery.
So you’ve found an artist whose work you LOVE and you want to commission the artist to create a piece of work especially for you. How exciting!! But you don’t know where to start. If you’ve never done it before, commissioning an original work by an artist can be intimidating ( for you and the artist! ). So here are a few guidelines on how to commission artwork that I hope will help when you’re ready to take the plunge!
1 | know the artist, know yourself
As enticing as it might be to instantly fall in love with an artist’s work and immediately set off on commissioning them, you’ll be better off slowing down a bit. Take some time to really get to know the artist’s work, their palette, style, medium, what you love about it, ask yourself if living with a piece of this artist’s work will make you happy forever and ever.
Once you’ve done that, figure out what you want. If you’re commissioning for a specific location, figure out what size would work best ( often an artist can help guide you if you’re uncertain ). Do you prefer a work on canvas or paper or another substrate? Maybe the artist works in a few different styles like our Featured Artist, Erin McIntosh. If so, determine which style you’d like your commission to follow. And then there’s the most fun decision of all– palette. What colors would you like to see incorporated? Is there a certain palette the artist works within that you love? Collect fabrics, paint samples, photos, anything the artist can use for reference and guidance. Help the artist by creating a vision of what you’re expecting.
2 | communicate what you want
Reach out to the artist first and find out if a| they are accepting commissions, b| what their current lead time might be, and c| the price for a commission in the size you’re desiring. It’s possible that the answer to any of these questions might mean putting off the commission until the artist has time or you have the necessary funds ( though always ask about payment options– many artists will work with a payment plan! ).
Once those basics are agreed upon, chat with the artist via phone or email about your expectations ( email is best, so you both have a record of what was discussed ) . Share all the visual references you can, use as many descriptive phrases as you can– like happy, serene, intense, organic, bright, light, etc. Give the artist your specifics regarding size, substrate and style and be sure to include information like where the piece will hang, who it is for ( if a gift ), if the work will commemorate a special occasion, etc. All these elements will help guide an artist into creating a work of art that fits your vision.
3 | expect a written agreement
Once you and the artist have communicated fully your exact needs and expectations and agreed upon a price and lead time, the artist should provide you with a written statement of what is to be done, including all specifics regarding price, size, substrate, palette, shipping arrangements if not local, deposit and payment arrangements, etc. for your approval and acceptance. This step protects both your interests and the artists, certifying that both parties understand what is expected of each other.
4 | don’t mistake an artist for a machine
Let’s say you’ve commissioned an original based on another existing but unavailable work by the same artist. Same style, same substrate, same palette, same everything. But don’t expect an exact replica of that piece you loved. An original piece of artwork is a completely unique undertaking, each piece will have its own personality. Just like a snowflake, no two are exactly alike. On the other hand, if you receive progress photos from the artist and things don’t seem to be going in the direction you’d specified either stylistically or palette-wise, don’t be afraid to communicate your concern to the artist. They want you to be happy with your finished piece, so your feedback will be necessary and appreciated.
5 | be patient, be available
You’ve paid your deposit and the artist has given you a lead time. Now just sit back and wait. I know it’s hard!! We live in such an instant gratification society, we want what we want and we want it NOW. But creating an original work of art takes time and the artist may have other projects due to be completed before yours. It will be done, just be patient. And be available if the artist has questions, wants your input or needs your opinion. ( see #4 ).
6 | accept your finished piece with grace and thanks
Wham, bam, thank you ma’am is no way to finish off commissioning a piece of artwork. Yes, you’ve paid the artist, but said artist has put a tremendous amount of time, creative energy and spirit into your creation. A heartfelt, gracious thank you goes a long way! And helping spread the word about your beautiful new work of art and lovely commissioning experience will support and encourage the artist’s career and soul.
Now all that’s left to do is to live with and love your work of art for always!
While I have a great love of work with lush, chaotic patterns and texture, there is always something so lovely and intriguing in work that embraces visual economy. Barcelona based, German born artist Sabine Finkenauer breaks down the world into simple lines and shapes, creating a signature visual language that is a little whimsical, a little retro and altogether lovely.
There is a childlike playfulness to her work, but her use of space and palette bring a sense of sophistication. Light-hearted enough to seem like Sunday afternoon doodles, looking closer and at her body of work as a whole, you can see the thought and calculation as she works her way through her use of space, line and color in drawing, painting, collage and sculpture.
Want to see more of Sabine Finkenauer‘s work? Please visit her website. Wouldn’t it be lovely to see the world in such a simple way? I’m making that a goal this week– ignore the distractions and see what is simply before me.
Another week, another painting in my Feminine Wiles series to share with you! Feminine Wiles is a series of small abstract color studies based on iconic female film characters. My introduction to many of these films and characters came through my mom, with whom I share a love of sappy love stories, witty characters, and gorgeous design. One of her favorite character turns ( and mine!! ) is Barbara Streisand as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl.
I’ve always loved the palette of this film– filled with warm earthy browns and oranges, highlighted with delicate pinks and passionate reds– but when thinking about this project, I was struck by the reoccurring use of lavender hues on and around Fanny. Of course, this could have something to do with how the cool hues so beautifully compliment Streisand’s creamy complexion! But I like to think that costume designer Irene Sharaff and the production team were delicately clueing the audience in to the fact that the character of this young girl from Henry Street was destined for greatness.
Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl by Lesley Frenz
acrylic on canvas panel, 6×6
Purples hues are often associated with royalty, riches and power. So it isn’t surprising that Fanny would often assume a lavender glow. She was a star, but unlike Jo Stockton, one of her own making. She was confident in her talent and passionate in her pursuit of fame and stardom, even at personal loss.
In the end, despite setbacks and heartache, Fanny perseveres and shows that the strong will always survive. I’ve always thought there were great lessons to be learnt from Funny Girl— of tenacity, talent, love, humility and perseverance. Oh and let’s not forget that unbelievably beautiful voice!
To see more from the Feminine Wiles series, check out the archives here. Next week, a polarizing character and one of the most iconic! Hint: drapery.
Film image sources linked above, art images by Lesley Frenz.
