Finally Frida VII

I’ve been looking back over my posts last year and I realized that I gave a sneak peek at Frida VII while she was in studio, but never the completed version. She was as much a handful for me as the real life Frida, but after 6 months of work she was complete. I think this is my best painting to date, my Masterpiece, so if I died tomorrow I could say I achieved my 10 year goal.

On the back I quoted Frida Khalo “Feet, what do I need you for when I have wings to fly?” And I think that sums up how I feel about my work heading into 2020. I took time off to spend with my Mum in 2019, but I’m back and excited about what is yet to come!

Thank you all for your continued readership, it means the world to me.

Progress shots

Frida Kahlo VII Sneak Peek

My summer by the lake is so mesmerising and at the same time so busy that I keep forgetting to post. Though I’m pretty sure it’s doing my work the world of good. The disconnect from my other world, the sunshine and the peaceful lapping of the waves, are all healing to the soul.

For those that know I care for my mother full time, she’s doing well, but slowing down considerably. I’m also learning to listen to my own ageing body and rest more. Occasionally I even get an uninterupted seven hours sleep. Bliss!

As I write, it occurs to me that like many other families we are feminizing. By that I mean there is little male influence or input. With my father, my partner and my sisters’ partner all gone, the sole representative of the male sector in our little group is my nephew, who, being involved in music, doesn’t exude heaps of testosterone. It therefore seems completely natural that I should be deeply involved in my Frida Kahlo series.

I am currently working on a large 36” x 60” commission of Frida, which is the seventh in the series and the second commission. The patron, also female, has several challenging requests, not the least of which is fitting a portrait into a large landscape format. It’s still under wraps and going well, but its taking it’s time. As most images of Frida are square on to the camera and compositionally I need her slightly turned, I’m having to make up features as I go. After all I can’t just phone her up for a sitting!

Here are a few teasers until I can release the WIP series.

Summer Breeze V?

If you’ve been following me for a while you may recognise this painting. It has gone through many versions and many color palettes over the last few years: I was never quite saisfied though.

In this version I like the fresh breezy feeling. I’m pleased with the impression of cloud shadows throughout the scene and the sparkle on the water. Some of our beaches have shallow water which encourages rippling waves from wake like these, and the shadow under the tee looks like a good place to read an e-book and enjoy some down time.

I have a submission coming up in a couple of months, which calls for pet paintings and I may add a dog here running along the shoreline. For now this painting can be purchased on Artfinder, sans dog, or I could even add your pet pal.

Frida Khalo Progress Collage

I think I forgot to post the progress shots for Frida VI. I wanted to nderpaint in yellow to see if it gave a brighter look to the finished painting. Without comparing it to a painting of the same subject and same palette but with no yellow undetpainting, its not scientific, but I do think the complexion of the finished Frida is rather lovely.

I’m happy I’ve run out of vintage unbleached cotton canvas, because it was so difficult to keep the beauty of the rare canvas and still create a good painting. I was constantly battling edges. I also wanted to try a portrait on 16” x 20” rather than 18” x 24”, but I found it too cramped, so I will probably go back to the latter.

Frida Khalo Series - #6

I see no reason to stop painting Frida Khalo just yet. Each portrait is a constant source of facination and learning. You will notice that the portraits are becoming less graphic and more like a real person. I observe closer and deeper, I am getting more in touch with Frida the person and further from Frida the icon.

I am also changing up different aspects of the creation: Changing the type of canvas, the color palette,  the means of preparation and texture. It’s impossible to be bored by the process or the series. I suppose I could accurately copy one of the earlier versions in the series, but where’s the fun in that?

My ultimate quest is not to make an accurate rendition, but to somehow capture the essence of her being. To add a certain something that cannot be described, but helps the viewer know her better, even without knowing who she is.

Presenting ... Frida VI - 16” x 20” on deep Gallery Wrap Canvas - available here