Mixed Media on canvas, stretched and ready to hang.
Signed on the front.
Thank you so much for visiting my little studio. I’m so grateful for your interest in my art practice.
ABOUT THIS SERIES - “BELLE”
I first began this series of portraits as a hat-tip to Gustav Klimt. I have long been captivated by his use of strong colour and gold embellishment to create a wonderful counter play with the soft, pale skin tone of the ladies he depicted.
After a while, themes began to emerge within my own work. The pale, delicate face represents the spirit of the divine Feminine trapped within the gaudy, hedonistic world within which she finds herself.
Rich materials enshrine her form, whilst a golden backdrop sets off her delicate skin. Her body is placed in a taffy-textured, 2-dimensional space, her face the only curved surface seen. Her spirit the only “real” thing in the room.
She sits slightly off-centre to her environment, uncomfortably placed. Even awkward. She gazes out, her attempts to look at ease tinged by doubt and confusion.
“What am I doing here?”
I guess that’s my point. I’m still asking that question myself.
Perhaps we all are.
I think it was Albert Camus who said “life is absurd”. In these portraits, I examine this statement within the confines of my own experience.
I have given each lady a French moniker. Apart from the beauty of the language, I give kudos to this nation, who, I believe, have greatly enriched our lives today, whether it be in the visual, culinary or decorative arts, or simply how to set out a garden.
I do hope these images resonate with you. I painted them with much love.
ABOUT “CHANTELLE”
Chantelle sits in a grand room, upon an embroidered chair. She is dressed in finery, with a circlet of flowers upon her carefully arranged hair.
A singer and entertainer, she is used to waiting. One moment, she is just another person in the room. The next, she is on the stage, being watched by everyone. After the lights fade, she goes back to her chair to wait for the next performance.
Chantelle represents my bemusement with the absurdity of life. We are here for a short time, live life in earnest in short bursts, then fall back into the shadows in-between.
I love her. I hope she resonates with you as she does with me.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
Rich, taffy-like layers of acrylic are painted in flattened perspective upon stretched canvas. Pencil is used for the delicate facial features, before layers of protective fixative are added.
This work is ready to hang with sturdy D-rings and wire.
The sides are painted black to lift the surface image and make it “pop”. Black edged are ideal for floating frames, should you wish to avail yourself of the framing option. These ladies look wonderful edged in a black frame, giving them an Art Deco look.
I have signed this work on the front, with year and title on the back. A certificate of authenticity accompanies each piece.
Whatever your plans, I wish you a beautiful day, filled with art and other delicious experiences.
Blessings 🙏
Angeline xo