A couple of days ago I posted my watercolor painting, Cancan Girls, as the source of inspiration for the three Rosenblatt Sisters in my novel, Apart from Love. Now let me go a few steps backwards and give you a glimpse into the composition process of that painting.
It is based on several quick sketches of a model in cancan costume, which she (a woman of many talents) had sewn by herself. Unlike other models, trained to pose for a long time without moving a muscle, this one could not sit still, not even for a moment! Without being cute, or shapely in any way, she certainly had a presence in the room. This cancan girl kept humming, sometimes under her breath, sometimes with full-throated giggles, barely able to contain her bustling energy--which truly endeared her to me. So right away I knew that these sketches would lead me to something special.
I took them and tried various ways of combining them on paper. By that I mean, combining her various poses in space, so the farther figures would be smaller, and the closer ones--larger, so as to suggest a perspective. Also, I wanted to create a story of a relationship between the figures. Finally I came up with an arrangement that suggested an outsider, set against a tightly knit group. The figures exchanged looks between them, examining her with curiosity, suspicion, even enmity--even though all of them sprang from the same mold: an amazingly animated model...
It is based on several quick sketches of a model in cancan costume, which she (a woman of many talents) had sewn by herself. Unlike other models, trained to pose for a long time without moving a muscle, this one could not sit still, not even for a moment! Without being cute, or shapely in any way, she certainly had a presence in the room. This cancan girl kept humming, sometimes under her breath, sometimes with full-throated giggles, barely able to contain her bustling energy--which truly endeared her to me. So right away I knew that these sketches would lead me to something special.
I took them and tried various ways of combining them on paper. By that I mean, combining her various poses in space, so the farther figures would be smaller, and the closer ones--larger, so as to suggest a perspective. Also, I wanted to create a story of a relationship between the figures. Finally I came up with an arrangement that suggested an outsider, set against a tightly knit group. The figures exchanged looks between them, examining her with curiosity, suspicion, even enmity--even though all of them sprang from the same mold: an amazingly animated model...
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Dearest Uvi...on you go caring, doing, painting, writing..You must be a wizard! I just want to let you know, if case I haven't already....how very much I appreciate your wonderful energy, talent and generosity and that you share it so often. My Momma would say: "You are a very good girl!"
ReplyDeleteI loved when that happened. My Mother was the kindest person who ever lived! Without her love and encouragemet...I likely would no longer inhabit this planet. Thank YOU!!!!
Thank you Dear Sussan, it feels so rewarding, being called "a very good girl"--haven't been called that for a while! And you're a lucky girl yourself, to have such a great mother!
DeleteSimply amazing. May be you should be named Amazing Uvi :-D
ReplyDeleteYou make it sound easy and methodical, but it the hands & eyes that sketch & paint with such elegance. Your narratives give a deep insight to your creative impulses and how you marshal them. Kudos, Uvi :-))
Thank you Shyam. Means a lot coming from a creative poet such as yourself.
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Yes, Uvi. I am beaming reading the perfect praise for your work, which cannot be separated from the person you are. This unassuming, gracious, gentle-yet-fiery heart of yours; coupled with your seemingly boundless talent, makes you a unique and powerful artist. I am honored to "know" and be inspired by you. Thank you, Uvi.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine your beaming smile, Britton. The inspiration is mutual!
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