QWERTY

QWERTY 6-7-13

QWERTY

8″ x 10″ (20 x 25 cm) – oil on gessobord – commission

Finished it today. At least signed it! Showed it to the client and she likes it! What a great thing! It is now drying, then will get oiled out and studied with great precision – I already see two spots that need some touching up, – then varnish and done.

This was probably the most challenging painting I ever attempted. Was even harder than the crinkled paper! Are you seeing all these ellipses? Those who are curious enough can count them and let me know.

The client asked me – How can you stand to let your pictures go? After all you put into them?

That’s a great question! I remember time when it was hard to part with artwork I made, but it changed. Some time around 2011 I started thinking of myself as a professional artist. This is what professionals do – we make artwork and we let it go into the world. That is if we are so lucky that the world wants to take our works.

And yet they never leave completely, do they, these sold paintings, commissioned images, pieces of our imagination? I may be working on a passage and it would be a slow going, and then I’d remember – I’ve done this in Fiddlesticks or in Waiting for Adam. I learned something invaluable in every painting. And then there’s another thing… I flew over France on my way to Israel a couple of months ago and I thought: one of my paintings is down there in Normandy. And I heard some news from Fresno CA the other day and thought: ah yes one of my paintings is there in Fresno – how about it…

So yes, I am happy to let them go. And to be paid for them too.

16 Comments

  1. barbtaub June 8, 2013

    Actually, the client thinks it’s a work of absolute genius!

    In college, I lived across the street from one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpieces, Robie House. I met an old lady visiting who said she’d grown up in the house, which the master had not only built, but also done the designs for furniture, drapes, etc. She said he’d show up without notice, come in and move all furniture back to his exactly specified positions, and leave.

    Well, Alex — I hope you’ll show up at any time and feel free to adjust your masterpiece however you wish!

    • Alex Zonis June 9, 2013

      Well, any time you’d like another picture you can have it! It was the most fun painting for you!

      Talking about Robie House – we were down there the other day visiting Seminary Bookstore. I don’t know if you heard that Seminary moved? From their most amazing basement to a nice and airy above-the-ground space just north of the Robie House on Woodlawn. I am trying to like the new space… it will never be the same.

  2. xlancelot June 8, 2013

    Alex, this is a great work. I wish you ‘d want to post the image and the whole text in the group, i’d bring some interesting discussion. My compliments.

    Saludos Jorge Royan .. Of: 54 11 4719 7130 Cel: 15 4479 1191 http://www.royan.com.ar

    • Alex Zonis June 9, 2013

      Was a nice and lively discussion! Thanks for suggesting it, Jorge!

  3. Nic McLean June 8, 2013

    Alex – each piece surpasses the last if that is even possible. This is incredible. I didn’t count the ellipses but my mind boggles at even beginning to start a painting as detailed as that!

    • Alex Zonis June 9, 2013

      It was quite an undertaking, I admit. Very complex. I did not know what I was getting into when I suggested this subject… When I got into it and realize, I was not sure I could do it – was scared a little. Though my daughter says I often get slightly panicky in a middle of a painting.

  4. Lou Agosta June 8, 2013

    Quite an inspiration to all writers and would be authors. Qwerty an inspiration. Well done. Congratulations.

    • Alex Zonis June 9, 2013

      You are my Knight in the shining armor! Thank you!

  5. Carol King June 8, 2013

    I really like the composition of QWERTY. This painting is amazing. And that is one lucky owner of this painting. I like the glasses and the chipped cup next to the typewriter. As if the author of the next greatest tome just got up to get something to eat.

    • Alex Zonis June 9, 2013

      Thank you, Carol! The painting is going to a writer :). I heard that she is planning to have it over her writing desk – I am so pleased with this. I think you may like her work – she invariably makes me laugh – what a talent! Visit http://barbtaub.com, another WordPress blooger.

  6. joantav June 10, 2013

    This is lovely!!! I can’t imagine painting so many ellipses with such precision.

    • Alex Zonis June 11, 2013

      Thank you, Joan! The interesting fact is that my ellipses are not all that precise or correct. But they are close enough to trick the brain into wanting to believe :). Once again – a willing suspension of disbelief!

  7. Jana Bouc June 10, 2013

    I really love this painting! You are amazing! And your attitude about parting with paintings is wonderful. I find it much easier to part with oil paintings than watercolors which took longer and the successful ones were often painted in a state of grace (since it’s so hard to make corrections, unlike with oils) and often felt like little miracles when they turned out really well.
    Jana

    • Alex Zonis June 11, 2013

      Thanks, Jana! Like you, I so appreciate a visit and a few words. The world indeed seems to digress to a Like button. Thank you for stopping by!

  8. Anthony Biardie October 3, 2013

    This is great! I want to talk about a commission. Do you paint bigger?

    • Alex Zonis October 5, 2013

      Thanks, Anthony! Sending you an email.

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