QWERTY
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.
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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!
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.
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
Was a nice and lively discussion! Thanks for suggesting it, Jorge!
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!
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.
Quite an inspiration to all writers and would be authors. Qwerty an inspiration. Well done. Congratulations.
You are my Knight in the shining armor! Thank you!
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.
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.
This is lovely!!! I can’t imagine painting so many ellipses with such precision.
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!
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
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!
This is great! I want to talk about a commission. Do you paint bigger?
Thanks, Anthony! Sending you an email.