Untitled, acrylic on panel, 14x11
I know--my paintings always have titles (this looks a bit like Boy George or the redhead from Mad Men). Those curlicues are part of the easel.
I'm a member of the Convergence Art Guild in Halifax VA. On Thursday evening, the Halifax Chamber of Commerce and guests converged on the Guild and I was one of, I believe, ten artists who agreed to paint or draw something in just one hour; followed by a silent auction with proceeds going to the Guild. During my 25-mile drive to the Guild I made the decision of what to paint--on Sunday I had seen a large floor model bullet-shaped chrome hair dryer at an estate sale; probably a 1950's model. I didn't buy it ($50), I didn't photograph it, and I couldn't find it on Google--I remembered the shape and "Hoover." Members and guests of the Chamber thought I might be painting the Pope (I thought of Sir Frances Bacon; others thought it might be a Bishop). At 7 p.m. I signed the painting--larger than normal--and thought I'd be bringing it home where I'd follow Celeste Bergin's example--I'd sand it off and repaint.
Wrong! All the paintings sold. The owner of this one is the Town Manager of Halifax, Carl Espy--young and handsome. I was okay with the sale during most of my drive home. Then it hit me--do I really want people to see this? Can I ask Mr. Espy to attach a note to the painting explaining that it was done in one hour? I think I have a plan. There is a group show coming up next month. I like the concept of this painting; with no audience and a bit more time I can paint a better version. And, with a bit more money, Mr. Espy can trade in this version for a new improved model!
It was an enjoyable evening. The other artists produced good work; they were: Don Bagwell, Peggy Blount, Maxine Dunninger, Dianne Hills, Nelly Z. Jones, Ron Miller, Rebecca Rodgers, Steve Schopen (who finished two), and I'm missing a name. Had I been smart I would have gotten a bidder's number and brought some of those pieces home to Clarksville; I'm not sure that was allowed. (I have photos of the other works but failed to get permission to include them on my blog.)
Oct 23. I just received a compliment on my "Vacuum Pope." (Maybe a title?)
Oct 23. I just received a compliment on my "Vacuum Pope." (Maybe a title?)
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It reminds me of the coneheads, (the movie).
ReplyDeleteYou paint well. Good job! :)
Have a nice weekend!
Lanacelonie--you're right. I thought of them for a minute when I was painting--I remember Jane Curtin on SNL. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi Hallie, Definitely looks like the coneheads! And, on second look, it has a1950s feel too. It looks like how I feel at a beauty salon! Fun and surreal!
ReplyDeleteI smiled all the way through this post - from the untitled painting, to getting inside your head on the way to and from the event, to the fact that it sold. Fun times!
ReplyDeleteWhen I first saw the name Hoover on the hood I thought of vacuum cleaners and wondered what you were trying to say. Once I saw the posters on the wall behind her, though, I figured out what was going on. (Those posters were a nice touch, by the way.)
What I know for sure is that this queenly visage, bedecked with crown and robe, is holding court over all of us who dare look upon her. I just hope I find favor...
-Don
that is great that it sold...and it has a spontaneity that would not be there without that wonderful time limit. I bet the new owner really enjoys that painting...say what you will, it is sure to be a conversation piece!
ReplyDeletep.s. thanks for the mention--I'll be sanding more tomorrow!
Hi Peggy. This was fun. I skip the drying part at the hair salon--I just open the car windows on the drive home.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Don. I'm sure a handsome bearded man in black will find favor. It does look like the top half of a vacuum cleaner.
He Celeste. That spontaneity brought on a headache--I am a slow painter who needs to step back often. (I just ordered the book "Alla Prima." Maybe it will help with speed.)
looking at your painting it makes me smile, and it feels fun. I am also curious about the background portraits, nice touch.
ReplyDeleteRobin--thanks for the smile. When I go for a haircut, there are posters on the wall showing various styles. I always point to the one near the front door but I realize I'll never look like the model. The posters in the painting are what I think 50s/60s hairstyles might have been--the flip, the pixie.
ReplyDeleteOK- let me get this straight. You painted this in one hour from memory... and you say you're slow?!? What? (Big grin.)
ReplyDeleteI think it's the cartoonist in me, but I'm especially attracted to your lettering on the dryer cone. It's perfect!
You know, add the chair, more of the tubing, and there will be no doubt about the setting.
I'm intrigued Hallie by the fact that you generally paint one person per canvas. Is this intentional or does it just work out that way?
As far as your elaborate plan to improve upon your work for the high bidder... don't be afraid to scrap it if you aren't motivated to carry it out. He bid on it and bought it because he liked it just as it was. It spoke to him and that was the whole point of the challenge! You're artistry shines through here.
Hi Pam. Yes, I'm slow and most of it is just improvised. But, like Reginald Marsh, (big grin) I remembered the lettering--the way the crossbar on the H was slanted. Do my solitary figures mean I'm a recluse? Maybe, or it could be that I like a Whamo-hit-you-over-the-head place to look--no paths to follow. When I visit museums, I'm drawn to the paintings with one lone figure. (My sculptures often had more than one person.) I actually am interested in painting this again, just for myself--not necessarily for a show. Mr. Estes was very nice, and I asked if I could mention his name on my blog. I think it's okay to joke about a plan; after all, I live in a different county.
ReplyDeleteOne hour or not, this still has the unmistakable Hallie style, it even seems surreal to me, like many others of yours even though it was apparently not intended. A direct almost challenging gaze, the similarity to a crown and robes, or electric chair, or bishop's hat, or bullet, or his brains are about to be vacuumed out or something and (s)he's saying "I dare you to tell me this is wrong!" (Yes this is why art critics should be shot). Really cool. Don't take it back - be proud of it. In one hour, that's really something!
ReplyDeleteI just read your reply to my comment. My brain isn't functioning right. It's been off kilter for a while. I reread your bit about the "plan" and now I get it was a joke. Sorry about that! I guess I responded that way because it is exactly what I would do... except mean it.
ReplyDeleteReginald would be proud of your letters. I've been working on my fine lines in acrylic tonight for my future lettering. You motivate me to keep at it!
Dan. Uh, oh--you're getting dangerously close to my thinking. The electric chair and brain-vacuuming did occur to me. I don't want to take it back; like all artists I wish I had done better. Thank you; I'll ponder what "unmistakable Hallie style" means. A few loose screw perhaps?
ReplyDeleteHi Pam. Plots are fun but you know me; I was absent when goal-planning and organization were passed out. There is a slight chance I'll have that painting for the next show. Lettering is not easy; when I was adding "HOOVER" I had to count the letters and start in the middle; then hope for enough space. Actually, "OOVER" might have been even better--no mistakes in art. I'm happy to hear that you're working with those acrylics!
What you can do in in hour is amazing! Having one's hair 'hoovered' is such a surreal idea... You're always thought-provoking - perhaps that's what Dan means by your 'unmistakable style'. I've never seen anything of yours and just thought 'That's pretty'without thinking about it again afterwards.
ReplyDeleteThank you MM. That you think about the paintings afterwards is a great compliment. One day I might surprise everyone (even myself) with a pretty painting. I usually like--or feel--a slight pull towards surreal.
ReplyDeleteOnce again you knock my socks off...you're 'Left of center world view' is fabo..fabo.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS!!!
I'm proud of her for wretching herself free from you so she could go home with a young and handsome man...she worked hard for that look.
Ah, Donna--your comment made me smile. You're right about her choice, too. Had she not gone home with Mr. Espy, she'd be propped against the wall in my studio.
ReplyDeleteAnd I just updated your blog address, donnaionadrozda.com. (No picture on my sidebar?) Thanks for the reminder; now I'll re-read it.
ReplyDeleteStop! Don't you dare scrap this painting!! I love it and the fact that you painted it in just and hour means you didn't over think it. It flowed from your inner artist.I doubt if you would be able to barter with the buyer. He knew a unique creation when he bought it! I would have bought it if I had the money to spare. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Eva. I do have mixed feelings. Years ago, I used my mallet to destroy some sculptures that weren't up to snuff--I didn't want my name on them. Our son, who bought the MD house, said he's found arms and legs all over the back yard. I should have used a tiny signature on this painting but I didn't have a tiny brush.
ReplyDeleteI didn't even think twice about your signature. I think the Hoover logo wonderfully stole the show!
ReplyDeleteTo answer your previous question:
ReplyDeleteI don't know what channel you're on or what planet for that matter. I'm just very glad that your transmitter gets your messages to your art, your studio and your blog. You're hilarious.
Congratulations for staying out of your own way and allowing whatever you're channelling to come through. When I'm allowed to stay up that late (you've got to be late show), I'll always watch. Btw, do you have a license to air this stuff?
Welcome, SamArtDog. I am a late person; I watch Charlie Rose and then I watch my show. Occasionally I spend the night painting or drawing. Licenses are totally unnecessary after a certain age--rules are for the young who want and need to be accepted. I enjoy following your blog--I worried about the bears and the fires and I have iphone envy (no AT&T in this area). Love the beagle; we had one named Cleo.
ReplyDeleteH.W.
ReplyDeleteI hear the pope has gone missing....
did you find him ?
good work
Hi JB. Thank you. I'm thinking I'd better hurry and post a new entry. My dad was a minister and I like to steer clear of anything religious. We never know what the viewers will see--that's the fun part.
ReplyDelete