Gary J. Kirkpatrick Art and Travel Blog
Posting original art
We have been mooring in the deep countryside of Friesland, a province of the Netherlands. Reeds, still used for making thatched roofs, line the canals. Among the wildlife are storks, who nest on the tops of trees. Their black tails help make them more visible from a distance. They have even made some special nesting spots for these large birds.
This is another in my series of paintings inspired by Edward Hopper. This is based on In a New York restaurant. While the general design is Hopper’s, there are many variation of the design and changes to the characters in the set, in addition to a much different painting style and technique. For example, with regard to the characters, the central figure’s face is fully exposed and is an auto retrato. The cloaked figure’s face is showing. There are three red headed figures and a figure behind the revolving door.
Click https://garyjkirkpatrick.com/category/art/hopper-inspired/ to see the other paintings in this series.
Duurstede Castle is in the town of Wijk bij Duurstede in the Netherlands. The castle dates from the 13th century.
Rhectern Castle lies on the Overijsselse Vecht River near Dalfsen, Nederleands. It is privately owned, dating from the 12th century. You can not visit the interior and are kept well back. It’s a lovely bike ride from the village.
My take on two famous portraits. I gave Mona a gaunt look with a square jaw. I interpreted the profile of Sargeant’s fabulous Madam X.
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Vermeer’s Girl With A Pearl Earring inspired this painting. My reference reminded me of his fabulous and famous piece. However there are major differences. He bathed her face in light, but here it is gently swathed in shadow with highlights produced by the light coming from the side. The background is lighter and more varied than Vermeer’s traditionally dark surface.
The annual Day of the Woman is March 3. In Picanya, a small town on the outskirts of Valencia, the Dones de Picanya (Valencino for The Women of Picanya) organize an annual street art event. My contribution is called Lidereses, Women Leaders, consists of five paintings of women engaged in leadership activities.
When I was young there was little information about potential careers. At that time, women became mothers, teachers or nurses. There were very few doctors, lawyers, scientists, etc. You have to talk to young people, especially girls, about the opportunities that can be their’s. You start with a dream. I want to be this or that. Then you learn about what it takes to become what you want to be.
Last year’s contribution, Live Your Dreams, is here https://garyjkirkpatrick.com/live-your-dreams-art-on-the-street-fair-in-valencia/
A year on, war in Ukraine continues. War always brings out the best and worst in humanity. Examples of both are here represented.
These are both short (less than two minutes) and long poses.
