This Is Not Just Another Narcissistic Rant . . . It’s Actually About Georgia O’Keefe
Oops! You’d think if I were writing a post about her (and linking it) I’d spell O’keeffe correctly, wouldn’t you?
Artistic Life Lesson Learned The Hard Way
I (or more accurately my style of work in watercolor pencil ) often (as in several times a year) gets compared to Bev Doolittle. And to be honest, it does bear some resemblances. Most people think the resemblance has to do with my emulating her work because I like her. I think Bev is a great artist who created a genre’ that made her a millionaire and a household name for anyone in the print business. (definitely something to aspire to) But no, she is not one of my hero’s. Not even a little.
No Hidden Images - 21 x 23
Water Color Pencil on 140# Arches Hot Press
I have never been flattered by this comparison, though it is so clearly meant to be a compliment because of an experience early in my art career.
Long before I knew much of anything about the contemporary artists of the time. (You know back when I was all about animal health for a living and lived in a bubble.) (A much smaller bubble than I do now) I did a rearing paint horse based on a high school classmates horse in watercolor pencil. (that’s how long, long ago it was) Even at that time we did an art fair every once in awhile. And people would come running over excitedly in droves, because they thought the painting was a Bev Doolittle. Upon realization that is wasn’t, they promptly left the booth (without looking about further) hugely disappointed.
Alternate title that I rejected because it was . . .
too silly,slanderous. . . basically untrue.How Famous “Hidden Images” Artist Bev Doolittle Slapped The Innocence Right Out Of Me.
Now imagine that is you, and that happens over and over again. Trust me it’s an ego crusher. Nothing could have drilled into me more, the importance of finding my own voice. (Sad thing is, that was/is my voice.)
The painting had a title (which I no longer remember) that I later changed to “No Hidden Images” as a tongue in cheek poke to Doolittle. Fortunately the painting sold quickly. But as a result I didn’t do another paint horse for years. And I still haven’t done one in the lovely chestnut and white combination.
What’s surprising to me that people still occasionally see a resemblance in my work.
Which kinda brings me to the point of this post.
One a rare occasion (about once every year) someone says they see a little Georgia O’keefe in my work. Now for me, that’s a compliment. I love O’keefe, both her work and her personal life. So imagine my excitement when I learned there is going to be a movie about the life of Georgia O’keefe on the Lifetime channel, Sept. 19th.
We of course are going to be gone but hopefully I’ll remember to crank up the VCR to record it. (Yeah, I know. I am still living in the stone age. TiVo is completely beyond my grasp.)
I’m so glad to read about this, since Georgia was a favorite of Mother’s, too. Ok, so since it says it encore’s on the 20th and 22nd, that means we can watch it then, too, right? Or, is an “encore” usually something different?
Oh hey good to know. I see the commercial on tv but didn’t actually read all the info in the link I provided. Yes, I’d say they’re playing it again on the 20th and 22nd. Sweet! As far as I know, no art fair then.
Very interesting post, quite frankly I never thought of Doolittle when I have looked at your work — I do see the resemblance to some degree in the work you have posted. That is quite witty, giving that title and then selling it! (I also like your bubble remarks, LOL.)
Glad to you get to see the O’Keefe broadcast, I hope I remember to make the time to see it, also.
“No Hidden Images” is gorgeuous!!!!!! I really like it. Did you do any prints of it? I might just pick one up the next time we are both in Rolfe. LOL!!!
Mona: I’m glad Louise let us know about your blog. I can see hints of Bev Doolittle in some of your paintings. And I can see some Georgia O’Keeffe influence, too, especially your use of bright colors. Thanks for mentioning the O’Keeffe video. I have one from several years ago. Also, a few years ago during our July reading marathon at Okoboji, I read a biography of Georgia O’Keeffe and one of Frieda Kahlo. Both were amazing women. I like GO’s art, but I don’t like FK’s art. I do like Diego Rivera’s works, however.
I’m glad you found so many interesting things to do and photograph in Omaha. You visited several of our favorite places. Next time you should visit the Lauritzen Gardens, too. I’ve never been to the Hot Shops and really should go. I know a few people who work and exhibit there. A couple of other places you should see are the new sculpture gardens at the Joslyn Art Museum, and Jun Kaneko’s studio–or anyplace he exhibits his work. Also, there are some neat, large bronze sculptures near the First National Bank Building. Just a few places to keep in mind for your next exhibit.
Clara
Hey Joan, No prints of the No Hidden Images painting to be had. Though long, long ago we had some small one (like 8×8) and yes, they sold quite well. I just couldn’t take the comparison. I still really like the painting though.
Clara How nice of you to take a peek at the blog and post a comment. I’ve been to the Joslyn though not recently. The bronzes I have seen and love. The buffalo herd and geese and such. Really cool stuff. I don’t know who did them though they remind me of Peggy Detmers bronze work.
I too have not been to the Hot Shops but really want to go. Randi and I have a visit just about every time I’m in Omaha but have yet to see her workspace. Most of the time when we do an event, it is run in the day before, set up, and work it.Then leave late on Sunday night. It limits our really “seeing” the city.
Angela With all my oil pastel work (which bears no resemblance) and even after all this time since Doolittle has fallen off the art world charts, I still got compared by someone this weekend. Strange.
Hmm… I must be missing something (like my glasses)! I just followed the link to look at Doolittle’s work and I can’t see the resemblance at all! (With the exception of “No hidden images” of course).
Her hidden image paintings are clever, but personally I prefer your work.
Undaunted!!!!!! Where the heck have you been woman! I have missed you (and been worried)
I almost emailed several times but thought if you were deliberately dropping off the net for awhile (I have been looking for you in a few places) you probably didn’t want to be pestered.
So what’s the scoop?