"Paintings have a life of their own that derives from the painter's soul." Vincent Van Gogh

Monday, February 4, 2019

Morgan and Picasso

Morgan, almost 8 / oil on linen board, 12 x 12
Morgan is the very beautiful and accomplished 8 year old granddaughter of my cousin Audre. I painted this casual portrait of her as a surprise  Christmas gift. Morgans parents were very happy and rewarded  me with this photo of the painting nestled atop their mantle on Christmas day.





Generally speaking (and after seeing numerous cubist paintings at various museums), I am not a big fan of cubism but I am a big fan of Picasso's early work - he was such a talented and unique painter even then. Recently, after watching the Genius  television series on the life of Picasso, I purchased a used copy of the 1980 catalogue from the Picasso retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art in NYC. It is a very comprehensive chronology of his work and I have spent many long hours pouring through it and learning from him. Many of the photos are in black and white but there are some fascinating color plates as well.



Pablo Picasso A Retrospective 1980

Child Holding a Dove 1901 and Self Portrait 1901

Woman in Blue 1901

Trying my hand at a Picasso and attempting to understand and emulate his fearless brushwork, I painted this little copy of a vibrant portrait he did in Paris in 1901

Portrait of Bibi la Puree after Picasso / oil on cardboard 12 x 9



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14 comments:

  1. JaneFebruary 5, 2019 at 9:15 AM

    What a gorgeous portrait of Morgan , love her expression and her hair so filled with light.

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    1. SusanFebruary 7, 2019 at 2:23 PM

      The natural light on her was just perfect - as if it was just begging to haveher portrait painted!

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  2. Carol FlattFebruary 5, 2019 at 12:22 PM

    You are amazing, Susan. I love the painting of Morgan. Your portraits seem always to have so much personality in them! The light on her hair is stunning, and I love the glance to her right rather than full on. Unique!

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    1. SusanFebruary 7, 2019 at 2:22 PM

      Thanks so much, Carol - I was absolutely thrilled that her parents liked it so much - with art, you just never know!

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  3. hmuxoFebruary 5, 2019 at 12:54 PM

    This is Portrait is absolutely beautiful....she is painted so well, Susan. The tilt in her head, and expression looks so natural. Amazing light in her hair.... LOVE this one!!!! I enjoy copying the Masters.... a definite learning tool!!!!!! Which reminds me,I haven’t done it in awhile!!!!!

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    1. SusanFebruary 7, 2019 at 2:21 PM

      Thank you so much, Hilda. I need to do more copying of the Masters as well. I always learn so much!

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  4. Simonne's fantasiestudioFebruary 6, 2019 at 1:23 PM

    Hey Susan, het portret is echt prachtig geworden !!
    ik wens je nog veel succes .
    groetjes van Simonne

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    1. SusanFebruary 7, 2019 at 2:21 PM

      She was a great joy to paint - her interest was caught by something out of sight of the viewer. I knew I just had to paint her like that!

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  5. juliefordoliver.blogspot.comFebruary 6, 2019 at 9:56 PM

    The portrait is ALIVE! Congratulations on such a great piece.
    I am excited to see you trying something different when in my eyes you are already top tier. Very inspirational.
    . I have been admirer of Picasso’s work ever since art school. I went to see the retrospective and it blew me away. It was hung chronologically so you could see the start of each new direction his work was going to take. The MMA in NYC has Woman In White, and i have spent many hours studying the technique he used - I wanted to paint like that but it wasnt meant to be!!


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    1. SusanFebruary 7, 2019 at 2:19 PM

      Oh, Julie, I have stood in front of Woman in White many, many times and have always been thrilled by it! She is so perfect - her classical beauty and the simplicity of design are absolutely awe inspiring!
      And thank you for your kind words - they mean so much to me!

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  6. JudyFebruary 7, 2019 at 3:25 AM

    I love Morgan's portrait! Picasso is very inspiring, the child with dove is one of my favourites!

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    1. SusanFebruary 7, 2019 at 2:15 PM

      I love that one too, and hope I get to see it in person one day. A few years ago, at the National Gallery in Washington DC, I saw his Family of Saltimbanques and was captivated! Photos do not do it justice at all.

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  7. SusanFebruary 7, 2019 at 2:05 PM

    So happy! Thanks, Regine!

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  8. martinealisonFebruary 18, 2019 at 8:26 PM

    ... Morgan est une très jolie petite fille et quel joli portrait. Un présent fantastique qui a dû être très apprécié.

    Un ouvrage très intéressant. J'aime beaucoup la période rose et bleu de Picasso.

    Gros bisous 🌸

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Your comments are welcome and brighten my day!

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