The Road Menders, 1889, painted en plein air
The Large Plane Trees, 1889, painted in studio
I had the pleasure of viewing the Phillips Collection in DC today and the opening of Van Gogh: Repetitions, an exhibit of 35 Van Gogh paintings borrowed from around the world and representing images that Van Gogh painted two or more times. The beauty of the exhibit is that the Phillips hung the repeated images side by side so the viewer could study the subtle and not so subtle differences as he tackled the same subject repeatedly. Fascinating. Loved seeing how he refined--and sometimes muted--his original creations. In most cases, I appreciated the en plein air, more freely painted pieces that were thick with paint and more fluid--and often they were his first or one of the first iterations .
I hadn't considered it, but realized that I have done a few of my own repetitions. So here is one collection, inspired by Modigliani's Seated Nude:
I hadn't considered it, but realized that I have done a few of my own repetitions. So here is one collection, inspired by Modigliani's Seated Nude:
Modigliani, (my inspiration), Seated Nude, 1916
Sitz, colored pencil, sketched while waiting in a doctor's office, 2010
Sitz, acrylic on board, 2011 ish
Sitz, paper on board, 2012
Sitz, paper on canvas, 2012--with added Rumi poetry
So consider if you have your own repetitions.
Patterns are often a part of our fabric. Some are habits, some are passions. Some healthy and insightful, others...not so much. May you learn from your patterns --both good and "bad." And when it looks like there is value for you, may you include that creation--that repetition-- in your repertoire as something to be savored again and again--like a good friend or a delicious meal. A wonderful teacher and stepping stone. Namaste.
Patterns are often a part of our fabric. Some are habits, some are passions. Some healthy and insightful, others...not so much. May you learn from your patterns --both good and "bad." And when it looks like there is value for you, may you include that creation--that repetition-- in your repertoire as something to be savored again and again--like a good friend or a delicious meal. A wonderful teacher and stepping stone. Namaste.
