Inspiring Image: Abstract Reality

“Japanese Lady With Fan”, George Henry (1858-1943)

Here’s a lovely painting that I’ve admired for years. What I most respond to in this piece is the wonderful marriage of abstract and realism. George Henry, a Scottish painter, masterfully designed a beautiful, rich canvas with varied colors and edges. For a relatively small painting, there is much to keep the viewer’s eye engaged, and the entire painting has a lovely decorative quality about it.

Quite magically, we begin to realize the head of a geisha has been placed right in the center of the image. Her head is turned away in a demure fashion that enhances the mystery and intrigue of her character. It is also a clever device to help the artist keep readily identifiable features of her face from taking away from the overall abstract quality.

From Behind The Easel: Dawning

“Dawning”, 24”x18”, oil on canvas

My daughter and I went for a hike around one of our favorite little lakes yesterday. As we enjoyed the cool, crisp morning air, I was delighted to find that my daughter had transformed into a fairy who happily toured me around her wooded home. She pointed out wonderful signs of spring growth and colorful changes to the lakeshore.

We saw a beaver dam and many freshly felled trees awaiting their place in the woven wall. She also spotted the young lily pads, tightly rolled below the surface of the water, about to emerge and unfurl before they blossom. My fairy guide said she can’t wait fly out and sit on the lily pads where she can talk to the frogs. Lucky her!