The painting mesmerized. Couldn’t tear myself away. In a spell, my thoughts were of Holly and her Sad Café.
Woman at Her Toilette : Louis Anquetin – French (1861-1932)
It was in the Salon titled Post Impressionism at the AGO. I was floating after having just seen Monet’s Water Lilies. Then I saw her, combing her long red hair.
At my mirror I braid silver thread through my hair.
“- though images of women dressing, are traditional within European art, the figure’s direct gaze and pronounced makeup suggest the she is a courtesan, a sex worker who catered to upper class patrons.“
My skin smells of yesterday’s perfume mingled with the haunting presence of strong cologne and the sweet scent of sweat and rope.
The details in this painting are luscious. I got in with the camera, as close as was allowed. The slideshow highlights shots of this Cloisonnism style work of art. The details are “Imitating medieval stained glass windows, cloisonné enamel and Japanese woodcut prints.”
“Cloisonnism features flat areas of solid colour enclosed by curving outlines, such as the green contour that encircles the woman’s porcelain skin.”
Cloisonnism was a bold new style invented by Anquetin, with his friend Émile Bernard.
The Sad Café
I’ve been here forever
hidden away in fantasies,
dimly lit rooms where
moonbeams caper blithely
over the river Seine.
All of my memories are strangers,
they come and go.
I want them to know
the smokey purple of lunar tides,
the bittersweet of Rose red.
They linger on lamp lit streets,
shadows on tiger paws.
©️ Holly Rene Hunter
… intoxicated by long red hair
Since the first Sad Café poem I drew a picture to, my heroine has had long red hair.
At the mirror I brush my hair and pull it back with a silver plated comb, slip into smoky seamed stockings
All Pullquotes are from ©️Sad Café poems by Holly Rene Hunter
Photos ©️ – of Woman at Her Toilette taken by Resa McConaghy
Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, Canada
Thank you Holly!
Visit Holly on her blog to read all her Sad Café poems and all her sublime poetry.
Source: Art Gallery of Ontario – Quotes in bold italics are from the plaquard beside the painting.
Art Gowns 
What a mesmerizing painting, Resa! There’s something about her eyes that’s inherently sad, although she looks so young. The colors really stand out in your photos, so I can imagine they were something else to see in person at the gallery! I’ve never heard of the Cloisonnism style of art before, and I can see how this makes the colors and details really leap out. Your own pictures are amazing; there’s a dreamy quality to them that captures the eye! I’ll check out Holly’s sad cafe poems, which sound most intriguing! 🌸🌷🌸
Hello Ada,
Yes, I did see the sadness, but it didn’t hit me as hard as it does now that you’ve mentioned it. I took time to look into them. I must say, it may be a painting, but there is depth to the sadness.
I’d never heard of Cloisonnism either, but I had seen images of a few works without knowing the name of this short lived art style. Most notably, although not my fave, is The Yellow Christ by Gauguin.
Thank you for the lovely words about my art. Lol, it took a bit of guts to put it in the same post as this amazing painting, but I’m glad I did. In a way it has brought me even closer to this hypnotic work of art.
I put a Sad Café image on my sidebar. If you click on that it will take you to this and 2 other posts on Sad Café. There’s about 8 poems with drawings I did. Kind of fun.
Thank you so much, Ada!
❦🌹❦
Captivating post, Resa. The painting is mesmerizing and it’s like the painting was a premonition of the young woman who lived above the Sad Café. I have long been absorbed in the story and symbolism of the Sad Café. I have felt it intertwined with the center of my inner universe. Rene has graciously allowed me to share in the story. We wrote a 120,000 word Sad Café story completely in the comments on her blog over almost a three year period. It was a story woven into many of the poems she published with the exposition in comments. While it is her part I consider sacred, she has allowed me to put up several small novels that are excerpts from this enormous body of work straight from the heart of House of Heart. The Island story is a direct extract from our shared dream of escaping the mad world to a place that offers connection in ways our species has long abandoned. Your artwork and tribute that follows the story is equally deep and emotional, a Sub Rosa of how the heart yearns for love in all its forms throughout life’s many storms. And who better to represent that human condition than the lady with the long red hair.
Hello Dan,
I’m with you. The Sad Cafe has piqued and allured me since I first read one of Holly’s poems. I also recall the series the 2 of you did with it. I quite enjoyed that, thank you both!
I did recognize Renate in The Island. And you are right. Holly’s original impetus reveals itself in all and any offshoot from the original seed. There are 2 other Sad Cafe posts with 8 poems and drawings I did to go with them. There’s one of the Sad Cafe drawings on my sidebar. Clicking the image takes you to the 3 posts. You may have already see the other 2.
The island is a wonderful tale. It is a joy to follow it. Thank you, and thank you for this wonderful comment!
Resa
(PS. – I sent you a contact mail from your blog last night. I believe I am in your SPAM folder. Please free me! xx)
The Sad Café world has its own ecosystem of deeply psychological gravity for me. I tumble in willingly every time. I did see some of the other posts you did. My reader was acting strange and kept zipping off to other blogs for some reason. I’ll go back and try to see if WP has returned to coherency. I saw a Contact email. But again, it wouldn’t open correctly. I’ll try that again as well. I recently updated my iPad OS so it may be I’ve created an incompatibility on an order of magnitude.
Yes, Sad Cafe does have its own ecosystem. Great way of putting it.
Well, it does seem okay over on your blog now.
Main thing is to check Spam regularly. I do, and usually it’s empty. Then suddenly one day, someone I’ve been blogging with for years is in there.
Akismet, indeed! Should be Asskismet.
LOL. Yes those silly filters are probably run by AI now and that’s why it’s always messed up.
AI… is quite often AS… artificial stupidity.
I used to work on business process, management, and operations development for the Gov. We used a lot of enterprise software solutions and to put it mildly, the process was very complex and difficult to document. But, the finished product was shiny and wonderful. Now, passing that on to AI, we get complete global process melt down. Nobody can make any sense out of what Hans the ASS has done to the business. So, I’m not proud of this but I did work on developing AI architectures and the bottom line is the AI uses a standard policy decision making process that uses statistical analysis for “best” solution. I admit it is giddy stuff to work on but it just doesn’t work. Quantum computing was all the rage until we found out they begin to go insane and do things we never want them to do. So the absolute dumbest thing we could ever do is run an AI on a quantum computer. That could truly be a disaster on a scale we’ve never scene before. So, here we go. That’s next on the to-do list. 😳🤖💥
Yikes!
I adore much about my computer. I loathe much about it as well. ❦🤍
But yes, it is beyond love/hate.
It is scary!
It’s strange because there was never a single mention ever of using it for nefarious purposes or that it would fail in dramatic ways. But, we had this mantra that failure was always an option, in fact, it was the best option because it was easiest to implement. So now you know why all government projects never turn out the way they are planned.
….sigh!!!!
This was us being little smartypants people, but there was some scary truth to that statement as we are learning more and more each day.
Yes!
❦❦❦
Sadly, I may have accidentally deleted the contact mail last night while trying to open it. If you would, please try again and I’ll try to make sure it’s working on my end.
No worries! I see my comments now. So Either you checked Spam and freed me, or the comments were on approval, although I didn’t see the notice of that. Maybe double check Spam anyway.
Or it was some weird WP gremlin glitch, and they took forever to post.
I was on my other blog, so will test comments on your blog when I get back onto Glam.
Right now, I will leave a test comment on your blog, while logged into this blog.
(Each blog is on a different email) xx
Ha ha ha! I did have a heck of a time bouncing between your blogs. WP did not want to let me easily bounce from one to the other. I did find all the art and Sad Café posts. I think I broke loose the log jam banging on the keyboard. ⌨️🔨
Oh good, you saw them all.
Yes, WP can be annoying, but still worth it.
I partially unjammed my logs by not being logged into both of my blogs at the same time.
Ahh! Good to know. The WP gremlins were getting confused. I understand that. The same thing happens to my head elves if I have two thoughts at the same time. 😵💫
LOL!
Yay,… the comment posted!!! AND I sent you another contact email, so now we are in touch!
If you want to bypass the tricky contact form. You can just go straight to hyperionsturm@gmail.com. I think we’re good now.
Will do, and yes, we are good!
🥳
❤️
❦❦❦
That painting IS striking, Resa, and Holly’s poetry is superb as always.
Thank you, Dave!
HA! I could live at the art gallery. I could hide in a bathroom and sneak around night watchmen. I wonder if there are motion sensors? I could blog from my phone, and perhaps filch food from the Food Cafe.
I haven’t worked out all the details, yet, especially the part about Mischa. Hmm?
Ha, Resa! 😂 I hear you. Mischa could be a docent?
Yes, Mischa is quite knowledgable. As long as everyone speaks fluent cat, I’m good to go. 🤔
Thanks for the idea!
🙂 🙂
❤️
Sacre bleu! 1889? She must be a hipster time traveler. Thanks for guiding our eyes to the luscious detail beyond the mesmerizing subject🪮💙🌹
You are welcome, and thank you EF!
You are right about the time travelling. After archeological findings, the arts (which are part of these archaic findings) are the closest thing we have to gaining access to the past. Paintings, sculpture, poetry, stories, music, etc.
More recently photography and film provide a window. Not all that we see are honest representations, but it’s what we have.
Currently, some users of AI may be creating the biggest lies of our time for future progeny.
Thank you for popping by, and 100% she is a hipster. ❦💃🏽❦
Dear Resa, your journey through museums and searches through street and ally’s has brought us some of the world’s most beautiful and beloved artwork. Your amazing series , MHM, is a masterpiece post of women’s art, a beautiful tribute to some of the greatest artists who , because they are women, failed receive the same recognition as other artist. Thank you for that, And for this work of art paired with my poetry series “Sad Cafe”, I am honored that on finding this perfect piece of art, it reminded you of that poetry and of the lady with long red hair. Looking into this painting , into those sad eyes, I wonder about this artist and if this is someone he knows or dreams of. It is beautiful the. way the thin green outline of her face that without the placards one might miss. It’s a beautiful painting, and I can’t say how moved I am to find its meaning wrapped around the Sad cafe. Thank you so much for sharing this mystery lady that hangs on a museum wall , I’m honored you were reminded of my poems and of the poet with long red hair, the amazing song by Dylan is so perfect for this artwork. You’re amazing , my generous and lovely and extremely gifted artist, poet, weaver of dreams , to share them and allow us to escape into your world of art and music. Sending love and gratitude for all that you share with us.
xoxoxoxoxo
Thank you so much dear Holly!
Yes, the MHM series is dear to my heart. Those are our sisters, who helped dig us out of the pit of patriarchy. And as we can see today, the pit is deep, and prone to filling up with mudslides.
“the mystery lady that hangs on a museum wall,” .. enigmatic, yet I feel the understanding in my bones.
Listening to Dylan as I write. The line “His shoes are dirty but his hands are clean” is so haunting, within the embrace of the song’s entirety. How many dirty shoes were at the foot of this lady’s bed? How many clean hands stroked her pale skin?
Your Sad Cafe series is as cryptic, providing much to muse on, much to take to heart.
Thank you dear Meece for your wonderful words in this comment, and in all the poetry that you write!
xoxo🤍❦💃🏽🌹❦🤍xoxo
Whenever I come here, whether to browse the museums with you or your own amazingly beautiful art work , it’s an uplifting brilliant experience. Thank you for all that you create and share with us. It’s a special gift and so very appreciated.
❤️
I feel the same appreciation about you, dear Holly!
~❦🤍🌹🐭🐭🌹🤍❦~
Just mailed you the latest Bowie update!
xoxoxoxo
Love you to pieces, Meece
xo🐭🐭xo
Back at ya!!!
xo🐭🐭xo
⭐️🤗💫
⬻𓂀☆♡ 🎀 𝐺𝑟𝑜𝑜𝑣𝑦 🎀 ♡☆𓂀⤖
🤍❦💃🏽❦🤍 ~ 𝕿𝔥𝔞𝔫𝔨 𝖄𝔬𝔲 ~ 🤍❦💃🏽🌹❦🤍
✨🙏🙇♂️
What a beautiful post, Resa. Luscious artwork, poetry, and a bit of art education too. The painting is a perfect match for Holly’s poetry, and seeing it made me thing of Holly before you even mentioned her name. Lovely, my friend. ❤ ❤
Thank you, Diana!
Very cool that you thought of Holly before I mentioned her. There is an evocative thread from that painting, and it leads to her, if one knows her poetry.
I have found myself turning to and losing myself in art to escape the crazies in our world. The Art Gallery has become a refuge of sorts.
So wonderful to see you. I think of you often. Returning to a routine after the art show was not as easy as 1,2,3. Although I thought it would be. However, I have finished another drawing of LeLaine.
Being somewhat scattered, I decided to draw David Bowie. So, many projects all at once. (new Art Gown hours away from being finished)
Hope you are well, and enjoying life. I do check your blog time to time…in case you have returned.
Sending love!
❦❦❦XO
Yes, knowing Holly’s poetry was the key to seeing her work (her) in the painting. 🙂 I’m glad you’re finding solace in art galleries. What a wonderful way to lose the crazies. I don’t think they care much about art.
I did post today, but probably will be off again until fall. Things here are getting better, but I’m still a headless chicken when it comes to caregiving. I did love visiting with everyone, and it solidified my decision to return to blogging when the time is right.
Be scattered and creative as you want/need to be. I’m glad Lelaine is still on your mind, but there certainly isn’t any rush. Bowie will be a fun post. I’ll keep an eye out.
Thanks for the love and kindness, my friend. Always a joy for me to visit with you. Hugs.
Do “they” even know what art is?
I am fortunate. I can walk to the AGO. Onthe way is art in the alleys. It’s my forest, and art forest.
Okay, I’m coming to visit you!
HUGS! ❦🤍❦
I would love to be able to walk to a museum. The closest here is about a 90 minute drive.
Ahh, well, you have a forest.
I’m sure to never live outside the city, so the concrete jungle’s street art and Art Gallery are my forest.
We are lucky! xx
Yes! Each place has its reward.
Yes!
❤️🤗
🌹
Such an intimate post- the intricacies of the painting and then the delicious poetry!
Thank you, Violet!
Yes… delicious is the right word for the poetry. I find Holly’s Sad Cafe especially evocative. ❦
xoxo 🤗
I enjoyed this post since it employs the art of two of my most talented and favorite women. The painting is intriguing but not as much as the poetry, the drawings and the photo techniques. Thanks for sharing.
❤️
X❦❦❦O
⭐️👯♀️⭐️
😊
Aww, thank you John!
Well, I adore the art I take pics of, and you certainly know all of the pitfalls…lights, glass, shiny oil paints, varnish on the painting, shadows… Arrrggghh!
🎨𝓧 🎨𝓧
I do know those pitfalls. That is why I can appreciate your work. 😊X
🤍X
🐂
O🌹
🌺X
Such an amazing post! I enjoyed it in all its beautiful parts and as a whole… wonderful art, be it in the painting, the poetry and the drawings. I also loved the music, thank you, Resa! 💖
Thank you so much Nicole!
I do enjoy making these art posts. My pal Holly writes the poetry. I would try to write, but with all the art and my Art Gowns, I have no more time. LOL
You also have a beautiful blog. I also see, like me, you have 2 blogs!. I was on Starry Steps yesterday. I left a comment, and you answered.
THEN I left a couple of emojis in response. I don’t see them there. They might be in your Starry Steps Spam. I sent a contact mail, to let you know. I don’t see them, so I’m probably still in your Spam, which tends to spread to all blogs. Please free me!!!
x❦🌹❦o
You two did it again! Fabulous post. Beautiful not only because of the photo and words but because you two are just amazing. Hugs.❤️
🤗❤️
❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦❦
Aww, you are amazing, too!
Thank you Gi!
xo❦❦❦xo
❤️💫
This is a mesmerizing painting, Resa. The woman is stunning in a slightly different way. The style of painting interests me. A great post.
Thank you, Robbie!
Yes, the style is interesting…Cloisonnism… new to me.
I enjoyed making this post a lot. Happy you got to see it.
I have the batch of still life Impressionist paintings ready to send. Will do that soon.
❦❦❦
It is an interesting style. I’ve seen it but didn’t know what it was. I’ve been learning scumbling and how to paint grass.
Very cool! Painting grass is important for your nature paintings. How exciting.
I just sent off the rest of the Impressionist still life paintings.
Also, I have reviewed all of the wonderful gown paintings. LOVE IT ALL! Thank you so much!
Thank you. Resa. I’ll have a look at everything later today.
🤍❦💙❦🤍
Fascinating post and painting Resa.
Thank you, Cindy! Yes, the painting really gets to me. ❦❦❦
What glorious red hair! I liked your poem also.
Thank you, Janet!
Holly writes beautifully.
❤️🥰
That painting really draws you in and the words are perfect. I feel a sense of longing for life not lived as she had hoped – wistful and resigned to her fate. Adored for her allure and hated for the same reason
Yes, I see that longing, too.
Adored and hated…
I was hypnotized standing in front of it. As enamoured as I am by much art, thrilled, drawn in, awed…only one other painting has mesmerized me like this one – “Horse and Train” by Alex Colville.
You know Beth, thinking about it… as different as each is from the other, they both hold a similar message.
To borrow your word, this entire post is luscious. (I did wonder at first about the makeup, which didn’t seem to fit with the Victorian era.) I loved Holly’s poem, particularly this line: “All of my memories are strangers,”
Thank you Liz!
I did try to make a lush and piquing post. Holly’s Sad Cafe is the perfect poetry to go with the painting. Love the line you picked out, too.
I suppose the anomaly of the makeup was one of the things that captivated me, only I didn’t know it at the time. I wasn’t analyzing. I was just there, hypnotized.
I was just saying to Beth how different this painting is from “Horse and Train” by Alex Colville, yet how similar the message is.
You’re welcome, Resa! I just checked out “Horse and Train.” I hadn’t seen it before. I agree that it’s a mesmerizing image. Very hard to look away.
I saw it about 30 years ago, and it has stuck in my mind ever since.
Also, it feels like the Woman at her Toilette is headed into a not good outcome in life…much like the horse into the train.
Now today I can take it another step. The train was called the Iron Horse… and replaced the horse.
The woman is for many young men today, replaced by the tech…or AI woman.
Your last thought is very sad. Why would someone want to give up his humanity? (Rhetorical question, of course.)
It is sad, but it’s happening.
Many young men have become victims, finding an easier path in tech and AI.. Apparently they are intimidated by strong, today women.
Women now compromise almost 60% of university students.
Young men are in crisis. They prefer AI women in many cases. Almost 45% of gen z men have never dated..
Professor Scott Galloway has written and spoken a lot about this.
He realizes patriarchy got us here. Now the pendulum has swung.
Of course I’m talking first world developed nations.
Thank you for the additional context, Resa.
Welcome, Liz!
Apologies if I got overly informationally pigeon holed.
Sigh!
Not to worry! I enjoy learning new things, and, to me, context is everything!
Agree about context!
😊
Shocking, I’m living in a shelter world. What next can happen to us… 😢
Sigh… x❤️o
Sigh indeed! ❤️
❤️
A beautiful post, Resa and congratulations to Holly for such wonderful poetry.
Thank you Clare! Yes, Holly’s poetry is special. ❦
Thank you for such kind words. So very appreciate!
❤️
What a beautiful post and tour Resa. This painting is so exquisite and sad, perfectly paired with Holly’s evocative verse. Thank you both for brightened our world with creativity and care. 🌟🌷😍
Aww, thank you so much Brad! This is such a lovely compliment.
Art is making me (and Holly) very happy these days.
I ( & we) intend to share as much as possible.
🤍❦🎨❦🤍
It’s a balm for many of us. 🙏💕
Yes!
❦💙❦
❤️
Thank you Brad !
Stunning image and depiction – and of course the story. And a wonderful description of Cloisonnism. Resa and Holly collabs are always a beautiful treat. 🥰💜🧡❌⭕
Thank you Debby! It’s rewarding doing colabs, and I adore the ones I do with Holly.
This is a scrumptious painting to see for real.
X❦🤍🌹🤍❦O
I can imagine!!! Thanks for the beautiful entertainment. 💜💚❌⭕
𝓧𝕆 🤍💙❦🤍💙𝓧𝕆
xoxoxoxo
xoxoxoxo
xo🐭🐭xo
xoxoxoxoxo
xoxoxoxoxo
𝖝𝖔 𝖝𝖔🐭🐭 𝖝𝖔 𝖝𝖔
🐭xx 🐭
Yay… it’s only yellow here today. Yesterday was orange. It’s the smoke from the forest fires. I was nauseated all day yesterday.
It smelled like wet burnt cardboard. xxxxx~ ❤️❤️ ~
It must be terrible !
We had some haze pass through from Arabia but spared the terrible smoke up north.
My asthma would prob kill Me
Stay safe .. wear a mask 😷
❤️❤️❤️
I don’t have asthma and it’s killing me!
😶🌫️😷
It is horrible. It’s scary , it’s so bad for the lungs. 😷
Just heard… 800 fires burning in Ontario.
I am so upset about the animals. 🤯😥
There going to be serious problems for them.
very upsetting. There is a plea out for people to take in/foster pets whose families are displaced. If there’s a kitten, Mischa might get along with a kitten.
I hope people will take them in.
YES!
That’s such a tragedy for the wild animals, I hope they find refuge. xoxoxoxoxo
xoxoxoxoxo
It’s a joy to be included in Resa’s collection of art, and her own magnificent creations. Thank you.
x❤️o
xoxoxoxoxo
Beautiful and intriguing painting. It does remind me of Holly and her sad café.
Thanks Tim! I adore this painting. I saw the Sad Cafe as I laid eyes on the canvas. xx So beautiful in real life.
xoxo
𝖝𝖔𝖝𝖔
❤️
❤️
❤️thank you , Timothy.
Thank you force kind and so encouraging words Timothy.
for the…
Such a wonderful collaboration between you and Holly. And I appreciate your tutorial on Woman at Her Toilette … a painting I could study for hours.
You are so welcome, Marie!
I agree. I too, could study that painting for hours. I stood in front of it for a long time at the gallery, and I just had to share it right away.
Thank you!
❤️
❤️
Thank you so much.
Yes, thank you!
xoxoxoxoxo
Resa, I am just from Folk Ferst weekend. This looks beyond fabulous. I will be back to read it properly tomorrow xxxxxx
Yayay!
Welcome home! I trust you had afab time.
xxxxxxxxx
Beyond epic xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxx
xxxxxxx
Are you sure you didn’t paint the original, Resa? I see a strong similarity in styles…
OMG!
Thank you for this compliment, Cheyenne!
I wish I painted it.
Omg…. thank you!!!!
Resa’s an amazing artist , I too see her style in this painting ❤️
LOL ❤️❤️❤️
I did see it. So much. ❤️❤️❤️
Resa, this is extraordinary. You have created far more than a post! You’ve woven together painting, photography, poetry, and your own reflections into one immersive experience.
Holly’s Sad Café seemed to step right into the world of the painting, and your close-up photographs invited me to pause over every detail. I found myself slowing down and looking more carefully, just as one does in a gallery. You didn’t simply post a painting or a poem. You created a conversation between them. The painting, your observations, Holly’s poem, and your photography all become part of one artistic experience. That takes imagination and generosity
Thank you for all the time and thought that went into creating this. It is a beautiful reminder that art can speak across generations and across different creative voices. You and Holly are a dynamic duo! Sending many hugs to you both.
Dear Rebecca,
This is a most lovely, and caring comment. You show appreciation for the passion and creative expression herein. I’m not sure what life would mean to me without the arts – full circle, complete embrace of all of it.
And I wonder, as time goes by, wherein does true art lie – and when does it lie to us?
It’s all so fascinating.
I suppose in many ways I see this blog like the article in a magazine; here to entertain, as it informs.
I do have creative fun with Holly. Fun…. there’s an interesting word.
Thank you for your visit today, and always!
Hugs on their way to the west coast. And, I’m thinking the gown is 80% now, easy! Yahoo!
Resa, I think your question will stay with me: “Wherein does true art lie—and when does it lie to us?” What a profound thought. I wonder if true art lies not in giving us answers but in inviting us to see more deeply. Sometimes it comforts us, sometimes it challenges us, and sometimes it quietly reveals truths we didn’t know we were carrying. Yet art can also become illusion if we stop asking questions. Perhaps that is why conversation is so important.
I agree with your idea about inviting us to look more closely, question and challenge ourselves.
Conversation, with other humans, is vitally important.
❤️🤗
Thank you for such a lovely message.,. Thank you Rebecca and Resa.
Adore you!!
(almost finished Rebecca’s Art Gown!!!!)
I’m so excited! Yay , Rebecca.
Thank you such a lovely comment dear Rebecca!
x❤️o
xoxoxoxoxo
It is an excellent close-up of a wonderful painting of a beautiful woman. Furthermore, your description elevates this art; you have made me fully intoxicated! 🫠🤭💖
Ending with Holly’s beautiful poem is brilliant!
PS: I have noticed that you often use red hair in your paintings, and I love it so much!
Sending warm hugs.🤗🫂🌹
Dear Aladin,
I am thrilled you are intoxicated by this. It means I have succeeded in passing on some of my rapt joy.
I adore Holly’s poetry, and in case you don’t already know, she has long red hair. I suppose it is fair to say that she, and her poetry, are a muse to me.
HUGS to you!
𝕆𝓧🤍❦💙❦🤍𝕆𝓧
My dear Resa, you always managed to share some of your rapturous joy, at least with me!
And yes, I know Holly has long red hair (surrounding a lovely face!), and I feel truly fortunate to know both of you, beautiful spirits.
Sending my warm hugs back.
🤗🫂💖🥰🌹💞
BIG WARM HUGS to you dear Aladin!
🤍🌟🤍🤍🌟🤍
I can’t think of a more beautiful compliment than to be your muse. I shall not cut my hair until it reaches my feet and I have to braid it. 🥰
… I will braid it for you!
You can be my Rapunzel.
That’s excellent, you can climb up into the castle with me! We can do this.
It’s a beautiful painting and terrific post. She does look sad–so Rene’s words fit well. I noticed her make-up right away. That the woman might be a sex worker makes sense, or posing as a courtesan. Her long red hair reminds me of some of the paintings/models of John William Waterhouse and Daniel Rossetti, and other Pre-Raphaelites.
It knew about cloisonné, but not about the cloissonism style. A wonderful post!
Waterhouse… sigh… I adore his work. I’ve only seen 1 painting in real life, the Lady of Shallot weaving by the window. Hypnotic. Of course I took a slew of pics of it. It belongs to the AGO (and the world) and I stop by to stare at it every time I go there.
And yes, Rossetti. Love it. I wish they would have a Pre-Raphaelites show at the AGO!
Yes, thank you for this lovely comment. I was all revved up making this post. Of all the Impressionist paintings I saw, and Post Impressionist, this one hit me like a hammer.
I was hoping to see a few Morisot paintings, but alas there was only 1 “The Port of Nice”.
Thank you, Merril! 💙
You are very welcome, Resa. It’s a beautiful post! 💙
I don’t know if there are many pre-Raphaelites in collections here, but there are some by Moriset at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and I think the Barnes, too. Lots of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist work in Philadelphia museums.
Lucky you!
For some reason, our AGO does not have many Impressionist works, barely any.
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Art museums have to have different works to focus on, but it seems like AGO does some great exhibitions! PMA has been stumbling lately with its leadership, so hopefully that won’t affect things. And they moved the Rocky statue to the top of the museum stairs. I guess that attracts some people, but ugh!
Hahahaha! The Rocky statue.. lol… I needed this laugh. Hahahahaha
Still…. 🧐
I’m keeping fingers crossed for good leadership at the PMA. It seems like a great place, and they al do have a focus.
Yes, the AGO brings in some wonderful shows.
Also, we have a couple of important collections; the largest collection of “Henry Moore” Sculptures in the world (900 pieces) and the largest (one of the only) collections of the “Group of Seven”.
PMA redesigned the building, and I like how they updated the American wing.
Ohh, good!
🤗🌹
Waterhouse has some of the most beautiful artwork out there. Thank you merril. 💙
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I forgot to add that I like your artwork, too! 💙
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Lol – Thank you! I dared to include it.
You’re welcome! 💙
❦💙❦
“Lay, Lady, lay” Has long been one of my favourite Dylan songs…
The sad Café link is perfect. The reference to Holly (whom I call ‘Coeur de Feu’, Heart of Fire in French) is also perfect.
Not to mention that your discovery of Anquetin made me discover him. I’d never really heard of, or seen anything by him. I’ll have to go to Toronto I guess. 😉
Thanks to both (Resa and Holly) for a wonderful connection…
🌹🌹
Yes, come to Toronto!
Actually, that painting is from The Dallas Museum of Art.
Love “Coeur de Feu”!
Still, lots to see at our AGO.
I’ve been meaning to ask you about the Art Gallery in Mexico City. Is it fabulous?
🤍❦💙❦🤍
I don’t think I’ll go to Dallas any time soon. LOL.
What Art Gallery do you mean in Mexico? Is that a museum?
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I’m with you. I will not be travelling to the states anytime in the foreseeable future. Unfortunate because I’d love to go to Philadelphia (Merril) and Chicago (Gigi) and Miami Beach (Holly). However, Miami Beach is not top of my list, as I lived there for a year.
The Museo National de Arte. Is it wonderful there?
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I’m sure you would. Love to meet with them. One day I’m sure.
That Museum? 😳 I just checked. Can you believe I’ve passed in front dozens of times, and never pushed the door. And I’ve been to most museums in the city. I’ve made a note.
Modern art is in another museum on the large Reforma avenue. Been there, want to go back. They have a large Remedios Varo collection.
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Yes, go there! It looks to be world class.
Ohh, Remedios Varo… wow! 💙💙
I’ll let you know. 🌹
❤️🤗
Thank you so much , dear Brian.
Coeur de Feu….
Brian is so cool! xoxo
Oh yeah … 👍
After a bit of research, it seems the model was Marie Valette, apparently more a model than a “courtisanne”, though in those days the border was slim. She was painted by other artists too, including Toulouse-Lautrec. (I love AI…😉)
Ahh, thank you! Great info.
AI… useful, but I don’t like it. Sigh… a like/hate maybe. (I see your wink.)
You do know it makes mistakes, and can lie to you? Just like humans, only not.
I like you! Not lying, and no mistake.
~~ 𝕆𝖃 💙 𝖃𝕆 ~~
Yes, AI can… go into heavy delirium…
🌹
… Maybe life is a delirium?
Well, I thank you for the rose, and I am not in a delirium!
XO💕
😉
Wow , that’s interesting? I must search fit LaTtec’s version
Yes! 𝖝𝖔𝖝𝖔𝖝𝖔𝖝𝖔
I love LaTrec art. He did like to paint ladies of the night. ❤️
I’d love to see a show of his work. I saw a sketch of his once, in a rich people’s home. Amazing! 𝖝𝖔
I’ve never seen an actual work of his , I really like his paintings though. ❤️
Me too! Fun and interesting and definitely documenting a time and place of man’s existence.
~ ❤️❤️ ~
Check out his painting
At the Moulin Rouge…
awesome.
xoxoxoxoxo
YES! I know that painting.You know, I think My RR and Sad Cafe and AGM drawings are LaTrec wannabes, in a way.
It’s poster art of his day…. fashion illustration, in a way. xoxoxoxoxoxo
I think so too. I was reading this interesting article about LaTrec:
A social butterfly, Lautrec frequented the neighborhood’s cafés, cabarets and brothels, becoming a colorful fixture of the bohemian scene. He was equally adept, however, at disappearing into a crowd; Lautrec’s short stature allowed him to observe his subjects unnoticed, affording him a uniquely candid view of Montmartre life. His oeuvre portrays a diverse cross-section of the district’s population, from dancers and prostitutes to aristocrats and intellectuals.
I also read he often did caricatures.
I think you could sketch wonderful caricatures!
xoxoxoxoxo
I’d love to try… one day… soon.
I’m still trying to grasp a portrait, easily. I still struggle, but it gets easier. At some point I will try a caricature.
I might even do “Rock Star” caricatures of the drawings I’ve aready done.
MEANTIME – finished Bowie… working on pics now.
xoxoxoxo
I think a wonderful caricature could be done of Carly Simon. She has such prominent features.
I love your Bowie sketch. It’s perfect.
xoxoxoxoxo
Ohh yeah, thanks for the reminder! Think I’ll listen to her music tonight.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
“‘Mockingbird “.,, love it and love Baby James! Woot!!
xoxoxoxoxo
Woot!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
So many great songs!
xoxoxoxoxo
AND now finally, I have a moment AND a working PC to come back and savor this wonderful post. Everything by you two, or involving both of you is just the best. LOVE this.
Thank you Shey!
A fun post to make all around.
Have you been writing? xxxxxxx
vI have been getting The Writer and The Rake which I got my rights back on some time ago, rewritted my way. Lol. So that will be ready soon . Then i will start on the last part of the Cornish Rogues. I ahve also been busy with my Mr’s new play which we are away to start rehearsing for.
Okay!
The Writer and the Rake is the only book of yours I have not read. I look forward to reading it the way you mean it to be!
Have fun with the play!!! Yahoo!!
xxxxxxx
xxxxxxx I didn’t particularly like that editor and she went AWOl into the bargain, so when I got my rights back I wanted to tidy bits I never liked. Rehearsals start for the play tomorrow. We already have a sell out on one of the venues…. No pressure or anything. . . . . . .
YAY!
Lol…No pressure, but have a blast!!
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Oh we will. Total madness.
YAHOO!
aye. we are staging crazy events that actually happened!
Very cool! Wishing you much success! xxxxxx
xxxxxx Resa. I talked the theatre riot one where the poet McGonagall attemped on stage to recite a poem while folks and a dog marched up and having stormed the stage singing –well the folks did, the dog barked- John Brown’s Body, carrying McG during the chorus. I thought it was best at that stage of a first run through largely to avoid a mass exodus to say nowt re the trophy presenting football riot one, although I assured one of our singers that he would be abso excellent aping Freddie Mercury a la We are the champions Band Aid style.. . . . .
Very cool! Will there be video on you tube…or on your blog?
One of teh venues is the high Mill at Verdant Works and they say they are going to vid the show there so hopefully ..yes…
YAY!
Just mesmirising 🙂
No argument there!
Love this painting, thanks Alex! x
Gorgeous painting and beautiful poetry!! The title Woman at Her Toilette has a certain mystery to it, and who isn’t intoxicated by the glorious red hair?
I also learned about cloisonnism, so thank you! Great post as always, Resa and Holly!
꧁⎝ 𓆩༺✧༻𓆪 ⎠꧂
Thanks for the wonderful comment, Ruth!
I’m trying not to be envious of your emoji line -up!
꧁ 𝖝𝖔𝖝𝖔𝖝𝖔꧁꧂𝖔𝖝𝖔𝖝𝖔𝖝 ꧂
Hi, Resa — just when I thought I was keeping up, I find that I’ve missed this post… It’s a stunning combination of art, poetry, and your floaty flowing thoughts. Actually, I liked your drawings better than the painting. It’s educational too, as I wasn’t familiar with the term “Cloisonnism” being used in regard to art. Splendid post. Hugs.
Thank you, Teagan!
I’m quite happy about this post. Art and my blog pals are keeping me going.
Shucks… my art… well… I dared put it in this post with this luscious painting. Thank you!
Lots of art to post. So little time.
HUGS!!!
What a treasure find. Thanks for sharing this piece of history. I also love your drawings of similar women!
Thank you so very much, Maria! This painting is a treasure.
It’s a true honour to have someone say they like my art, when it can be compared to this wonderful painting. ❤️💙