The painting mesmerized. Couldn’t tear myself away. In a spell, my thoughts were of Holly and her Sad Café.
Oil on canvas (1889)
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.
It was the social event of the season. Announced in all forms of media, it would raise a lot of money for GIFFT (Global Initiative for Flora & Fauna Trust).
How could that have happened? Simple. Dorinda pointed out to the board that their smash hit act, THE MIRROR, was drawing in hundreds every night.
Dorinda, wearing a vintage hand crocheted dress, told the board to think of all the money their act could generate. That was all the board needed to headline the 2 girls.
When the hoi polloi found out that Suzette was doing hair and make-up for the girls, ticket sales soared.
It was near impossible to get a beauty appointment at Suzette’s Pink Place, as she only took 2 each week, tops.
Special Thank you to Holly Rene Hunter for her contribution of poetry for this post. I love the way her poetry and my gowns work so beautifully together.
Please note: GIFFT (Global Initiative for Flora & Fauna Trust) is a fictitious charity!
The Art Show was a success, a thrill, and a joy. This was Diana’s 8th showing. It was my first, marking it as a personal milestone.
Asian Beauty – oil and sparkles – Diana Ladyshewsky
The Artists
Resa above and Diana below
One day Diana (a hair stylist to the stars I know from working in film) took me to an empty store, and drew a mental image of an art show we could have.
She said we can turn this empty space, into a showcase place for our art.
Above is before and after. The after shot is not quite the finished space, but close. I did change light bulbs from halogen to warm white led’s.
Diana took one side. I took the other. Diana got her paintings hung up in no time at all.
Mine were still along the floor. Then she hung mine up in no time at all.
She came up with the welcoming furniture.
I made a slide show that was projected on the screen at the back.
Diana paints with oils, sometimes adding sparkles or gems. A self taught artist, her spirit resides with notable self taught artists: Frida Kahlo, Henri Rousseau, Grandma Moses and Jean-Michael Basquiat and others.
Irish Bride
Blues Singer
Frida Goes to New Orleans
Unnamed
Resting Angel
I adore her & her art, and will be doing a more comprehensive article on this artist in the near future.
She is fine like Dynasty porcelain. Her words are the chimes of a host of carillons that ring True and wise, clear as bells. Her hair is a storm Of Harlow platinum eyes, a deluge of diamonds. Not to give into Winter She winks over her shoulder, saunters Emmy's catwalk adorned in Chanel and Lavender.
Queen Isabella
Inspired by & dedicated to Isabella (RIP)
Thank You Tim!
SURPRISE!!Timothy Price (Off Center Not Even) sent $$$$ to my PayPal, to help with costs. Although the space was free, there were lights to buy, photo cards for handing out, diesel gas for Diana’s truck, a deal we worked out with the restaurant beside us for wine and pizza and more.
My Art Gowns Art (photo prints on canvas with iridescent paint hand detailed on top,
It’s hard to take pics of iridescent paint
…and Rock Legends made the wall.
A few posters were made up to sell.
I’ve always had a penchant for Bugs Bunny feet.
Wrapping out was a sweet sorrow.
From the top and bottom of my heart – Thank You, Diana!
As always I am thrilled and honoured to provide the drawing. We decided on a young Neil. He is in his very early 20’s in this drawing.
Holly chose a fabulous song by Neil that, quite frankly, I had forgotten about. Check out her choice! This was the song I figured she’d pick. She must have had a hard time picking one song. His catalogue is brilliant!
Robbie Cheadle made a fun and gorgeous wedding post on Latinos USA with Art Gown Victorian Sonnetand her fabulously creative cakes. Pop on over for a taste of beauty!
By the way,
As a guest artist at my friend’s Pop-Up Art Gallery Show, I have space to show 2 Art Gowns.
A few Art Gowns pics printed on faux canvases, then painted over selectively with iridescent paint, will also be there.
Additionally, five portraits will be on a slice of wall. The 4 below are now framed.
One of the drawings below will be the 5th. If you’re leaving a comment, let me know which one you’d pick!
This is my first time showing in public, and it is a small sample try. If you are already in Toronto, pop by if time allows!
Art Gowns 
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