I loved reading through the comments about your favorite artists on our Art.com $500 giveaway so much that I thought to celebrate Rowena being the winner of the giveaway, we’d check out her favorite painting, Georges Seurat’s A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.
Georges Seurat spent over two years making over 50 sketches and drawings for this large painting. Rather than mixing colors on the palette, Seurat believed that using dots of colors next to their contrast colors would cause the eye to perceive a single shade that would be more brilliant than standard brush strokes. Sadly the paints that Seurat used were unstable and the zinc yellow has now turned to brown, but his invention of the technique known as pointillism was ground breaking, and this painting is one of the markers for neo-impressionism.
This painting was also a social commentary on the immorality and excess of the bourgeoise {a lady with a monkey on a leash, anyone?} as the figures are all in shadow and the park was known as a place for procuring prostitutes. But dark spin aside, the spring colors and tone are glorious and perfect for this petal inspired fashion season.
23 Comments
your art-inspired posts are simpley my fave of all your posts.
Big hugs Maria
Glad you to see that you’re back! Love the story!!
Keep in touch
xx
I can see that her arms are so thin. This is a fascinating painting. The white floral dress is so pretty. Your drawings that you share in IG Mary Jo are amazing.
This is such a poignant post Mary Jo! The Wyeths are an incredible family of artists And Andrew’s Christina is unforgettable. This Spring I am enjoying the wondrous weather and getting out to walk! ! Thanks for the super tips!
Xoxo
Thank YOU for the story BEHIND This painting!I had not known any of that………..love how you created a blog POST around this LADY.55…….that will be my age in July!How on earth did that occur………
Hugs to You……..Looks like you are blooming in NEW YORK CITY!Keep it up!!XX
This is really wonderful..such a gorgeous painting x
This has always been one of my favorite paintings – it’s so serene and peaceful. I love the set you created inspired from it – especially the nifty makeup subsection!
I love the back stories you always provide for the art work you feature Mary Jo. They’re always so fascinating! I should really look into a silk pillowcase 🙂
What a lovely painting and an equally lovely story behind it.
Nice post.
Hi! Glad you’re back! Thanks for popping by today to let me know! I have seen that painting (well, reproductions) and I never knew the backstory. Amazing. You can feel her determination come off the canvas!
This was so interesting and I’m so glad to know more about this painting. I’ve loved the colours and always wondered more about it. Welcome back, and thanks very much for your comments and visit. Hope you’re enjoying your spring so far <3
I love the stories behind the art. Thanks. You have a beautiful blog which is a pleasure to visit.
Lovely painting!!! nice inspiration!!!
Have a good week!!!!!:)))
That’s a great painting!
Never seen this painting before… such a touching story behind!
Thanks for the cosmetics tips too! Btw, I’ve never used an eye-liner as a pencil yet.. just wonder if it dries up quickly?
take care!
be back!
XO
For the Figment Art Festival, one of my friends participated in an “Art Comes to Life” piece, and she posed as this painting! Funny enough, I recently visited this at the MoMa – such beautiful work.
Amazing post!
Must try that mascara!
xoxox,
CC
I never saw that one hanging in any of My Grandparents home’s,it is new to Me. I do like it though.Thank You for dropping by to say hello and leading Me to Your blog,where I always learn something new. Hugs to You and blessings Your way-Denise
Hi!!!!!
How have you been?
I love that painting!!!!!!
Hope you have a great day,
Shannon
Hello…thanks for popping over always lovely to hear from you…I adore this painting, I haven’t seen it before…I could look at it forever! xx
Oh boy, the back story is so fascinating, sweetie! Btw: I think I need the DV Mascara now:) Have a great morning.
Wow I never knew the story behind this painting. But I remember this painting as a kid and how haunting it was. Yes so many people in our society think they have problems but they don’t, they just have issues. Thanks for the info!
I only remembered this painting after looking at it for a while. I never noticed details like the thin arms and the individual blades of grass before. She really is so strong and the pillow cases also exude quiet elegance too!