Not a Goddess

I have been studying the history of some of my favorite artists--first saw Manet's work years ago at an amazing exhibit at The Art Institute of Chicago. My goal is to go back and study many of these artists who were so strongly influenced by each other. It has been a lot of fun so far and extremely motivating!

This painting was inspired by Edouard Manet's painting "The Luncheon on the Grass" (without the foreground). Manet was not dependent on the sales of his paintings, so was able to really push the boundaries of the time. Initially, I just thought she was really beautiful, but learning the stories behind paintings makes them so much better!

The process I used to paint this was different. Normally I sketch in my painting with light transparent paint, but this time I did a dark wash and wiped out the woman's form. It was interesting and felt strange, forcing an uncomfortable looseness.

12x12 on 1/8" museum quality panel
www.halliekohnart.com

Ballet

The ballet shoes are the inspiration for many of the dancer paintings I have done lately. What girl doesn't want them when she's younger? I took ballet for a year just to own a pair myself. It was worth it! :)

Both paintings were done on black gessoed panels, my favorite way to paint.
www.halliekohnart.com

6x6

8x8

A Little Turn

I'm in unchartered territory, but that's where all the growth happens. I've been painting from vintage photos. This one was a dancer standing with her head craned at a strange angle. I decided to turn her, changed the face completely, and added what I thought was an interesting atmosphere.

9x12 on 1/8" museum quality panel
www.halliekohnart.com

That Light

This painting was inspired by a vintage photograph that I love. The image has a gentle and relaxing appeal to it. She looks to be resting in the warmth of the sunlight, one of my favorite things to do.

8x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel
www.halliekohnart.com

Klimt Inspired Water Serpent

This is my third attempt at painting from a master's work. Here you will see a section of Gustav Klimt's Water Serpent II; I have only painted one face of the four. (See below for other studies.)

12x12 on 1/8" museum quality panel
www.halliekohnart.com

Gustav Klimt 12x12"

John Atkinson Grimshaw 12x12"

Van Gogh 11x14"

Vintage Vogue

Every once in a while I get stuck for inspiration. Whenever that happens, I find myself wanting to paint things that are outside of my comfort zone. What better way to stretch and grow as an artist, and also to keep things interesting!

This was painted from a vintage Vogue photograph. I love her classy, yet gypsy persona. And am especially drawn to the amazing jewelry and hair turban.

8x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel
www.halliekohnart.com

Sunbather

Many years ago I was in Playa del Carmen with my husband and some of my family. We came across this woman lounging in the water. She gave two or three poses as I tried to inconspicuously snap a few photos.

She was one of my first paintings and has hung in my home for years. Although I don't often paint people, was inspired to paint another of her poses this week. :)

6x8 on 1/8" museum quality panel

www.halliekohnart.com