by Bobbi Dunlop on 9/3/2007 12:57:18 PM
Well, as they say, you make plans and then life happens.
This seems to have been the case for me in the past couple of weeks. I worked so hard and with such enthusiasm preparing my beautiful linen supports. They are now curing in my studio and will be ready to paint on next week. This week I had admirable intentions of doing some little paintings for my blog, or even posting some of my larger works which are on-going in my studio, when I came down with that nasty flu. You know the one, 'that nasty one'. My friend, Lori Jay, just back from Greece and the UK, warned me about it, but too late. So, I have been down for the count this past week. Such is life.
But, the upside to being horizontal for the better part of this week is that I am now feeling refreshed and more excited than ever to get back to easelling. It's not easy to take time away from the studio but it's never a bad thing, one way or another. Particularly, since I have agreed to take on an exciting commission for a client. Since its being handled through an advertising agency, it's all a bit hush hush ... I'll tell you about it when I'm able. Perhaps that will be when the painting is finished. This will also mean that my concentration and focus will be on bringing this commission to fruition.....if you don't hear from me for a bit, you'll understand why.
In the meantime, please read about my delightful friend, artist Allison McNeil and her newest venture, here in my blog.
My father, who passed away this past October at the age of 92 years, passed along his great love of horses to me. As I've mentioned in previous posts, as young artist horses were the subject of many of my paintings; many of them my Dad's. The hearts of artists and poets throughout the ages have been captivated by the beauty, power and grace of these wonderful creatures.
My Dad had such a way with them, such a gentle touch; it was apparent to all who knew him. Now, I do not see a horse without thinking of my Dad and the all I paint them, I think of him, as well.As a still life painter, the Tang Dynasty horse has become a great source of inspiration for me. Within the Tang society (China 618-906AD) the horse played an important role and was revered for their vigor and strength. They symbolized strength and status, as well as reflected on the personality of their owners and the prosperous and powerful Tang Dynasty itself.Ceramic models of the owner's horse have been found preserved in their tombs. Upon death, many Chinese horsemen were buried with clay horse sculptures and horses on which human figures are mounted, occupy a special place. These would often be found either preceding or following the coffin.The Tang horse portrayed in my painting "Tang Dynasty Prancer", 12x12, oil on linen, is not an authentic Tang horse but a reproduction which occupies a special place in my studio and which I treasure nonetheless. I've painted a number of them which I'll display in future posts. I hope you enjoy their elegant, and often dramatic, beauty as much as I enjoy sculpting them with paint. For me, with each brushstroke, the ancient horse comes to life.This painting is available for purchase at: [Space]Untitled or for further information please email me at bobbi@bobbidunlop.com
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