by Bobbi Dunlop on 5/18/2008 1:49:42 PM
For my birthday recently, my husband surprised me with the trip of a lifetime. Every artist's dream....a trip to London (The National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery); Paris (Louvre); Amsterdam (Rembrandt's House and The Rijksmuseum). My intention and goal: to get my nose as close as possible to every single Rembrandt masterpiece, without getting myself arrested.
This is me (photo) in front of Rembrandt's House in Amsterdam. He looks a little alarmed that I've arrived without calling first. Terribly sorry, Rembrandt. Some things just can't be helped, though, when one has had to wait a lifetime.
Rembrandt is the artist who locked up my artist's heart years ago, probably before I even realized it. I was told by a very wise, very intelligent artist that ''it's in the DNA'', this inclination or need one has to follow one method of painting or another. Simply put, we can't help it.
Since returning from Europe, I've been busy preparing for the Grand Opening of Brandon Michael Fine Art in Santa Fe who will be representing my work. I've completed paintings, ordered and framed pieces and now all that is left is to look forward to visiting the beautiful city of Santa Fe.
If you're in Santa Fe on June 1st, please stop by Brandon Michael Fine Art, 202 Canyon Road, between 5 and 7pm and join in the festivities while taking in all the beautiful art!
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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