Monday, June 1, 2009

TORSO HEARTED

Heart beating within the body...working out some things...this may become another self portrait but I have a feeling no one will like it. Does that matter? Maybe not...maybe I just want to get it on paper and see what comes out.



The first try was in my Aquabee sketch book. I didn't like the way the heart seems to be floating outside the body. It needs to look more like it's inside...not like a religious icon but somewhat like that - without the golden rays and haloes.




Not sure where this one is going...if anywhere. What do you think? Too weird? Maybe something more iconic would work?

8 comments:

Cathy Gatland said...

When I first looked at the top painting, I didn't 'see' the body, but thought the heart was floating inside a sort of green cave, which was mysterious and compelling. I saw the body more clearly in the bottom one, but rather prefer my first impression. I think this is so interesting Rhonda, and (literally) close to your heart!

Teresa Palomar Lois said...

Doesn't look weird to mee, it makes you "feel", you've managed to bring this one to life, I'd buy one of this better than a hundred empty "pretty paintings" anytime.
The red line across the body links the heart and body, it doesn't looks like floating in front of it anymore, IMO of course.

Sandy Maudlin said...

Oh yeah. I do like it. Strong message.

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks so much, Cathy, Teresa, and Sandy. Glad it wasn't too weird for you - after watching a program on the Sundance Channel on women who are making art using disgusting (yep, not even going to mention what) things and selling them, makes me wonder what is weird and what isn't. Let's just say this definitely isn't a pretty painting of a pretty scene.

Candy said...

I think this is very interesting. I took a water media class at UNLV a few years ago. One of the students did a series of full sheet watercolors of parts of the body with pipes. It's hard to explain, but it was like organic mixed with mechanical. One form flowed into another. It was very eerie. During the critiques, I think her paintings provoked the most discussion. I have the same feelings about "Torso Hearted" - eerie, mysterious, strange - good job!

RH Carpenter said...

Thanks, Candy, for your kind comments on this one. I do think something like this would evoke certain emotions and may work with it more.

Mary Sheehan Winn said...

the best one is the bottom one and I like it, like I like, anatomy book illustrations. The drawing is lovely.

RH Carpenter said...

Thank you, Mary. I'm glad you like the drawing aspect of them. My watercolor teacher, Sandy, preferred the bottom one with the darks, too. I am just peeking at your blog a bit and will delve into it more later - it must be such fun to be a snowbird and spend so much time in Florida with that wonderful studio!