Saturday, October 3, 2009

And now something completely different...

I never played with baby dolls when I was growing up. I don't remember why. I've always been fascinated with what I believe are mostly male designers think what cute or beautiful babies to be. Some of the images kind of scare me to tell you the truth.

Maybe by blowing them up and studying them as I paint them, some of the mystery can be explained. I don't know. I'm thinking of doing a couple of more.









24x18 oil on canvas


23 comments:

Kim VanDerHoek said...

Too funny, I've felt the same way about some dolls! I think you did a nice job capturing the vacant expression of a baby doll. What a fun subject, it would be neat to see a whole series of them hanging together. Kind of creepy too.

Unknown said...

I know what you mean about dolls,sometimes scary something to do with a certain horror film I watched:/ Interesting idea though Sheila, perhaps by painting them you will let us see your take on the subject...

Art with Liz said...

Oh wow, you've explained exactly how so many of us 'girls' felt about dolls! And what a grim looking doll. Awesome painting lovely lady.

Autumn Leaves said...

I was thinking this one looked like it was staring daggers through me so felt much better when I read your words and discovered it was a doll! What a wonderful idea, Sheila. You've captured something about this one, that is for sure! I cannot wait to see your next one!

Stephen Gardner said...

I think you are on to something here, this is a really strong piece of painting.

susan hong-sammons said...

What an amazing and interesting life you have. This is my first visit to your blog and I look forward to return visits.

Paintings by Irit Bourla said...

This is great Sheila.
And now a series? Cannot wait!!!

Linny D. Vine said...

The mouth is exquisite, Sheila! (And interesing that it is closed by design.)

Mary Paquet said...

Indeed, this looks very doll-like. Great job. When I did a doll in pastel, my older son was creeped out by it - I think his feelings about dolls match yours. You captured that doll emptiness very well.

Now the pig -- I just love it!

Carol Horzempa said...

Great job Sheila! I love the eyebrows and lashes...you captured the doll's vacant stare perfectly. I still have all my baby dolls in the attic. Now you are inspiring me to use them in a painting.

Trevor Lingard said...

I always shuddered when walking into my daughters bedrooms were dolls were lined up in rows.
I have never understood my fear.
Your painting though is gentle and has charm. I like this Sheila.
Regards

Unknown said...

Kowaii!!!! Funny you should paint this. I was just thinking of painting Kewpie-chan, but mine isn't as scary looking. Great job capturing the "look...."

Stephen Dell'Aria said...

I think you've conveyed the apprehension you feel towards baby dolls very well in your painting. I've always found the things to be a little creepy also.

Manon said...

Lovely painting Sheila! I totally understand what you're talking about!!
Missed the last few posts ....love the pig! You're doing such a fantastic job with animals. I can see your love for them in your paintings!!

manon

Unknown said...

I meant my Kewpie-doll isn't as scary looking as your doll.

Dean Grey said...

Sheila!

I did have to gasp slightly when seeing the doll's face. It is a bit spooky. She won't stop staring at me!

You did a nice job capturing the glossy, porcelain-like quality of the doll's skin.

Why is she pouting at us?!? Make her stop, Sheila!

-Dean (^_^)

Dana Cooper said...

Baby dolls were not my thing as a child either and I think the scary factor had something to do with it. You really captured the look of the doll.
I enjoyed reading all the other comments too...scary seems to be the consensus!

Catherine Jeffrey said...

You are definitely right about your painting being "completely different"! I am trying to imagine how it must look on a wall in this size. The comments are also really interesting. I didn't know so many of us are "creeped out" by dolls. I wonder if your forensic background is coming through here!! I guess we can't get too analytical about what we paint. Great job in capturing the essence of this subject.
Love your animal pictures and also how you do so much for them. Good to see you've got the ebay widget going!

Rob Hazzard said...

How about doing a whole series of these for Halloween....creepy!

Edward Burton said...

You have a very interesting project going on there, Sheila.

Carrie Griesemer said...

I love your brushwork on this doll, tho I find them often creepy too. Great job!

Diane Hoeptner said...

Love this! More of these!! (:

Whit D. said...

I didn't know anyone else felt that way about the basic baby doll toy! I've always found baby dolls, clowns, and buttons to be borderline repulsive -- definitely creepy. When the horror movie Chuckie was released, I thought it would have been much more effective if Chuckie had been a generic baby doll ...

As for the art: absolutely love your Vespas done today ... great stuff.