Monday, March 8, 2010

International Women's Day

My blogger pal Narayahan wished me a Happy Women's Day last night around 10PM. I told him I didn't know what he was refering to and he told me March 8 is International Women's Day.

So I Googled and found the website for International Women's Day and was enlightened that this is a national holiday for several countries and started way back in 1911. So 'Thank you' Narayahan for letting me know about this.

Now this painting has nothing to do with celebrating Women's Day but I thought I would post it because it features a woman. It is a painting for the Flying Moleskin Project. Vern Schwarz left the subject for his book up to us. I've always admired the glamor of the 40's. This is loosely based on a photo of Gene Tierney. It is oil on gessoed paper about 10x8.

33 comments:

Michelle said...

She is lovely, Sheila with a LOT of glamor! Such delicate work on her face, too!

Mark Sheeky said...

I painted quite a few film star pictures when I first started. Actually, I still do, but a bit less... expected!

Well done on this one. Faces of that size are really tricky.

Kaylyn Munro said...

This is nice. You're still using brushstrokes boldly but I think you're making them work for you in a much stonger way.

Martha Stewart??? You'd better see my response, ma'am. Its a good thing.

Unknown said...

I didn't know about IWD at all! I guess that, to me, every day is women's day :-)
Great painting -- boy, has she got attitude! (and glamour)

Linda Popple said...

Nice "glamor" painting! I like that era, too. Even everyday wear was glamorous with gloves, hats, stockings and high heels. You've definitely captured it in Gene Tierney!

Jo Castillo said...

Happy IWD, too! Great painting, yes, good face for the small size.

Vern Schwarz said...

Beautiful painting Sheila and I love it. Thanks so much, you really did a great job on this. Her look is pure Hollywood.

Hellenne said...

You're so good with faces. I guess your forensic sketching helps a lot, too, knowing bone structure and muscle structure. How did they keep these dresses from falling completely off the shoulder and onto the floor???

Manon said...

My aunt also wished me a happy International Women's Day!! Your painting is perfect for this day!!

Thanks again, Sheila, for the FB heart!! You are a great friend to me!!

Celeste Bergin said...

how cool is this? what a neat painting. My ex husband's family knew Gene Tierney! It is a name one does not hear very often. She was the epitome of style and grace..You did her justice, I think.

Art Trip said...

Wow, this is nice.

Lauren Maurer said...

I love that era and you captured it oh so well!

Autumn Leaves said...

Sheila, this is so beautiful! I love that golden era of Hollywood! Gowns and beautiful make-up, false eyelashes and swooping hair! Your work continues to stun me, my friend. Always wonderful and always eye candy!

Anonymous said...

Sheila...now this is hollywood glamour at its best!! So International Womens Day...who knew? what sort of accolades and , of course..the presents...are we supposed to get?

Art with Liz said...

OMG I missed that day as well!! What a beautiful painting - lucky Vern!

Anthony Duce said...

Like the painting, and how it fit back into the times.

Ellen Burkett said...

Ooh la la! What a terrific painting! The loose brushwork is fantastic, but controlled enough for this kind of painting. Absolutely beautiful!

Elizabeth Chapman said...

Well, happy International Woman's Day!!! You've have portrayed this woman so beautifully... I especially love the way you accented the light (white) area.

martinealison said...

Très jolie peinture et jolie femme qui illustrent parfaitement bien la journée de la femme. Elle est parfaitement mise en valeur grâce à toi Sheila. Je ne connais pas cette femme mais elle a beaucoup de classe. J'aime ta touche de peinture. A-t-on pensé à toi en ce jour de célébration?
Bises

Art By Erika said...

Ahh she wears the my name well as you always do Sheila! Belated Happy IWD to you!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sheila, She definitely has the 40's glam look! Wonderful! Happy IWD...ought to make it a month or year!

Janice said...

Sheila she is glamourous and very early "Hollywood Star"! Great painting~~~

Nina Jørgensen said...

I actually didnt know either until i read your blog right now! Nice drawing!

Kathleen Krucoff said...

Stunning piece Sheila! And I think a great tribute to International Women's Day too.

Gary Keimig said...

Somehow this says Womens Day, Sheila. You continue to amaze me with what you are doing. I thought I was prolific but you have redefined the term. And with such great work.
Am still having folks wanting to do my challenge so I am letting it run awhile. Have received some really great Bighorn Ram entries. Great fun.

billspaintingmn said...

Cool painting Sheila! This has all the charm of the 40's!
I didn't know about IWD but I think women deserve that, and more!

Anonymous said...

I really like all the folds and drapery. She's strong and all woman. Well done!

Unknown said...

Lovely painting , like the colours and composition.Liked your sketcing skills you truly have the art in you.

Stephen Gardner said...

Nice one Sheila, let's have another one.

Catherine Jeffrey said...

Great painting. Love the strong blue, purple, and red. Her expression demands to be looked at! Nice and loosely painted. Is it another comment about women that we need to be told that it is Woman's day?

Dean Grey said...

Glamorous Sheila!

-Dean

Greener Bangalore said...

oooo Shiela!!! sorry for the late response:) Lovely art work as usual and yes 40+ is the best period :).....wishing you all women a belated womens day......

Sheila Estep said...

Love her! so glamorous and love the red dress.