"Little Traveler"
4x6 oil on canvas
Carol Horzempa
I love antiques and nature. My house is full of old things I've collected through the years. I also love collecting interesting things I find every so often on nature hikes. Every fall I collect acorns, nuts and pine cones. I noticed acorns have the same shape as a Kewpie doll head and with the right lighting I thought it would make an interesting composition.
There is a story behind this little bisque Kewpie doll called "Little Traveler." My husband found the 3 1/2 inch bisque doll buried in a construction site the first year of our marriage. Other than a few marks, it's in excellent condition. It is hard to believe this little figurine survived all these years buried underground in an ancient city dump along with cinders and antique bottles. Now it has an honored place on display in my china cabinet.
Love the face on the Kewpie Carol. Great little expression--you captured it. The comparison with the acorn is also a great play of shape. Love the idea.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about Alice's deadline. I let mine sit too long and then just did it in one marathon sitting.
Enjoy the spring. We've earned it.
What a sweet painting along with a beautiful story line.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering about you when the challenge pics were posted!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful painting! I'd say the angst and frustration with this piece worked out to be a strong force for it coming out so well. Sometimes it happens that way. The globe painting I submitted spent half of its development teetering on the edge of being pitched! Horrible! Kept pushing and it came out pretty well.
I need a light box...! I shoot photos of all of my set ups because I have such incredible morning light opportunities and the angle I like are very hard to work on from the props/model. I don't really like working from photos...it makes me tight.
Oh good, another collector of anything old and of nature, so glad to hear that I am in good company. It's refreshing to hear someone else explain the struggle that presents itself in a painting, and isn't it interesting that sometimes they just paint all by themselves...just when I think I have it figured out, I find out I don't! :-)
ReplyDeleteLove your little painting, especially Little Traveler.
Love this piece Carol and the story that goes with it!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you decided to go ahead and finish this Little Traveler project. It really turned out great! He looks so cute, I've always loved that little guy.
ReplyDeleteCarol, I am just discovering this right now. It is so great! I have decided to post it with the others but you will be receiving lots of extra duty for missing ship's movement. Sailors should never go ashore. Carol Horzempa has been charged with an UA while on liberty. The crew needs you on board at your station.
ReplyDeleteLittle Traveler is a charmingly evocative mini-masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting it and your still life setup. -Dabblerteer
Thanks for sharing your light box set up Carol. I just adore your Kewpie and your painting of it. I used to have a plastic Kewpie when I was small. You captured its sweet face perfectly.
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable little doll! I don't even like dolls but this one stole my heart with that expression and his little bags and umbrella. He almost looks like he's been naughty and has been kicked out. Really creative work, Carol!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful light and color. The picture feels like a step back in time. It's wonderful that Little Traveler gets a second "life" with you.
ReplyDeleteThis is so adorable, Carol! I love the Kewpie and I love collecting antiques. Thanks for showing your set up.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for your comments, they are really appreciated. I really enjoyed reading everyone's interpretation of my little painting.
ReplyDeleteI hope to do another painting of this little guy when I get back from vacation.
Love the colors, the composition, the subject well done.
ReplyDeleteThis is adorable.
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