Standing on the Shoulders of Those Who Have Gone Before

I heard that an artist in New England had curated his own work with paintings from a museum collection. I thought it was a good idea. I have chosen a few artists for my virtual show. I did not have an intimate relationship with their paintings. They reside in my mind in a vague and amicable way. To google their paintings has been enlightening.

Jean-Auguste Dominique Ingres. 1780-1867 Portrait of Jean Louis Provost

I selected a drawing by Ingres because he is a master of economy of line. I love the way some parts of the drawing are more highly resolved and attract attention but later the quiet simplicity,confidence and clarity of the rest of the drawing is seen. To progress forward from the drawings of Ingres, I chose Twombly because he takes pencil drawing and mark making in a painterly direction that is free but not impulsive. For me he creates a path out of a potentially rigid situation with work that is free, but not impulsive or out of control.

Cy Twombly. Quatro Stagioni- Part 1 Primavera. 1994

Ideas that go into the paintings that I make are ongoing.The paintings of Stettheimer have come over the years to say “hi”and then pass on. At this time I see that there is more for me to appreciate in her work as it relates to my own.

Ann Friedlander. Echoes. 2018

I use color and shapes to create balance and rhythm. I juggle the free and the tight, and I contrast clearly stated elements with others that quietly recede . I stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before.

Florine Stettheimer. Picnic at Bedford Hills. 1918