1/19/09

OLSON HOUSE

These are some of my paintings which were inspired by a visit we made to the Olson house in Cushing, Maine, several years ago. These have all been posted before.

Andrew Wyeth painted over 300 paintings while at the Olson house where he had an upstairs studio of sorts. The house is now listed on the National Registry.

Several different
techniques are shown here, including dry brush watercolor, YUPO and watercolor, and batik watercolor on Ichimatsu washi. The boots and the buoys were not at the Olson house, but added to the paintings for interest.

One of the paintings that Wyeth was so recognized for was inspired at the Olson house, too - Christina' s World. He saw crippled Christina Olson crawling to her flower bed across the expanse of grass to pick some flowers and quickly did a rough sketch of her. Later his wife, Betsy, posed as Christina when he painted the painting.

No matter where Wyeth had lived, he would have painted what was around him. It seems many artists travel far and wide to find resources to paint, going on photo jaunts and vacations in hopes of finding their next inspiration. I know I'm that way. But Wyeth's paintings show that the emotional attachment to what we know the best can be the most ideal inspiration of all.

















8 comments:

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

What a wonderful collection of work. Being the botanical freek I am, simply love the freedom of the geraniums. Also loved your neice post with all its process detail - thanks.

Ces Adorio said...

I know Wyeth was great but I think you are better. The painting with the buoy is another masterpiece. I really think I am visiting a master's blog. You just need to live an outrageous life, maybe have an affair of some sort or do something destructive...maybe not. You are the best. I hope to meet you someday.

Sandy Maudlin said...

Ces, you are hilarious! You've given me a major morning laugh. Thanks and have a wonderful day, too. Joan, your new glasses are wild. Wouldn't it be wild to all meet somewhere sometime. We could have a blog convention for artists....

RH Carpenter said...

Gorgeous work, Sandy! The buoy, the boots and the geraniums are the very best there is - anywhere! And your secrets are safe with me - I won't tell them how wild and crazy you really are, in spite of your serene outward appearance :)

Dawn said...

Well I think you are a master artist too. I love the buoy it reminds me of the anchor in the rocks paining.
your work is amazing Sandy.

Suzanne McDermott said...

I'm so glad that you posted these, Sandy. They're all beautiful. When they first came up, I immediately thought, "Wyeth!". The geraniums are absolutely luscious.

sandy said...

These are all so nice and I especially love the rocking chair.

Sandy Maudlin said...

Thanks, everyone, for taking time to comment. Appreciate it. Now go paint!