Saturday, December 5, 2009

Mary Cassatt's Children on the Beach (1884)


Oil on Canvas - 36 x 24

This is my entry for Michelle Burnett's Following the Masters monthly painting challenge. For this entry we could choose an artist who had influenced our work and, since children are my favorite subjects, for me it's Mary Cassatt.

Mary Stevenson Cassatt (May 22, 1844 – June 14, 1926) was an American painter and printmaker. She lived much of her adult life in France, where she first befriended Edgar Degas and later exhibited among the Impressionists.

Cassatt often created images of the social and private lives of women, with particular emphasis on the intimate bonds between mothers and children. A few of these paintings may be seen here. (Wikipedia)

I painted this a number of years ago for a lady who lives by the water and wanted this reproduction to complement her family room's "beach decor". I remember how hard it was to "cut off" the little girl's legs! I even asked if I might incude feet (which would have probably made Mary Cassatt roll over)! The portrait class I was taking at the time stressed that we were NEVER to "cut off" limbs at amputation points...i.e, wrists, ankles, etc. Guess that really made an impression - at least I've never forgotten it! Looking at the photo of the painting now, maybe I should have been more concerned with softer edges and more colorful shadows! I wonder if it's still hanging in the "Dockside Room"? Thanks Michelle for reminding me to take another look at this one!

14 comments:

  1. Rosemary, thank you for teaching me a bit about Mary Cassatt; I now hope to find a book about her and her works. That said, this is a truly delightful piece, nice colors and a crispness that I especially love. I also love the whole composition of the piece (I have two daughters, not so little anymore). Just stunning!

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  2. Another good painting, Rosemary. It is beautiful. You are really good at painting people. Also, a very nice write up. Silvia

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  3. Rosemary, a wonderful rendition of the children. I agree with Silvia, you do very well with portraits/figures. I paint a lot with a group of men out this way, and even though women are not part of their group, I always say I want to be the Mary Cassatt of their group (much like she was a part of the Impressionist group). LOL

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  4. This is beautiful Rosemary! I love Mary Cassatt's work as well...a wonderful choice of subject and style.

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  5. This is terrific Rosemary. I haven't done a challenge for a while now - must really pull finger and this is an inspiration!

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  6. Nice work Rosemary and an informative blog ... see ya around!

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  7. I knew immediately that your masters inspiration was Mary Cassatt. This is beautiful and you really captured Mary's style.

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  8. Sherry, Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed getting to know Mary Cassatt. There are lots of books out there - hope you find one! It is so much fun painting children!

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  9. Silvia and Pat - Thanks! I really appreciate your comments! Pat, what fun that you get to be the "Mary Cassatt" in your group of male painters! She was way ahead of her time! You go girl!

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  10. Thank you so much Michelle! Following the Masters is such a fun blog! Thanks for encouraging us to look back at the Masters!

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  11. Denny, thanks for stopping by and for the nice comments! I visited your blog and love your work! Will go back often!

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  12. rosemary have been noticing thison my blog and im just getting over to say wow!!.. this is really really nice.. wanted also to wish you a very merry christmas.. and will be back to look around, hopefully before the new year!

    have a wonderful holiday!!

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  13. Very nice Rosemary, this is a sweet painting. I really like Mary's work also. So enjoyable to paint children.

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  14. Thank you Cindi and Barb! Merry Christmas to both of you!

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