Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Georgia O'Keeffe

If I had to pick a favorite flower, it would probably be the iris because it reminds me of Georgia O'Keeffe. She painted dozens of flowers from the iris to the poppy and lily, and what I love about her images is that she usually zoomed right into the most interesting part of the flower. In her own words: “I often painted fragments of things because it seemed to make my statement as well as or better than the whole could.”
I saw a documentary on O'Keeffe once and the most interesting part was the tour inside her studio. Before she began a new piece, all her brushes were chosen and her paints mixed in advance. I guess she must have taken Gustave Flaubert’s advice to heart. “Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work.”

7 comments:

A bird in the hand said...

Next time you're over, I'll show you my book of Georgia O'Keefe's watercolours. I've always loved her work, but didn't know of her watercolours until I found this book.

José said...

You made me curious. I'm going to google Georgia O'Keefe!

Ronna said...

Great post. I think I'd better take some close ups of my irises as per your/Georgia's suggestion! Stay tuned...

Leslie Jane Moran said...

That is really exquisite. Beautiful plant and beautiful photo.

Unknown said...

Hi Susan! When are you going to come over and see my baby doves and new studio in person? Any time girl!

Sandy xox

bryson said...

This is great, but just as a side note Ms. Georgia spelled her last name O'Keeffe. An unusual spelling.

Best of luck!

Karen said...

Susan, I just LOVE georgia O'Keeffe... I traveled through New Mexico to see where she lived and what inspired her. I have just about every book published on her. The photograph you posted is very much in line with her colours and style, stunning!!