“Wild India” is the theme and here are my contributions to this year’s silent auction at ZOOFARI! The theme really made me ramp up the colors. I even went to see “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” to get the feel of colorful India (great movie but I only saw one elephant and no peacocks) If you are interested in attending Zoofari on September 14, here is the ticket information: http://cincinnatizoo.org/events/zoofari/
Hurry- last year sold out!
July 29th, 2012 | Published in July/August 2012
Vincent van Gogh (Dutch, b. 1853, d.1890) Undergrowth With Two Figures, Cincinnati Art Museum, Bequest of Mary F. Johnston, 1967.1430By: Susan Mahan
When my mother was 90 years old, I took her for her first visit to the Cincinnati Art Museum. She was a self-trained painter who worked from photographs taken from Ideals magazines. My mother was quite skilled in the art of copying photos. Drawing came easily to her and she could match the colors of the landscape. She always loved painting but was not able to major in art in college due to her father?s insistence that she study business. It thrilled her when I majored in art and decided to teach. Mom often asked me to share what I learned about composition and color. At the museum when I parked her wheelchair in front of my favorite painting, “Undergrowth with Two Figures” by Vincent Van Gogh, her first and only comment was, “Why did he paint the trees purple?” I was stunned by her question and was unsure how to answer. It had never occurred to me to question Van Gogh?s use of color.
The purple trees are exactly the reason why I love this painting by Van Gogh. Of course, the use of line is stunning. A horizontal canvas in contrast to the vertical lines of the trees creates interest. The proportion of the figures to the scale of the trees renders them almost insignificant. Thickly layered paint makes me yearn to touch it. The contrast of the dark black lines and distant trees to the yellow and white flowers is arresting. But, it is the purple trees that dominate. Complementary colors sing. Short dabs of yellow next to the purple allow me to feel a breeze. Van Gogh used color boldly- in stark contrast to the restricted palettes of his predecessors.
When editor Daniel Brown and I were discussing this painting, he said, “The Impressionists painted outdoors, the first European artists ever to have done so, and made some remarkably accurate discoveries about color, but the liberation of color from what the eye can see begins with the Post-Impressionists, Van Gogh, Gauguin et. al. The revolutions in physics and the inventions of Freud paralleled these phenomena, as both maintained that there is much more to everything than that which the eye (and other senses) could see and process, and those things were not visible to the eye; thus the revolution, generally known in the art field as “the liberation of color”. I think that another reason for the popularity of VanGogh in this century is the radical reductionism of his landscapes: there is a minimal amount of visual information, and the perspectives are often skewed (the painting you write about seems, to today’s eyes, like a cropped photograph).”
“By the time of The Fauves, color had already been liberated, but what Matisse et al did was make this a regular feature in their painting, as if the mind’s eye saw the trees as purple (I personally believe that this does refer to Monet, in particular, where these Impressionists noticed that there is no such color as black in nature, but night really consists of deep purples: I have noted this phenomenon when I am in Vermont–the mountains at night are a deep purple,and tree trunks appear the same.”
“Suite Judy”, Susan Mahan, Mixed Media 18 x 24My 33 year career as an art instructor took me to several schools. I taught 25 years as the 2-D visual arts instructor, as well as serving as the department chair, at Mariemont High School. I also taught a class as an adjunct professor in the Art Department at Xavier University in 2010. During my career, I have been asked many questions about art. Students debated why a painting was worthy of inclusion in a museum, sometimes with derisive comments like, “My little brother could have painted that.” They often had trouble understanding the work of Jackson Pollack and Mark Rothko, to name a couple. My canned responses of “Look at the artist?s body of work,” and “His work was innovative,” left them unsatisfied. The exercise of writing a formal art criticism usually helped my students develop more appreciation of the very paintings they doubted. Further analysis helped them to understand the motivation of the artists, limitations of the time period and techniques employed. Visits to the museum fueled their interest in the study of art. Questions from students about what makes a painting great and what the artists are trying to convey anchor the very best lesson plans.
Henri Matisse said “Creativity takes courage.” Creativity is difficult to teach. How do you encourage creativity? My students were encouraged to stretch themselves and take chances with their art. Varying perspective can liven up a composition. The use of arbitrary color, scale and contrast helps. Previously unexplored materials and mixed media encourages spontaneity. Students can become so focused on “making art” that is worthy of the refrigerator that they lose the ability to experiment. Getting them to play with materials is challenging. A pristine piece of white paper can be the enemy. The first mark on that paper can make all the difference. Creativity comes from a feeling of freedom. That freedom is difficult to achieve when constrained by the limitations of time and materials.
“Undergrowth with Two Figures” took courage. The saturated areas of color created by frenetic brushwork make this painting a marvel. Van Gogh?s paintings were groundbreaking. He is now viewed as a somewhat romantic figure who typifies the image of the tortured artist. People like to remember him as the artist who cut off his own ear. I remember him as an artist with courage. He painted his vision and not what anyone else expected him to paint. He did not seek praise or sales. He was eager for artists to work in collective efforts rather than be in isolation. He was self critical but had faith in the future of his work. People have speculated about the significance of the lines made by the trees in this painting. Do they represent bars of his room in the mental asylum where he stayed? Maybe. Gauguin said he was “decidedly mad.” Signac begrudged the attention given to Van Gogh instead of his friend Seurat calling Van Gogh “an insane phenomenon.” Today, artists try to emulate Van Gogh?s work by copying his paintings and technique. They layer on the paint and sit in the same locations of his compositions. Imitations fall short because the energy is missing. Also missing are the vision and courage to be unique. This painting is special because it is an original in every way. Van Gogh had courage. His work shows us his visual clarity in the midst of his madness.
“Undergrowth” is not at our museum right now as it is on loan to The Philadelphia Museum of Art for the show “Van Gogh Up Close.” Before it left Cincinnati it was painstakingly restored. The public was invited to view the restoration process. It will be back at CAM in February 2013. I will be among the first to welcome it home.
It is once again my pleasure to create work for the Cincinnati Zoo’s upcoming Zoofari. The event is September 14th. My work will be in the Silent Auction. This year’s theme is Wild India. I decided the first piece I would complete would be an Indian elephant. While researching these beautiful beasts, I found images of Elephant Festivals. The elephants are painted beautiful colors and gathered together in a celebration. Here is my homage to these wonderful creatures and this event. It is mixed media, 18 x 24, and will be available at Zoofari on September 14. Tickets are available at: www.cincinnatizoo.org/events
It was a wild night in the Columbus area on June 29th. Here’s how it went: I got to the hotel downtown at 3. It is adjacent to Short North and about 8 miles from Bexley where the gallery is. I called for my car at 4:30 to head for the gallery-opening to begin at 5. The storm hit downtown at 4:40. I have never driven in such a storm. A metal street sign blew off the pole and hit the car in front of me. The streetlights were blowing at 90 degree angles. Lights were all out, flash flooding on the streets and sirens everywhere. I pulled over, but that did not help. The winds were over 80MPH and knocked out the radio station I was trying to listen to for info. Streets were closed so I had to go a different route and then got lost. I was dodging downed tree limbs everywhere. Stella (my trusty GPS) lost reception. It took me 1 hour to get there, but, I did. I was late but not a problem as so were many guests. The gallery, amazingly, had power. The opening was the best I have ever attended. I met so many nice people. My dinner plans were understandably cancelled, so, I decided to go back to the hotel and order room service and a much deserved glass of wine. I fought my way back through more closed streets and took my car to the valet guy and asked him if it was too late for room service. He got a funny look on his face and said, “You haven’t heard?” The power was off in the hotel and entire surrounding area. ( I later found out 400,000 people up there lost power) I couldn’t believe it. So, being the trooper that I am, I asked the desk clerk if they had any hope for it being restored soon… she just looked dazed. The elevators are on a different generator, so I rode up to the 7th floor room I had crashed in for all of 1 hour. In PITCH BLACK -only by the light of my iPHone ( GET that app), I packed. ( all but a dress and jacket I had hung in the closet-so much for being organized.) The valet guy told me I71S was closed, but I did not care. I would have taken Montgomery Rd all the way home if need be. I knew from our neighbors that we had power and all I wanted to do was get home. So, I drove like a bat out of hell on an empty 71 and got home in record time. Here are some photos of the opening. I still find it amazing that the only place in the area with power was ART ACCESS GALLERY. I think it was a sign that this gallery and I are a good fit!
Here are some photos of the evening:
Wow! What a night! This year’s “Art Comes Alive” was my first. 140 pieces were selected for this exhibit from over 1200 submitted. Many local artists were included. Shannon Godby, Carol Abbott, Glenda Suttman, Paula Wiggins, Kay Hurley and Tom Towhey are a few. The food was extravagant and the views from the space got better and better as darkness fell. What a beautiful space for an art event. Litsa Spanos knew what she was doing when she acquired this space. To top it off, I was stunned to hear my name read when a purchase award was announced. I wish I could go back and listen to what the presenter said. I heard him say, “Texture, color, and storytelling…” but I was so distracted by being in the back of the crowded room that I didn’t hear him. (and my feet were killing me…) So, somehow I made it on stage. I think I actually complained about my feet hurting as I climbed the steps. I happily accepted the award and posed for a photo, still in shock. I am not at all used to winning awards. It was a wonderful night and I am fueled by this recognition! 
Today is a big day! My contribution to the the live auction for “Rock On” is leaving the studio. This large adirondack rocker has been painted and collaged and now is ready to be sprayed with an auto body finish. The event is August 11 at the Radison. For ticket information you can go to:
http://www.proseniors.org/
Tomorrow night is a big night! It is our 27th wedding anniversary and also- the first time I will show my work at the Cincinnati Art Galleries. I am honored and excited to be in such impressive company. It is my pleasure to show my work in such a beautiful space. Eight of my paintings are included. They are very different from the other works. Daniel Brown, the curator for the show and my mentor, selected a wide range of work. You will see Cole Carruthers’ still life oils of urban interiors, Pat Olding’s large scale paintings of fruit, and Sheldon Tapley’s meticulous paintings of intimate scenes,to name a few. I hope you will see the show. The opening is from 5-8PM at Cincinnati Art Galleries on 6th Street. If you can’t make the opening- the show is up until June 29th. You can also browse the show on their website:
http://www.cincinnatiartgalleries.com/
It is always fun to exhibit at the Cincinnati Zoo. The tulips were finished blooming by the time of the “Tiptoe” event, but there were so many other beautiful plants to see in full color. The ladies who attended the event came decked out in beautiful attire and the speakers were very informative. All in all, it was a very good day. The minis and bags with animal themed artwork flew out the door!Thank you to the zoo PR and event committees for hosting me again this year
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“Inspired” opened at Gallery 42 on April 21st. It was my pleasure to be included in this show. Shannon Godby chose work from several artists who inspire him. It is the last show for Gallery 42 before they change the venue to an educational space. The evening opening was well attended they change the venue to an educational space. The evening opening was well attended and truly inspiring!
The tulips are spent but the animals and other blooming foliage will be ready April 18th for the annual “Tiptoe” event. If you haven’t yet purchased your tickets, you may find some still available at the Cincinnati Zoo website- www.cincinnatizoo.org
I will be there for the luncheon and some early bird shopping at 10 AM. You may purchase the original painting designed for the invitation as well as some bags, cards and minis made especially for this event. I hope to see you there! Here is a preview:
OK, I admit it… I have not been in the Christmas spirit at all. It seems that ”pressures” have gotten to me lately. The pressure to keep my business afloat, the pressure of deadlines, the pressure of too many hours “performing” at shows, a perceived lack of appreciation; it’s all had me feeling burnt out. My latest favorite song is Heywood Banks “Toast”! Anyway, you get the idea.
Yesterday I decided to do some shopping at WalMart to get things rolling. Baking accessories and new tree lights were at the top of my list. I could make time to shop between art deliveries in an upscale part of town that is at least a half an hour away from home. The deliveries were at noon and 5PM, so, plenty of time to get some things done in between. I didn’t want to drive to the store all the way near my home, so, I decided to use the new APP on my phone AroundMe. It is a great new app that my niece Melissa told me about. Hit it and it will tell you what is near you in every category you could hope for. Ok, there is a WalMart within 3 miles… perfect.
I found the store with no problem, iPhones really are the best invention ever, right? I walked in and was immediately hit with the sensation that this is not like the store in my neighborhood. People of all ethnicities were shopping and working. I had the sensation that these people were very sad and suffering the harsh realities of a bad financial situation. Ok, they were poor. I felt out of place immediately. Not uncomfortable, just out of place. I did what I always do when I feel overwhelmed, I called Mark. We discussed the lighting situation for the tree and I confided in him that I was feeling overcome with the pressure of the holiday season and also that this shopping situation was not going so well. He made me feel better so on I went to conquer my list of necessities.
Cart brimming over with rolls of wrapping paper, gift bags, baking supplies, lighted garlands, popcorn tins, you name it… I made my way to the check out line. My customer for the 5PM delivery called and asked if I could drop everything and be at her home in 45 minutes instead of in 3 hours. In a hurry to get checked out and unfamiliar with this store, I made my way to the shortest line. There were 4 people ahead of me. I waited patiently, checking my email and Facebook status and probably actually tapping my foot. When I was one person away from the register, I saw the sign that said “20 items of less”. Oh no, I was in the wrong line and I had at least 45 things in my cart. I was horrified. I am a teacher and I follow the rules. There were only 2 other lanes open and they were 10 deep. I looked at the man behind me in line and he only had 2 things in his hands. I asked if he would like to go ahead of me and I expressed my dismay at causing him inconvenience (to say nothing of the 6 people behind him…) He said “Don’t worry, I am not in a hurry.” I told him that I was, and said I was sorry. As I tried to get the cart organized to make the checkout faster the man and I began to chat. We talked about Christmas shopping and how his wife was all finished with theirs. The more we talked the more I relaxed. He was so kind and obviously not bothered by what I perceived to be my rudeness. My sister in law used to tell me that I was too friendly to strangers and one day it would get me into trouble. Well, not on this day. This man, so shabbily dressed and obviously in need, gave me such a gift. He told me -SLOW DOWN and relax. Enjoy the experience. It’s not a race.
The cashier believed that I was not guilty of a horrible crime and was delightful. When the cash register totaled my items some kind of bell went off. She exclaimed, “You have been selected!” I had no idea what that meant. She told me I was getting a $20 gift card right then and there. It was probably because I went over some limit… who knows? Anyway, she excitedly handed me a gift card. Finally, the spirit of the season overtook me- I handed the unexpected gift card to the man who had been so patiently chatting with me. The man lit up brighter than the new lights for my tree. The cashier actually clapped. Oh my God, I created a mini scene… but in the best possible way. The spirit of the season filled me with joy! For that I am truly grateful.
My first year teaching we were asked to decorate our classroom doors with a holiday image that we personally favored. I chose the following words and a great big painting of the Grinch.
“It came without ribbons! It came without tags! “It came without packages, boxes or bags!” And he puzzled three hours, `till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! “Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. “Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!”
Here I am, 35 years later, reminded how true these words are! It’s ironic that I was reminded of this lesson IN WALMART!
Merry Christmas!
