Love Story
Nearly three years ago I fell in love! I could not have been more surprised. A relationship was the last thing on my mind at the time, but this man David, this Scientist, came into my life, and after our third very long meeting, I recognised the very rarely experienced, but unmistakable and overwhelming symptoms of that most blissful but terrifying of afflictions. You are terrified because you have suddenly become very vulnerable, so the relief was enormous when I found my feelings were returned. It took David a much longer time to declare any feelings of love, but in the meantime we enjoyed a warm and harmonious relationship which matured into mutual love.
As our relationship blossomed, I began a series of paintings which reflected my passion, and these paintings represent my latest body of work. I began it with Pastels. Still working in my bedroom, as I had been with the watercolours which preceded this period, I could not paint in oils, which I had been longing to do, so I created a new studio in my late husband’s office. I decided that it should be a Studio / Gallery and erected studio lights. My Love Story show is now hanging there.
Pastels
lovers
Pastel. h.16.5” (42cms) x w. 24” (61cms)
My first impassioned painting in pastel - a new medium for me - still relates to my Dance theme. It is sensual and erotic, and I really enjoyed painting it. It was one of those rare creations that almost painted itself in a red heat.
Pas des deux in Browns and Golds
Pastel. h.18” (46cms) x w. 12.5” (46cms)
In this painting I return to the Dance theme, but characteristically all pas de deux reflect a romantic mood.
Pale Blue and White Pas de deux
Pastel. h.20” (51cms) x w. 18” (46cms)
In this Dance painting I have enjoyed experimenting with texture and the atmosphere that pastel can produce. An enjoyable and flowing work.
Dancers with Ostrich Feather
Pastel. h.22.5” (57cms) x w. 18” (45.5cms)
A portrait of elegance and slight formality in this rather classical dance pose.
Black and White Dancer
Pastel. h. 12” (50.5cms) x w. 18.5” (47cms)
A simple but dramatic sitting dance pose. This painting with its strong chiaroscuro contrasts in black and white, was great fun to create.
Watercolours
yellow dancer
Watercolour. h.12” (50.5cms) x w.18.5” (47cms)
This painting and Red Dancer (below) were created at a recent, but earlier time, when I was still working in watercolour.. they are both passionate and exuberant expressions of Dance movement.
Red Dancer
Watercolour. h.22” (56cms) x w. 14.5” (37cms)
Oils
lovers pas de deux
Oil on wood panel with painted frame. h.24” (61cms) x w. 20” (51cms)
Now working in the new studio - what joy! - this is my first oil painting for several years. It is sensual and erotic and the main focus is on the female’s body. The male’s body is not clearly defined, but his presence is strong.
arabesque
Oil on wood panel with painted frame. h.22” (56cms) x w.24” (61cms)
A joyful painting, full of light and movement.
Nude Dancer at rest, stretching upwards
Oil on wood panel with painted frame. h.18” (45.7cms) x w. 11.5” (29.2cms)
I so enjoyed making this small painting in shades of lilacs and purples. The pensive but relaxing Dancer sits in a pale aura.
Souls Enfolding for there may be no tomorrow.
Oil on wood panel with a painted frame. h. 30” (78.2 cos) x w. 24” (61cms)
Two lovers lose themselves in a close embrace, anticipating the pain of a forced parting. Passion is subdued by the fear of loss. Pure and simple Love predominates.
I wanted to paint the figures in shades of red. Red for me is the colour of passion, vitality and sensuality. Much of the lover’s bodies disappear into darkness as they cling to each other.
Overwhelmed
Oil on Wood panel with painted frame. h.24” (61cms) x w.17.5” (44.5cms)
The two Dancer lovers face the unbearable threat of parting.
A symphony of purples with clashing blues express the mood of fear, as do the “force lines” that describe the threat of collapse of one of them. The stronger lover offers desperately needed support.
Love spotlit by red and green lights
Oil on Wood panel. h. 18” (45.7cms) x w. 14” (35.6cms)
This painting is theatrical and sensually erotic.
The Red Erotic
Oil on Wood panel with painted frame. h.23.25” (58.5cms) x w. 30” (78.2cms)
This painting was a sensual joy to create. I express the fully aroused Lovers in strong Reds, whose sensual power is strengthened by Red’s opposite primary colour, Green, that surrounds them. To watch the Reds dancing on the eyeballs against the Green evoked a thrill I cannot wait to repeat!
