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art inspired: alice neel, roberta johnson roensch

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

roberta


Alice Neel has quietly evolved into my favorite artist for a lot reasons that are hard to put into words. To say that I love looking into the faces that she painted doesn't convey much, but it's true. And like a lot of people, I admire her path--that she never cared about the trends of the art world--the tragic undoing of her career and also what has made her work "important" in the very same circles. To me, there's something really special and unique about her underrated work, maybe you will feel it too.

"...I like it not only to look like the person but to have their inner character as well. And then I like it to express the zeitgesit. See I don't like something from the 60s to look like something in the 70s. And they don't. It's amazing. Every decade changes like that. Lucky for me, as old as I am I can still change. Because I've known people, they get stuck back in the 30s or 40s and never get out of it and just keep on doing the same thing over again." ~ Alice Neel




an



Above are a few updated versions of the perennially chic red blouse - I thought I'd offer mostly highs for inspiration on cut and drape and a few lows--because there are lots of ways to find a similar look for less.

Would love to know who your favorite artist is and if you would you wear a red blouse this fall?


Details: Top row left to right: Valentino $1590 @Netaporter; Maison Martin Margiela Fan Top $1,035 @shopmrsh.com; Orla Keily $325; Acne at MyThersa $240; Madewell $110; Mango $40.

Want more?
Here are a couple of snippets on Alice Neel I thought you might enjoy:







 

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36 Comments:

Blogger Little Rus said...

I am still looking for my red / burgundy sweater and pumps, so I think I'll have to leave the blouse for later. Favourite artist? Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres, especially Portrait of Mademoiselle Rivière - forever and ever. I also love Dali very much - I found his art really moving and emotional. x

12:31 PM  
Blogger Rowena @ rolala loves said...

I'm not familiar with Alice Neel but I like her philosophy and this painting is lovely. It's definitely much harder to stand apart from the crowd and do your own thing but it's also admirable.

Rowena @ rolala loves
Enter my Blogiversary Giveaway!

12:49 PM  
Blogger Kim (A Very Sweet Blog) said...

What an exemplary artist and lady! When I look at that painting, it's almost like you can FEEL what the girl is feeling or thinking. It has a lot of depth to it. I would definitely wear a red blouse. Claude Monet is my favorite.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/

1:52 PM  
Blogger Christine D. | The Plumed Nest said...

oh my goodness! this is such an amazing painting!! i love beautiful portrait paintings and i have never seen this one. must. pin. now. xo

3:16 PM  
Anonymous Alexis Grace of North On Harper said...

This painting is hard to quit looking at---- it just completely pulled me in.... something about the way she is staring out and the way she is holding her hand...

Gorgeous inspiration!

4:22 PM  
Blogger Fashion Tales said...

I admire the painting. I don't know too much of Neel's works. It's difficult to pick one artist but I've always loved Klimt, Matisse, and Miro!

4:32 PM  
Anonymous Alicia@ eco friendly homemaking said...

I am not familiar with her work either but I really like the painting! I actually bought a red blouse a few weeks ago to wear this Fall and Winter. I haven't bought a red blouse in years but I think I am going to like it.

4:51 PM  
Blogger Pamela RG said...

It is so nice to learn about the artist and their works of art. This portrait shows her distinct features and her inner character for sure comes out. Such perfect red lips. My favourite for Fall is the colour Merlot, the new red.

6:32 PM  
Blogger Michael St. James said...

She does have some lovely portraits. LOVE that MMM top.

6:54 PM  
Blogger MOSAMUSE said...

lovely art inspiration! i really like the first red blouse...so pretty!
xo
MOSAMUSE

www.MOSAMUSE.com

8:56 PM  
Blogger trishie said...

That painting looks amazing! Also loving the red tops you have selected.

9:08 PM  
Blogger Fashion-Bridge said...

As always an amazing inspiration dose Mary Jo! Love the painting incredibly. And you found truly gorgeous red pieces

Xx

Alexandra

www.fashion-bridge.blogspot.com

12:24 AM  
Blogger dimitri said...

This painting is fabulous. I love it so much.
Your selection of pieces is great. Love these red blouses.
Nice post Mary Jo.
xo

1:00 AM  
Blogger kcomekarolina said...

that is so cool!



xoxo from rome
K.
kcomekarolina.com

4:07 AM  
Blogger Couture Carrie said...

Ravishing reds, darling!
Love that Maison Martin Margiela top!

xoxox,
CC

4:35 AM  
Blogger MM said...

Perfect blouses!!Red is one of my favorite colors!! Two weeks ago I gave bought a nice red scarf from Budapest!
That painting is so beautiful and inspiring!!
I don't have a preferred artist...I like portraits and nature paintings!

xoxoxo

5:46 AM  
Anonymous Cafe Fashionista said...

I'm obsessed with Degas. I've read books about him and he is so fascinating. Plus, I've always adored his subjects!! :)

6:28 AM  
Blogger Jenee C. said...

I love discovering new artwork through you Mary Jo. That picture had me staring for a good few minutes, image how captivating it must be when viewed in real life! How is it that I do not have a red blouse in my wardrobe yet? This must change now.

xx Jenee C.
{camo meets couture}

6:29 AM  
Blogger Coco Bates said...

She is one of my favorite artist as well!! I love her technique that she uses when painting, it's like you can actually feel the character of her subjects.

--- http://flowersofyangita.com

8:16 AM  
Blogger Antonella Leone said...

all the red bluses that you're chosen are great <3<3

8:21 AM  
Blogger BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I'm absolutely swooning over that second blouse! I'm no art expert, but I love looking at beautiful art even if I don't know much about it!

8:29 AM  
Blogger BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I'm absolutely swooning over that second blouse! I'm no art expert, but I love looking at beautiful art even if I don't know much about it!

8:30 AM  
Anonymous Kimberlee said...

Definitely would wear red this fall. Love the red blouse with red lips in the painting!

8:54 AM  
Anonymous classiq said...

The painting is stunning! It stays with you. Two of my favourite artists are Monet and Dalí. I love the burgundy blouse! Have a beautiful day, Mary Jo! xo

9:30 AM  
Blogger Inés said...

Alice Neel, such a talented artist, and incredible woman...My favorite artist changes with the season...I have some special ones thought, like Pollok, Botero, or Matta...very eclectic, yep!
And about the red blouse I'd love Orla Keily's one!
A big hug!
Inés
SimplyClassyMe.blogspot.com

10:02 AM  
Blogger Amy said...

love the inspiration for these tops!
http://coffeebeansandbobbypins.blogspot.com

10:16 AM  
Blogger Allison said...

Such inspiration! Her paintings are just lovely! I absolutely love red for this year and am definitely looking forward to finding the perfect red top. As far as current favorite artist...I've been a fan of Jenny Saville for the past few years- her handling of flesh is insanely beautiful to me. I tend to be drawn toward themes of brutality and suffering in artwork.
:)
Allison
A's Fashion Files
Shop Kawaii Kitsch by A on Etsy!

12:28 PM  
Blogger Always Maylee said...

I'm not familiar with her work, so thank you for introducing her! When I was younger I used to hate red, I didn't have one single things in my closet that was red. Only recently have I warmed up it and now I'm starting to add more and more red pieces.

xo, Yi-chia
Always Maylee

1:21 PM  
Blogger Christine ♥ CHRiiSSYDOLLXO said...

the painting is so amazing! love the tops you picked out, really like the colours :)

10:31 PM  
Anonymous Nicole said...

How inspiring! I absolutely loved this! :)
I'd definitely wear a red blouse for winter xxx

2:20 AM  
Anonymous Alexandra said...

I don't think I could name my favourite artist at the moment, it's definitely changed a lot over the different periods in my life! I love your Art Inspired feature so much, it's a great way to end the week :)

xo Alex
http://www.ishi.ca

6:59 AM  
Blogger Popcorn, Pugs &amp; Peonies said...

I love the middle top in the first row and the original painting.

*Erin

11:23 PM  
Blogger THE-LOUDMOUTH said...

I would totally wear a red blouse. I adore the top right one with the little tie -- so cute! The painted lady reminds me of Marion Cotillard.

10:34 AM  
Blogger The Dainty Dolls House said...

Just marvellous, love her!! The top middle and right tops are my favourite! Just love red :)) xx

5:16 AM  
Blogger Glam Fashionista said...

Red always a fantastic color especially with red lips.

11:09 AM  
Blogger Maria at inredningsvis.se said...

AMAZING POST:)that painting is FAB.

Come back visit me soon..I have some more swedish decor inspiration for you:)

have a great week dear

LOVE Maria at inredningsvis.se

1:43 AM  

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