art inspired: alice neel, roberta johnson roensch
Wednesday, October 24, 2012

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

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.
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:
Labels: art inspired fashion post
I'm Mary Jo, a handbag designer living in sunny California. TrustYourStyle is where I share inspiration and connect with other style lovers. Did I mention I celebrate

















36 Comments:
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
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
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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/
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
She does have some lovely portraits. LOVE that MMM top.
lovely art inspiration! i really like the first red blouse...so pretty!
xo
MOSAMUSE
www.MOSAMUSE.com
That painting looks amazing! Also loving the red tops you have selected.
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
This painting is fabulous. I love it so much.
Your selection of pieces is great. Love these red blouses.
Nice post Mary Jo.
xo
that is so cool!
xoxo from rome
K.
kcomekarolina.com
Ravishing reds, darling!
Love that Maison Martin Margiela top!
xoxox,
CC
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
I'm obsessed with Degas. I've read books about him and he is so fascinating. Plus, I've always adored his subjects!! :)
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}
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
all the red bluses that you're chosen are great <3<3
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!
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!
Definitely would wear red this fall. Love the red blouse with red lips in the painting!
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
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
love the inspiration for these tops!
http://coffeebeansandbobbypins.blogspot.com
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
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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
the painting is so amazing! love the tops you picked out, really like the colours :)
How inspiring! I absolutely loved this! :)
I'd definitely wear a red blouse for winter xxx
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
I love the middle top in the first row and the original painting.
*Erin
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.
Just marvellous, love her!! The top middle and right tops are my favourite! Just love red :)) xx
Red always a fantastic color especially with red lips.
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
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