Just saw the O’keeffe exhibit at the de Young museum in SF. One of the things that struck me was how small the works are. They leave the viewer with a feeling of: I could do that. It’s within my framework to paint. It was also amazing how many of the works were not covered behind glass. The guards are going to have to be very vigilant with this exhibit!
- An early photo of O’keeffe (taken by Stieglitz) of O’keeffe sitting by some foliage, with a small watercolor kit by her side on the ground.
- Her sweeping vista nature landscape scenes of Lake George.
- Her more intimate leaf paintings.
- Her even smaller avocado paintings - that reminded me of art school - still life assignments.
- Her cloud painting - showing emotion. Blue sky with a touch of grey clouds rumbling in at the bottom.
- The quality of illumination in the works are palpable to the eye. It’s as if they are alive.
All the more reason to see a piece in person, vs. in a book or online.
I left wanting to go home and paint - inspired from the show. Wherever a person finds inspiration is where a person must follow.
Photo of O'keeffe taken by Steiglitz
A Celebration
1924
Oil on canvas.
34 7/8” x 18”
Lake George (formerly Reflection Seascape)
1922
Oil on canvas
16 1/4” x 22”
Storm Cloud
1923
Oil on canvas
18” x 30 1/8”
Mountains to the North - Autumn, Lake George, New York
1922
Oil on canvas
Autumn Leaves
1924
Oil on canvas
20 1/4” x 16 1/4”
Dark and lavender leaves
1931
Oil on canvas (?)
20 x 17 in.
Brown and tan leaves
1926
Alligator Pears
1923
Oil on board
9 7/8” x 13 3/4”
Alligator Pears in a Basket
1920/21(?)
Oil on canvas
