Young Harpist - Page 2

Cindy Procious · 03-03-2006, 08:49 AM

I sure wish I lived closer to you and Garth so I could come pester you. Although, I just reread a thread in which I was threatening to crash Sharon Knettell's studio LAST YEAR, and I never have, even though she lives only about 90 miles away.

But, what reminded me was that Linda Brandon said she'd seen this painting in person - Linda, you sure do get around! Were you on holiday, or what?

Linda Brandon · 02-14-2006, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cynthia Feustel

I can only imagine that in real life it must be truly impressive!!!

I've seen this painting and Cynthia is right, it is a knockout. Congratulations, Alex! That dress looks particularly fine.

A big harp is a surprisingly gutsy instrument, by the way, it shudders when you strum and has a real presence (I used to take harp lessons, briefly and badly, alas). You've done a beautiful job showing the concentration in her face.

Janet Kimantas · 02-14-2006, 10:32 PM

Gorgeous, wonderful, lovely, inspiring. All the above and aforementioned. It was doubly great to see it unfold. Thanks a ton, Alex. Janet

Alexandra Tyng · 02-14-2006, 11:03 PM

Thank you, ! if this inspires you to get to work, well, that is great. We all need to get off the computer and get to work, including myself.

Linda, thank you so much for saying those lovely things about the painting in real life! That was a fun afternoon hanging out with Garth in the studio. I forgot that you mentioned having played the harp. My daughter also played for about 6 or 7 years but we could never afford one of those big ones, so she kind of stagnated on the Celtic harp and eventually gave it up. I miss hearing it in our house. It has such a sweet, full sound. I bet you played better than you are letting on.

Janet, I really appreciated your support during the WIP and now--thanks a bunch! I can't get over how impressive your portrait looks.

Jean Kelly · 02-15-2006, 01:39 AM

Hi Alex, that mixing of senses your were talking about is called "synesthesia". Michele Rushworth and I have it, colors become sounds or physical sensations, music becomes a symphony of color. There are all kinds of variations. My sense of smell drives me nuts sometimes, especially when it comes to body wash! Some smell "crunchy or prickly", some are hard like chopped ice, but some are velvet.

Your painting definitely has all the rich overtones and undertones of a synesthetic experience!

Jean

Patricia Joyce · 02-15-2006, 10:23 AM

Alexandra,
WOW!!! This is really beautiful. The face, the hands, the feet are obviously beautifully rendered as all have commented. I'd like to even comment on how beautiful the harp is, how lovely it sits in space. The magnificence of the harp, against the rich background and the beauty of the portrait - all harmonize beautifully! Congratulations.

Alexandra Tyng · 02-15-2006, 10:33 AM

I never heard of the Bead Game. What is it? But I do love they way Degas experiences--and makes the viewer experience--color. It's incredible.

Pat, thank you! Painting the harp was quite an experience and it made me pretty nervous, worrying about getting the right number of strings, getting the strings to line up with the pins, and the pins in the right place on the curve, etc. Makes me want to try it again.