When The Kiss turns into Kisses, an homage to Gustav Klimt

16 x 12", acrylic on gessoed mounted aluminium panel

painting #292, 2022

Born in 1862, Gustav Klimt was an Austrian Symbolist painter and the founding father and a leading member of the Vienna Secession movement, a group of artist who consciously rejected the academic style of the late nineteenth century. Even though he had formally studied art at the Vienna School of Arts and Crafts. He received training as an architectural painter and was classified as an academic painter who could paint hyperrealist portraits. He became celebrated for his rich, complex, gold-dazzling friezes and portraits of powerful, chic woman from Vienna's turn of the century society. His artistic vocabulary incorporated esoteric design and eroticism, which was not always well received, including some commissions which were never revealed.  His work was greatly influenced by the Byzantine movement and he also was associated with Art Nouveau when the movement was at it's peak.

''The Kiss'' (1907-08) is a celebration of his deeply held belief in the transforming power of idealized love. Klimt himself is the male figure embracing his life companion Emilie Flöge. Gilles Néret, the author of Klimt published in 2007 by Taschen writes,''Klimt's otherwise dominating woman becomes submissive. She yields to the man, abandons herself to him, and sexuality shimmers through her clinging gown''. 

The Kiss was done during his ''Golden Phase''. During this period he used gold leaf prominently on the artwork, which brought him both success and critical acclaim.

During the month of January 2020, I had book flight tickets to Munich, Germany and had already reserved accommodations of what was supposed to be a month long backpacking trip to Central Europe where my wife and I had planned to visit 11 cities in eight countries. Among those cities was Vienna Austria, where many of Klimt's works can be view. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic was declared two months later and our trip cancelled. I am hoping that next year, we'll be able to finally travel abroad and embark on this adventure.

I have seen a few Klimt paintings in the past decade, including the Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer 1 at the Neue Gallery in New York City during the month of February 2013, Hope 1 (1903) at the National Gallery in Ottawa during the month of April 2014 and a small exhibition of Gustav Klimt and Egon Schiele entitled "Judith and Edith" that was shown at the Gemeentemuseum in The Hague, The Netherlands (May 2016).  

 

This painting is my sixth installment in as many years, featuring a large Hershey's chocolate Kisses which is a seasonal product only available from Christmas til Valentine's Day.

UPDATE - During the spring of 2023, my wife Suzanne and I finally did get to travel to Central Europe which included Vienna, Austria. On May 1, we attempted to visit the Upper Belvedere Palace two hours before closing, but all remaining admission tickets for that day were already sold out. That evening, we bought tickets on-line for the following morning that had a time slot in order to visit the art museum. It was at this moment that I realized how famous this painting had become. The room in which the painting is on display was packed with admirers who wanted their pictures taken with it. From previous art museum visits, as far as popularity goes, it is on par with Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Picasso's Guernica and Van Gogh's A Starry Night . The Upper Belvedere also house several other Gustav Klimt paintings, as did the Leopold Museum which had a replica of his art studio and the Secession Art Museum where some of his iconic murals are on display on the lower floor.  

with The Kiss at the Upper Belvedere Palace

Vienna, Austria - May 2, 2023

To acquire this painting please contact:

Fog Forest Gallery

14 Bridge Street, Sackville,

New Brunswick, Canada, E4L 3N5

Phone (506) 536-9000

e-mail: janet@fogforstgallery.ca

Un café du jour la nuit à l'Automat, un hommage à Edward Hopper

 

16 x 12", acrylic on mounted gessoed aluminum panel

painting #280, 2020

Edward Hopper painted Automat in 1927. It is the collection of the Des Moines Art Center in Des Moines, Iowa. An automat was a type of restaurant / cafeteria that served simple quality foods and drinks from vending machines. This fast-food concept first appeared in Berlin Germany in 1895. The first to open in the US in 1912 was located at 818 Chestnut St. in Philadelphia. Horn & Hardart became the most prominent American automat chain. They were popular in northern industrial cities especially Philadelphia and New York City. Hot and cold foods were available for a few nickels. Popular foods were sandwiches, baked beans, salisbury steak, hamburgers, creamed spinach, baked macaroni and cheese, donuts, a variety of pies (beef, chicken, dessert), cakes and their famous coffee. They were generally open 24 hours/day. They grew out of fashion during the 1970's when fast food restaurants entered the landscape. The last Automat closed in 1991. It was located on 42nd street in NYC.  

The lone woman seated at a table having a hot beverage. The fact that she has only remove one glove might indicate that she is only there for a brief period or coming out from the cold. Her facial expression and the time of day does sets the mood for the entire painting. There is a tangible sense of isolation and aloneness in her body language. 

During the Covid-19 pandemic, this has been the reality for many people during quarantine measures with social distancing, working from home, school closures, a one unit family bubble during orange /red phases and limited admittance of people within a confine space. In order to reach out to family members, friends, to have the ability to communicate from home to the work place and for distance education, the public has been relying more on videotelephony and teleconference platforms like FaceTime, Skype and most recently the Zoom software which saw a significance increase in usage on a global scale. 

With the coffee cup facing the viewer and resting on a calendar, my intention was to create a date using such software with the lady in the Hopper masterwork as a form of symbolism in communicating while being apart. 

The calendar was published by Graphique de France in 1992. It had been in storage since then. The photograph of the painting "Automat" is credited to Ray Andrews (1990). I own three artbooks of Edward Hopper and the photo in the calendar is by far the best reproduction. The coffee cup was purchased as a prospect prop from Chapters / Indigo bookstore. It had been patiently sitting on a shelf in my studio for about a decade, just waiting to be used. 

*Update- The Automat, a 2021 documentary directed and produced by Lisa Hurwitz goes to the core of this bygone institution with nostalgia and first hand account of this bit of Americana. 

To acquire this painting, please contact: 

Galerie de Bellefeuille

1367 avenue Greene, 

Montreal, Quebec H3Z 2A8 

Tel: 514.933.4406

e-mail- art@debellefeuille.com

website     

-SOLD

Marilyn Blowing Kisses

16 x 12", acrylic on mounted gessoed aluminium panel

painting #277, 2020

This is my fourth painting, part of the on-going series that connects a play with words in the title, a retro black and white photograph, a date (calendar) and a large Hershey's Kisses. The previous three all featured couples kissing. With this one, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and paint a portrait of a single figure that would somehow convey a loving sentiment to the looker while still keeping with the theme. 

I found this photograph of Marilyn Monroe on the web. It probably dates back to the mid 1950's when she wore this signature hairdo. Unfortunately, I do not know who the photographer is. I liked the contrast between the white dress and the black background. There was very little detail between her right hand and the dress. I could not make out her thumb and her pinky looked crooked. My wife Suzanne actually posed for me with a white glove. It is her hand. The whole portrait was done using only titanium white and Paynes Grey. 

To acquire this painting, please contact: 

Galerie de Bellefeuille

1367 avenue Greene, 

Montreal, Quebec H3Z 2A8 

Tel: 514.933.4406

e-mail- art@debellefeuille.com

website 

-SOLD

Victory Kisses in Times Square, an homage to Alfred Eisenstaedt

16 x 8", acrylic on gessoed mounted aluminum panel

Painting #270, 2019

This is my third painting of what is turning so far into a mini Hershey's Kisses series. These larger chocolate Kisses are seasonal and are only available from Christmas through Valentine's Day. For my third instalment, I chose the iconic photo taken by Alfred Eisenstaedt while on assignment for Life magazine. The picture entitled VJ Day in Times Square, VJ Day or The Kiss was taken on August 14, 1945, at the announcement of the end of the war with Japan. 

The persons who were later identified in the photograph are Navy sailor George Mendonsa  (b. 1923) and dental hygienist Greta Zimmer Friedman (b. 1924- d. 2016). Many articles were published from the point of view of the photographer and both parties involved who did not know each other when the photo was taken. The spontaneous kiss was explained by George Mendonsa as a general thank you to all nurses for their indispensable service during war time.   

That afternoon, George Mendonsa was coming out of Radio City Music Hall with his girlfriend Rita, when victory over Japan was announced. In the photograph, Rita can be seen peeking over his right upper arm. In 2018, George and Rita had been married for 71 years.

I used a Special Edition of Life Magazine, Fall 1990, acquired on eBay as the photo study for the painting. It is one of the magazine's most famous pictures in print. Rita is circled in red. 

Update-February 18, 2019 - It was announced today that George Mendosa died yesterday at an assisted living facility in Middleton, R.I. He would have turned 96 tomorrow. Rest in peace Mr. Mendosa. Condolences to his wife, family & friends.  

To acquire this painting, please contact: 

Galerie de Bellefeuille

1367 avenue Greene, 

Montreal, Quebec H3Z 2A8 Tel: 514.933.4406

e-mail- art@debellefeuille.com

website 

-SOLD

A Date with Audrey, gifts from Tiffany's

Acrylic on gessoed aluminium panel, 18 x 14"

painting #262, 2018

This painting was inspired by the iconic film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” in which Audrey Hepburn plays the role of Holly Golightly, a naive, eccentric socialite in search of a wealthy man to marry.  The movie also stars George Peppard, who plays the role of Paul, an unpublished writer and kept man who recently moved into a NYC apartment in the same building she lives in. The filmed is based on Truman Capote's novella of the same name and was directed by Blake Edwards.  

Holly: I don’t want to own anything until I find a place where me and things go together. I’m not sure where that is but I know what it is like. It’s like Tiffany’s.

Paul: Tiffany’s? You mean the jewellery store.

Holly: That’s right. I’m just CRAZY about Tiffany’s! 

I came across the new revamped Tiffany perfume and bottle last fall in a cosmetic brochure. The instant I saw it, the whole narrative popped in my head. It is by far the most expensive prop I’ve ever purchase for a painting since it was priced at $150. It is a marvel of design and comes in Tiffany's signature robin egg blue box. The image of Audrey Hepburn that appears on this calendar is credited to the Hulton Archive, circa 1950's.

Audrey Hepburn is one of only four actresses to have won the EGOT, which is comprised of being a recipient of the four major American entertainment awards; an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and a Tony. She was also revered for her humanitarian work as a UNICEF Goodwill ambassador. The part of Holly Golightly would earn her an Academy Award nomination for best actress in a leading role. 

-SOLD by Galerie de Bellefeuille in Montreal. 

French Kisses Deux, un hommage à Robert Doisneau

Acrylic on gessoed aluminium panel, 18 x 12"

painting #260, 2018

Just in time for Valentine's Day, this is a follow-up painting to French Kisses (painting #247, 2017). Retaining the same theme, I'm paying an homage to French photographer Robert Doisneau (1912-1994,) a photojournalist who became renown for his street photography especially around Paris.

"Chez Gégène, 1947" is from the Robert Doisneau- Graphique de France 1993 calendar. Chez Gégène is a restaurant with a terrace and dancefloor. The institution opened prior to World War I (1914-1918), more than 100 years ago. It's located in Joinville-le-Pont, 9.4 km from the center of Paris in a southeastern suburbs of French Capitol.  The image depicts two couples kissing on the terrace. This photograph is more than 70 years old, so the younger couple would now be around 90 years old. 

In the first French Kisses painting, I chose the month of February since my wife Suzanne and I got married on Valentine's Day. For this work I chose the month of June. The year 2018 will mark 30 years since we purchase our house, and moved in on June 24, 1988. Symbolically, we looked like the younger couple when we made that house a home....we now look like the older couple.  

I'm going to Paris later this spring. Time allowing, I might try to have lunch here! 

To acquire this painting, please contact:

Galerie de Bellefeuille

1367 avenue Greene, 

Montreal, Quebec H3Z 2A8 Tel: 514.933.4406

e-mail- art@debellefeuille.com

website 

-SOLD

French Kisses, an homage to Robert Doisneau

16 x 12", acrylic on gessoed birch panel

painting #247, 2017 

I initially got this large Hershey's Kisses for my wife while picking up a Valentine's Day card at the store. When I got home, I opened the box and marvelled at it like an "Objet de désire". I decided to put it in my prop box for a future painting and ended up getting her a heart box of Russell Stover chocolates instead. 

The title inspired the narrative for this painting. The composition came to me when I uncovered this 1993 Robert Doisneau calendar that had been stored away some 23 years ago. Since my wife Suzanne and I were married on February 14, I arranged the pages so that "Baiser de l'Hôtel de Ville"(Kiss at Town Hall), was on the appropriate month. 

Robert Doisneau (1912-1994) was a French photographer who became reknown for his street photography and as a photojournalist. "Baiser de l'Hôtel de ville" first appeared in LIFE magazine on June 12, 1950. The couple kissing in the photo was only made public in 1992 and identified as Françoise Delbart, 20, and Jacques Carteaud, 23, both aspiring actors at the time. The story behind "Baiser de l'Hôtel de Ville" is well documented on his Wikipedia page - click HERE. 

During our six week vacation in Europe this spring, we were fortunate enough to attend "Bistro, de Baudelaire à Picasso", the inaugural artistic exhibition held at La Cité du Vin in Bordeaux, France. The exhibit was comprised of about 100 works that included paintings, photography, drawings, literature and cinema. Dating from the 18th century to today, the show explored how artists from various movements were influenced by Café bars. A full wall was dedicated to the amazing photography of Robert Doisneau.

Earlier this year I was invited by Galerie de Bellefeuille in Montreal to submit some artwork for a Photorealism group exhibition. I am delighted to announced that two paintings were selected for this prestigious show that will run from September 30 - October 10, 2017. 

Participating artists: 
-Roberto Bernardi
-Jason DeGraaf
-Shaun Downey
-Stephen Fox
-Judy Garfin
-David Ligare
-Yigal Ozeri
-Barbara Pratt
-Juan Pujol
-Alvin Richard
-Janet Rickus
-Glen Semple
-Steve Smulka
-Paula Urzica
-Andrew Valko
-Francine Van Hove
-Jason Walker

-Gordon Young

Galerie de Bellefeuille

1367 avenue Greene
Montreal, Quebec H3Z 2A8
Tel: 514.933.4406

art@debellefeuille.com

http://debellefeuille.com/

-SOLD

A Date with Marilyn, an homage to Warhol

Acrylic on gessoed hardboard, 16 x 12"

Painting # 222,  2014

Last year we spent the long Easter weekend in Pittsburgh, Pa.  It's a wonderful city with many top-notch museums, several professional sports teams, a great downtown core and the skyline view atop Mount Washington is breathtaking. We took in, a Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game with Sidney Crosby leading his team to victory. We also attended the hilarious "Broadway Across America" musical, "The Book of Mormons" at the Benedum Theatre, and a Green Day in concert at the Consol Energy Centre. Philanthropists Andrew Carnegie, Andrew W. Mellon,  Henry Frick and H.J. Heinz II have contributed greatly in creating a lasting legacy, making the city a sophisticated and cultural hub. 

One of the major reason for that trip was to visit the Andy Warhol Museum. I've been an admirer of Warhol's artwork for as long as I've been painting. It was never a question of ''if'' I would visit the Andy Warhol Museum, but ''when''. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. Upon exiting, I even received a parting gift of a large Brillo Soap Pads Box, an homage to Warhol by Charles Lutz, that was part of the exhibition, Regarding Warhol: Sixty Artists, Fifty Years.   

A few years back, I had the idea of incorporating some sort of Kerr's Candy in a Kerr Mason jar and entitling the piece, "Kerr's in Kerr". The jar and lollipops has been on a shelf in my studio ever since. Being in a Warhol state-of-mine when I got home, I took out a 1991 Andy Warhol Celebrity Calendar which I had held on to for some twenty odd years.  As I started flipping the pages of the calendar, I noticed that the colour combination of the jar/lollipops was the same as the image in that calendar for the month of March, "Eighteen Marilyns" (Reversal Series), 1979. This is when the genesis and narrative for the painting took place. The title suggest an encounter with Marilyn Monroe, a fantasy entertained by many.   

The image above is of my wife Suzanne with another of Warhol's Reversal Series

image of Marilyn Monroe that was on exhibit

 at "La FIAC" (International Contemporary Art Fair) at 

le Grand Palais in Paris in 1989.

Last month, Suzanne and I spend 10 days vacationing in the states of Georgia and South Carolina. As luck would have it, we got to see a wonderful art exhibition entitled "Marilyn, Celebrating an American Icon" at the Jepson Center in Savannah, Ga.  The exhibit includes the artwork of more than fifty artists, ranging in style from Andy Warhol’s Pop Art to photographer Tom Kelley's 1949 famous nudes of Marilyn against a red velvet background. Click on the banner below for details of the exhibition that runs until July 27, 2014. 

-SOLD