My Forgery

The exhibit this month at The Artists Gallery is "Fabulous Forgeries", where artists re-create the work of the masters by using the master's style, or taking the master's work a step further, or re-creating a master's work with a touch of humor to pay tribute to that master.  My own style most closely resembles that of Georgia O'Keeffe, so I always choose one of her works as my tribute.  I had the privilege of visiting the O'Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe several years ago, affirming my belief that she is one of the great American painters of the 20th century.  I am in awe of her intimate relationship with nature and her unique ability to capture that on canvas.  Her work is so compelling to me that it is never far from my mind and heart.  This year for my painitng, I chose to create an original compilation of her paintings by including a portrait of Georgia O'Keeffe taken from a photograph by John Loengard, along with four of her paintings.  They are Red Amaryllis, Sky Above Clouds III, Near Abiquiu, New Mexico, and Grey Cross with Blue.  Copying another artist's work is not only a learning experience but a kind of spiritual connection like no other.