Art Bead Scene Blog has posted their Challenge for July........

Art Bead Scene has posted the challenge inspiration for July.  The artist is Pablo Picasso.  The painting on the left is of his wife Olga and was painted in 1917, it is the inspiration for this month's Art Bead Scene Blog Challenge.  On the right is a painting of his mistress Marie-Thérèse, painted in 1932.    I posted the painting of his mistress Marie-Thérèse also, to show the difference in his style.  Most are more familiar with Picasso's cubism and abstract form rather than his beautiful portrait and classical paintings from his earlier years.

I think it is interesting that the form of Olga has a more rounded three-dimensional look to it with her form casting shadow against the wall, and the chair has a flat, almost tapestry look to it.  I think it is funny that the chair also seems to not have any legs; It looks suspended in air or attached to the wall.  I love the porcelain look to her skin, it reminds me of a marble sculpture.  Her hand draped over the edge of the chair seems to be inspired by Adam's hand in the painting on the Sistine Chapel's ceiling by Michelangelo.  Her dress is beautiful with its satiny soft drape and folds, and hints of delicate red rose patterned throughout.  I also love the transparency of her sleeves and trim.  However,  I am more drawn to the colors and shapes in the floral/botanical pattern in the chair than I am of her face and features.  The more I look at it, the more the chair reminds me of the black velvet paintings of the 70s....lol..

As always, I am never certain the direction I am going to take.  I am drawn to the floral/botanical pattern and the rich colors and shapes, however, I also like the hints of roses in her dress and the satiny look to the material.........hmmmm.  I will have to look at the painting a few days longer before I decide. 

   

"Olga in an Arm Chair", Picasso, 1917