Unrequited
 

18x24"

oil on ABS

Dang it. I did it again! I was trying to figure out how to adjust the color and get it back up here without bothering the moderators with the re-approval thing. I apologize, again.


Detail

When one of my students ends up in a position where the model is foreshortened and upside-down like this, I have to laugh at their efforts to get the heck outta there, dragging their easels and gear noisily across the room.

That being said, bravo to you, Kimberly, for attacking this kind of perspective with terrific results. All the forms recede very convincingly. I am also impressed by the manipulation of light in the gradation you employed from lower left to upper right. It grabbed me and led me through the work exactly the way it was intended. Oh, yeah - wonderful work on the hands! Their position, pose and delicate rendering are perfect contextually.

I have some thoughts/suggestions on the overall theme. I really like it, and I think it's working... but remember that I'm part illustrator, so I'm big on tweaking the narrative. However, I won't get into it here; this is not a crit thread. With your permission, might I email you or PM my thoughts?

A fine addition to your figurative work, Kimberly. Thanks for sharing it.

Kim, this is lovely, beautiful in technique and conceptually so strong. I'm very impressed by the flesh tones and the detail work in the hands. What's most impressive, though, is the way you're knocking everybody's socks off with the energy and intensity of your paintings. A huge congratulations to you for this one.

Kim, this is stunningly beautiful, unique and expressive. Beautiful skin tones and color harmony. Kudos to you!

This looks absolutely beautiful to me. I found myself leaning forward at the monitor, trying for the close-up detail that you may have already posted (pending approval). I am sure that Rob Sullivan has very relevant things to say about the narrative, but my thought - not a critique in any way whatsoever - is that she looks reasonably requited to me. Maybe that's my monitor, or else it was your intent. Not important at all, this is lovely.

Thank you Rob, Linda, Terri & Janet - I appreciate the kind words.

I dont know if the narrative reads exactly how I intended or not, but it really doesnt matter as everyone will have their own thoughts on that. And that's ok. I dont necessarily want to spell it out clearly anyway - even if I could.

Wow, Kim, I can only study this with great admiration. It is beautiful. I, too, really am enjoying the skintones and your rendering of the hands. The perspective is also awesome.
I would kill for just a dribble of your talent and energy!!!

Kim, I think this is amazing! It's not just a nude, it's a person. (I hope I'm not saying the wrong thing.) I think it's in the face and hands--there is so much individuality and humanity concentrated in that area that I get a sympathetic pang of "unrequited" ness. I admit I'm the type of person who cries watching a TV commercial (slight exaggeration), but still I think this is remarkable.

Alex

Thank you Pat, and please dont kill anyone. ;)

Alexandra, I appreciate your comments. I am very pleased by your response as that is pretty much what I was going for with this painting. I think your the first one to tell me you feel sympathetic towards the emotion displayed. Im glad it could illicit this response. Thank you.

Kim,

I just wanted to chime in with everyone else to sing your praises too! I continually marvel at your work and am inspired by the sensitive way you portrayed this woman. I didn't realize my reaction to this until I read Alex's post. I viewed it earlier today and I kept turning my head to look at her face as if I was trying to understand her emotion. Yes I agree, a person not just a nude.

Cynthia

Thank you Cynthia.

You all are making my day. :)

Beautiful Composition
 

Boy, do I love this. The figure on the diagonal is just wonderful. Pulls the eye right in. Everything about this is beautiful. Thank you for posting it. :thumbsup:

Beautiful, Kim.

This is a stunning & emotional piece. I find it sensational in every aspect. Most especially the pose & the power of the sentiment..

Brilliant job. ( clappies abundant :D )

Carol and Tricia -

Thank you! :D

I feel like I should say more, but 'thank you' about covers it. It seems like, from forums and emails I am getting that this theme and painting is striking a chord - with women especially. That's been very rewarding to hear.

Yes!!! Go Kim!
 

Whoo Hoo! You betcha! However, I can't imagine a male who wouldn't think this painting wasn't absolutely beautiful. Who wouldn't want it in their home??? It is inspiring.
Carol
PS I plan to check your asking price on your site.

Kim-

I haven't been very active online this year and ran across your painting. I again send you my congratulations on a beautiful piece.

My first reaction was you have acheived a new level. My sense of your work has always been one of admiration.

My next sense was of intruding. I felt that this woman is in an intimate moment of exposure, just alone and in her own world, with her own thoughts. I felt that my presence would only be an imposition.

And then the artist in me inspected and came to my face as a smile.

Thank you for my smile. Good work.

I wouldn't dream of arguing with you Carol. :sunnysmil
Thank you!

Thank you John, I appreciate the kind comments!

Kim,

This is my favorite of your to date (and that says a lot because I like all of your work)
I am also on the list of people who envy your energy.

Janel

Kim,

What a wonderful, sensitive work. I love the challenging angle and am amazed how you were able to make it all work and create an interesting composition.

The Moon Bath
 

Kim,

This figure reminds me of a passage in an Anais Nin book. It is warm night and intstead of sunbathing, the heroine decides to take a moon bath.

A warm, sensuous painting.

Janel, Enzie & Sharon -

Thank you for the kind comments!

This is really quite a magnificent work. A prize winner, I would bet.

Thanks Michele - that would be nice if you were right... :D