Ilya Repin article by Brandon

[Denise Hall]

Peggy,

That story is worth writing about - heavenly! This house and the whole scene must've been really something to behold - and truly to think that you woke up as if on cue?

I love all the Russian and Polish art of the 19th and early 20th century - As you know I was not familiar with Kramskoy until you introduced me to his work - and I am so thankful to you. I have a print of the unknown "lady" looking at me at all times in my studio to keep me halfway on my toes.

Linda,

I have not seen your article yet and look very forward to reading it.

Art history rules,
Denise

[Enzie Shahmiri]

This information comes from a book called: Portraiture in Russia: XX Century

Ilya Repin and Leo Tolstoy were close friends for many years. Apparently Repin had visited Tolstoy's home quite frequently and had painted numerous portraits for him. This particular one shows Tolstoy in his garden. His being barefoot, thus the title "Leo Tolstoy Barefoot" reflects the writer's spiritual quest.

A quote by Repin about Tolstoy:

No matter how this giant humbles himself or covers his mighty body in mortal rags, the Zeus in him always shines through.

This portrait, by the way, took 10 years before it was completed. Karin, I think we found someone who surpasses the time you take in achieving perfection.

If my memory serves me right Tolstoy has written indirectly about Repin in "Anna Karenina."

[SB Wang]

Linda:

Repin is my favorite, after I say "Great minds think alike", I have to be on sky, or heaven for 24 hours. When I pass over the longitude of Phoenix city, (this is one of few cities which names shared with my homeland), I greet you! And on Seattle, to Michele too!

[Michele Rushworth]

Congratulations, Linda. I hope to get to read the article soon!

[Carl Toboika]

Congratulations Linda. Someone new to me, to learn about. I hope you can reprint the article.

[Linda Brandon]

Originally Posted by Linda Brandon

As I was writing the article I was searching for an old photo of Repin wearing a palette that attached to his waist, a bit like a drum. If anyone who reads this has that photo, I would love to see it posted.

Nearly three years since I've posted this...
I stumbled across this photo in a book I received as a Christmas present. I was starting to think I had imagined this palette.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Linda, is there a way we can see the article if we don't belong to the Portrait Society of Atlanta? I would love to read it. My guess is that you are as good a writer as you are a painter (among your other talents and accomplishments) and I don't want to miss your insights on Repin.

Peggy, wow! What a GORGEOUS studio/house! Victorian architecture is my favorite style, as Linda (and whoever comes to visit me) knows. Thanks so much for posting these wonderful photos. It was meant to be that you woke up at just that moment.

[Linda Brandon]

Alex, since I wrote that article a few years ago I've been lucky enough to see several Repin paintings hanging in museums. I was so moved by their brilliant execution and vivid sense of presence - they nearly floored me. I actually had a museum guard come over and ask me if I was alright.

I am currently in a "I am not worthy to clean his brushes" state of mind, so I need to read the article again to see whether I still think it's good enough to show people.

The presence aspect - that feeling of connection - that's what portraiture is all about, it's not just about technique or style or flash or color or marketing or whatever it is we all discuss here.

Anyway, thanks for giving me the excuse to pop this thread up again, since I'm hoping somebody will email me and offer to make a Repin palette for me. (I'll pay, of course!)

[Allan Rahbek]

Linda,
it would be easy for any handyman, or women, to make this Repin Painting Apron for you.
Allan

[Linda Brandon]

The Rahbekrepinpaletteapron is beyond my abilities, Alan, but I'm sure that it would be easy for you to do... .
Remember that here in America we will also need a hole to put a coffee cup into.