A hippie doctor

[Michele Rushworth]

Your description of this interesting woman reminded me immediately of this painting that is currently on display at the Frye Museum in Seattle. The artist is someone I've never heard of, a Leopold Schmutzler from Austria, painting around the turn of the century who looks to have been inspired by Sargent.

Speaking of Sargent, check out his many portraits of women with vibrant personalities, on the ARC site. In particular I'm thinking of his portraits of actresses and dancers, but also some of the society women. The portrait of Mrs Hugh Hammersley comes to mind as someone, while traditionally dressed, is posed with an energy and directness.

Sargent's paintings on ARC: http://www.artrenewal.org/asp/databa...aid=187&page=1

[Michele Rushworth]

For some reason I can't get the "Manage Attachments" function working, so I will try later to post the image I described.

In the mean time you can see it by going to the Frye Museum's website at www.fryeart.org . It's on their home page and you can see it by scrolling down.

[Mary Sparrow]

You are RIGHT Michelle! That is an awesome portrait and I have a picture of Jane in almost the exact same pose from my wedding.

[Kimberly Dow]

Mary-

What fun - I see her in a white lab coat, but with other accessories that are HER - have it unbuttoned with a tie die shirt underneath maybe? The hair all wild and looking at you with a smile or intense look. Some necklace she wears that shows her personality, etc.. I am just picturing a mixture of accessories that show her character - kinda funky?

Just my 2-cents and all.

[Linda Brandon]

Originally Posted by Michele Rushworth

The artist is someone I've never heard of, a Leopold Schmutzler from Austria, painting around the turn of the century who looks to have been inspired by Sargent.

Michele, it may also have been inspired by Boldini, another popular "society" painter (who, unlike Sargent, has become quite obscure). Here's a Boldini example of a woman who seems to have had some fun in life. See that body language? "Come over here and sit next to me for a second... ."

[Michele Rushworth]

What fun you'll have, Mary! (Makes me want to go paint myself in some flamboyant garb and dramatic lighting. Yeah, right, I'll get around to doing that in my so called "spare time".) Show us the result when you get it finished!