Costuming

Sharon Knettell · 09-09-2004, 06:39 PM

Namely moi!

Sargent had costumes made as well as Paxton and Degas.

I have had at least 10 tutus made, Meschantes corsetiere made me about 7 custom corsets, my seamstress made me about 7 puffy sleeved tops and I have bought countless wigs, ballet slippers and other frou-frous. This does not of course neglect the lace camisoles on eBay or the sashes purchased out of New York.

It is a wonderful way to make a picture your own. Of course this means my own wardrobe has taken a severe hit. But as they say if you can't afford to be chic, be outrageous.

Another suggestion, don't try to recreate the past and make ye old pictures, use the costumes to make your own statement.

Kimberly Dow · 09-09-2004, 09:58 PM

Oh Sharon would I like to go through your closets!

I just wish one thing - that I was the same size as the girls I get to model - how I would have fun wearing this stuff. It is almost reason enough to go on a diet. (almost).

Just a note - I am not recreating 'olden days' - I wanted flowy, romantic clothing...no particular style. I've fallen in love with Gunne Sax dresses. They sometimes look 'prairie' and sometimes 'renaissance' - very feminine anyways.

Linda Brandon · 09-10-2004, 09:21 AM

Ditto that, Sharon, your closet full of tutus sounds wonderful! A custom corset - I wouldn't have thought of that.

Here's what I have in addition to antique nightgowns:
-Kimonos (not enough of them)
-Capes
-Long evening gloves, including fingerless ones
-Old hats
-Piano shawls, scarves, big bolts of fabric for wrapping things (and people)
-Collection of bird wings in the freezer
-18th century British naval officer white pants (just joking on that one, sorry, couldn't resist)

I also have a network of friends who are authorized to snap up things for me (maximum purchase price, twenty dollars) that they think I might like in their forays into the world of Neat Old Stuff. What I really want right now is a fantastic portrait chair.

Kimberly Dow · 09-10-2004, 09:33 AM

Kimonos and capes - those are two things on my list, but havent found in my price range yet.

OK- my question is - why are the bird wings in your freezer? And has anyone ever defrosted one for dinner by accident? Did you pluck these off living birds (I will see you in a different light if the answer is yes!) - and just out of pure curiosity - what are they for exactly?

Here is a funny thing - we just moved to a ranch for perhaps as little as a year for the husbands work - so the kids of course got a 4-wheeler and have bugged me for a horse. That was easy to say no to - since we'd most likely have to get rid of it later...but - my father-n-law almost has me convinced to get chickens (there are tons of corrals and coops here for all types of animals). The only reason I may say yes to the chickens is if I can get a colorful rooster and make it tame so I can get it in a painting! The kids are just shaking their heads at me - I choose pets (and just about everything else) based on whether I can paint them.

Linda Brandon · 09-10-2004, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kimberly Dow

OK- my question is - why are the bird wings in your freezer?

This is for my postponed angel project, see: http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...4&page=2&pp=10 (I have received an amazing number of very interesting private emails about this post, by the way.)

I love birds and would never hurt one! I paint with one on my shoulder.

Kimberly Dow · 09-12-2004, 07:02 PM

Tastes like chicken!

I was just messing with you - I've seen your bird. A little on the bald side, but many people I love are on that side as well

Sharon Knettell · 09-19-2004, 11:55 AM

Kimberly,

If I were ever to wear one of my costumes in public,
I in all likelyhood be chaperoned to the nearest loony-bin.

Linda,

The corsets are fabulous. The make great painting shapes and keep the model from slumping. One of my students in the apparel depatment at RISD turned me on to them. She also knew the best and most reasonable sites. That can make a difference. I bought two corsets on Ebay, both about the same price. One fitted beautifully (the Ms. Antionette), the other was poorly made and fitted poorly (the Kiss Proof Girls).

I have had very good luck with www.meschantes.com. She made some of the corsets for the movie Moulin Rouge. They are made and fit beautifully, plus being quite reasonable.
You can also have one made for yourself for the holidays.
They REALLY give a girl's chest an eye popping lift!

The officers pants. Were they removed from the subject in the imagination?