Woman Inhaling

[Thomasin Dewhurst]

Thanks very much, Alex. You always have such insightful responses. I have a feeling (although it is probably just a coincidence) that I might have had a subconscious response to the recent flu concerns and general environmental worries. I feel like this person is very much unformed - reminiscent of human being as they have been or as they have thought themselves, but growing aware of a changing and probably dangerous environment. The woman, inhaling, seems to be making a step toward coming to terms with and working with the new world, by placing her trust in, moving herself into, and taking in the atmosphere/environment by breathing. She is making the beginnings of a new, adaptable, and working relationship with the space in which she exists.

[Carlos Ygoa]

Beautiful new piece, Thomasin!
The head has this elegant, noble quality to it that only masterfully done pieces have, a very commanding, at the same time mysterious presence... Your brushwork is once again enviable--I always say this about your work, with so much economy you are able to say so much as far as tangibility and plasticity of the form goes.
Very fine work!

[Carlos Ygoa]

By the way, I forgot to say: MASTERFUL use of blue-greens on your flesh!--I am completely envious!

[Thomasin Dewhurst]

Thank-you very much, Carlos. I enjoyed doing it, and really enjoyed using the blue greens with the peaches and picks of the flesh. It is quite a powerful thing - the blue/peach complementarity - it gives a sense of life and actuality (I am using this word rather than "realism" because if the texture of the paint is right, it gives a kind of unflowered, unembellished, more direct and deeper feeling of a living presence. I am doing quite a few horse portrait commissions at the moment, and I find blues in the light and in the shadows (with the chestnut or dark bay colours of the coat) really take it away from being the beginning of a painting to something near to finished, without having to put in excess detail.

[Thomasin Dewhurst]

I just heard that this painting is one of 27 finalists out of 825 + entries into the "In the Flesh" exhibition at the Target Gallery (Torpedo Factory Art Center) in Alexandria, VA. I have not exhibited or entered any competitions with the Torpedo Factory before, but it looks like it might be a promising opportunity for some exposure. What is very nice is that it is my newest work that was accepted - something I feel is very important to me, but was not at all sure would be accepted generally.

[Karine Monaco]

Congratulations, Thomasin !!

[Alexandra Tyng]

Yes, congratulations! Your work is deserving of many accolades!