Looking back at my WOMEN STUDIES : CULTURAL OBSERVATIONS AND SOCIAL COMMENT

When I began this blog, I talked about the creative journey involving the development of a specific painting in this series, Soco Sisters.  I thought it might be interesting to see a selection of other paintings in that series, in order to put the newer one in context.  Let me tell you about them...

Ladies of the Club I

Ladies of the Club II

The inspiration for this painting was the Home Demonstration Club of Groves, Texas.  My mother (pictured to the left, in the red dress) was a member from 1941 until the early 1970s.  This club was very important to these women, practically vital.  They wouldn't miss it for anything.  It was an opportunity for them to share important aspects of their lives as homemakers...recipes, household tips, sewing projects, and even bits of the latest gossip.  There are two versions of this painting because I sold the first one and liked the theme so much that I painted another.

The Playgroup

When my daughter moved to Texas, she was one of many young mothers living in a new community, knowing no one, with a young baby.  A group of women who found themselves in a similar situation came together for playtime for their children.  While it started from a practical need, it grew into an important social network, enriching these young women's lives.

Beauty

This painting is about the rituals women perform to capture their concept of ideal beauty.  This is contrasted with the beauty found in nature and that of a red sports car.  The irony is that the red sports car (chili-pepper red, to be exact) is now parked right outside...and I enjoy it every day!

Love, Austin Style

Despite first impressions, this is actually a mother and daughter.  Eating a late-night dinner at EZ's, I couldn't help but notice how happy they were in each other's company.  It's as simple as that.

An Artist at Heart

A self-portrait, this painting finds me in my HR office taking a mental vacation, designing my next abstract painting.

The Fruit Bowl

This is a scene from my wedding reception, when my new mother-in-law showed up in a pink raw silk dress, wearing a humongous white straw bowl hat.  I always thought it should hold fruit, so that's how I painted it.

The Wedding Party


Here are the players on that hot June day in 1966.  I have tried to capture the mood of the moment in this painting.

I am currently working on two paintings for this series:  Sadie and Herb - true fans! and Angelfood Duels, and I have one painting in the idea / development stage, The Song Weavers, featuring three local women songwriters who represent three different generations.