Observing the Observer

Perspectives from The Artist's Road

Madame Georges Charpentier and Her Children 1878 Pierre-Auguste Renoir

In portrait and still life work, artists are observers of the intimate—the interior worlds of home and studio. Here, the figure, the object, the people and animals which inhabit the space become the dominant focus. Finding and expressing a connection with them is essential to the expressive power of these paintings. The rule is simple: paint what you know and love. And so it is that we, along with our artist colleagues past and present, have painted our animal companions. Not only are they patient and generally serene models, but they also possess a dignity and acceptance of life that we would do well to try to emulate.

Itzcuintli Dog with Me 1938 Frida Kahlo