Sometimes I write about artists whose paintings look like photographs, but today’s spotlight is all about these painterly photographs. This is the still-life work of Canadian photographer Alexis McKeown. She does all sorts of things, including portraits, but it’s her moody flowers that call my name. Follow Alexis on Instagram at @alexismckeown, and find prints of this work in her shop.
I’ve been so sick this week so, alas, this email is super late… and I don’t even have a new podcast episode to share?! Oof. To make it up to you, please enjoy this creative prompt… “Still-life Saturday”. Lately, I’ve been very drawn to still-life set ups. These are just a few of the artists who’ve inspired me to start thinking about what I’d put in my ultimate still-life vignette… what would you pick?
Choose a bunch of stuff you love, or objects that tell some kind of story / arrange it / rearrange it / photograph it as reference / now, paint it, draw it, collage it, rebuild it in clay, whatever floats your boat! I’m gonna try collage.
Have fun, you can’t do it wrong. {Links to artists above: Andrea Huelin / Hello Marine / Juliana Penkova / Loji Höskuldsson / Anna Valdez}
Happy weekend ~ Danielle
Dear Danielle- hope you are feeling better. Love this article on still-lifes and Alexis McKeown’s art. I started to paint still lifes for the first time a month ago as a way to create a collective memory. This is a recent painting and small piece I wrote about a recent still life. A little vase painted in 1919 by my grandmother, whom I never met, is a cherished gift left behind by creative loving woman. Read her story in the link below.
The Gifts We Leave Behind - https://mailchi.mp/wi/the-gifts-we-leave-behind
I greatly enjoy your articles and podcasts. Keep creating!
Oh, thank you for still sharing, but rest up and feel better! Lots of tea, chips, and murder mysteries! I think there is a new movie with Renee Zellwegger, something about Pam?