The vagaries of life have slowed down the progress on this one but I am resolved to push forward a bit more quickly. The under-painting in near completion with just a bit of tightening up and additional clarity to the glow of whiteness. I will then apply skin tones and approach the finish line. Countless hours poured over the canvas. I never track my time with brush in hand but it has been substantial- late at night when the house is quiet and everyone slumbers. Stolen hours here and there. A break this weekend to partake in the annual Festival International de Louisiane here in Lafayette. Great local Cajun food and international music downtown. The weather looks ideal to boot. I have looked forward to this weekend with anticipation for some time.
The book Art Of the Con was an interesting quick read. It details many recent art forgeries and other high dollar art crimes. I found it interesting (but not surprising) that more abstract works are the most commonly forged due to their simplicity and ease of duplication. Another point of fascination is the intrinsic value in a work. One unwittingly purchases a forgery or fake because they admire and appreciate the work (unless for investment purposes). The detail, color choices, finesse and brushstrokes are gazed upon with fascination, for example. Once the blinders are lifted the work loses not only financial viability but it’s very intrinsic value as a work seems to decline. It is the same tangible work that was admired shortly before the curtain was lifted. Thus, it is not the work itself on the wall but the provenance of the piece that speaks to many. The great value is in the creator- the artist’s name. The same work apparently becomes trite when created by another, less desirable individual.