A few weeks ago I remembered a favorite psychedelic poster I used to own. Whenever I moved, which was fairly often in those days, I'd hang 'The Mushroom Lady' on a wall near my bed where we could look at each other first thing in the morning and last at night. She had a lovely smile.
Somehow and somewhere along the way she was lost. Who knows how these things happen. I've noticed that many things, and people too, get lost or left behind on our journey through this life.
Still, I remembered her and wondered if I might catch another glimpse of that warm and loving smile. The only way I could think of to do that now was to try drawing her myself. Perhaps, if I made some effort I might even have a painting of her to hang near my bed:
Her smile isn't quite the one I remember but, then again, neither is mine.
♡
That's a great painting, Susan! If her eyes were blue, she'd look very much like the woman who sells wind chimes and bowls full of succulents during summer farmers market over in Gettysburg.
ReplyDeleteI would sleep well, I think, if her face were the last one I saw before drifting off. Her pose - face cradled in her hands - reminds me of a photo of my daughter more than 40 years ago, during our trip home from California.
You have a wonderful gift for creating art, Susan. Thank you for sharing it with us.
I'm so glad you enjoyed seeing her, Martha. As with most any of the images I contemplate making, by the time they're finished there are things I wish I'd done better. On the other hand, I've been happily surprised again at who has shown up on the paper.
DeleteThanks for letting me know about the sweet memories she conjured for you.
I loved the way she gradually emerged from wherever she was coming from, as if she were gently becoming manifest in this realist world.
ReplyDeleteIt's very rare I post pictures of the messy process of painting a new picture and more rare still that I don't place the finished one first. You've made me glad of my late night decision to do it this way.
DeleteAs Tom said... I enjoyed seeing the gradual emergence of this beautiful face! Lovely artwork, Susan!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Marja-Leena. I'm happy I posted the stages this way.
DeleteI remember the mushroom lady poster! I had one from the same company, based in SF I think, titled 'white rabbit'....I assumed from the Grace Slick song. I never got a black light though, should have done that I suppose.
ReplyDeleteI really like your rendition, mind if I copy them and send them to the two daughters?
Mike
That's funny, Mike! When this blog was still pretty new I posted a couple of photographs from the time we spent in Montréal where the original 'Mushroom Lady' is in the background. Unfortunately, there's not much of her to be seen. :)
DeleteI'd be delighted for you to share these with your daughters.
Hi Susan- A wonderful emerging work of art. Best wishes
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lindsay.
DeleteShe's lovely. May she bless you as you wake to begin your day, and inhabit your dreams.
ReplyDeleteThanks, my friend. :)
Delete*smile*
ReplyDeleteand to you :)
DeleteA smile can work wonders at both the beginning and end of a day....:)
ReplyDeleteEven better if the one that greets you is real :)
DeleteShe is truly lovely the way you've painted her here. I think I found the original and I think your take on her is perfect. http://www.leadpipeposters.com/images/0114.jpg
ReplyDeleteYikes! This is so nice, Lisa, and she is the one I remembered. Thanks so much for taking the time to find her for me.
DeleteI'm glad to know you like my version - me too.
Funnily enough, the art that greets me every morning is yours. And it makes me smile.
DeleteThe mushroom lady in your painting looks as though she's contemplating the years and seems pleased with where she is.
DeleteI'm glad it makes you smile, that's what it was meant to do.
DeleteWherever she is she's doing fine. Meanwhile, Halifax NS is cold and wet.