Sometimes it is interesting to see the works of an artist from their past. This painting was done when I was pregnant with our first child, Anthea. Teddy bears were on the menu. I had been working in a totemic structure with a landscape below. I would often include myself and my spouse somewhere in the painting.
In this one I remember delighting in making a pregnant creature couple. You can see I was influenced by Rousseau from the start of my painting career. I was working in a larger format, 18″ by 24″. This reminds me to stretch myself and make larger paintings.
I still have several of my original works from the late 1970’s and early 80’s. This one was made in 1983. Our cats at the time usually managed to make their way into my paintings.
Your spouse remembers those days well.
I love this picture from when you were expecting!
Thanks for sharing this with us. I LOVE that big blue do! All of your glorious plant life and playful creatures! Fun!
I loved reading the story behind this painting, it made me take a longer look and search out the symbolic images. The hair on your totemic creature does remind me of Sideshow Bob from The Simpsons 🙂
Interesting to see older work……the style definitely evolves. Seems you used thinner washes. You WERE influenced by Rousseau. I’ve liked his work since I was young….alto sometimes his jungles were scary! Great piece!