Here's a little catch up to what I am doing lately. I love been busy spreading more literary love on my watercolor palette.
Here are my latest Literary Portraits: Ms. Gertrude Stein and Mr. Nathaniel Hawthorne
Debra Styer, A Stein is a Stein is a Stein is a Stein, 2016
“You look ridiculous if you dance
You look ridiculous if you don't dance
So you might as well
dance.”
― Gertrude Stein, Three Lives
Gertrude Stein Portrait Framed
Say Hello to Ms. Gertrude Stein!
Gertrude has always been one of my literary heroes. Her writing about Paris is the early 1900's is incredible. It seems like you are right there in the thick of things. Who wouldn't want to live in that world filled with artists and writers? My favorite book is "The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas", written in the point of view of her love, Alice.
To me she is a visionary, anactivist and a woman with a hell of a sense of humor.
Carl Van Vechten, Portrait of Gertrude Stein, 1934
“It takes a lot of time to be a genius. You have to sit around so much, doing nothing, really doing nothing.”
― Gertrude Stein
Print available in the shop!
And now presenting...Mr. Nathaniel Hawthorne!
Debra Styer, The House of the Seven Hawthornes, 2016
As a New Englander, Hawthorne is in my blood. I remember visiting the House of the Seven Gables in Salem Massachusetts as a kid and I was fascinated. Hawthorne is best know for writing the novel, "The Scarlett Letter", a scathing look at life, love and religion in the Massachusetts. His work is known to be Dark Romantic. I am currently reading, "The Whole History of Grandfather's Chair" (written in 1840), which is a surprisingly funny and truly satisfies the history nerd in me.
Nathaniel Hawthorn Art Print
Nathaniel Hawthorn Portrait Framed
“Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”
― Nathaniel Hawthorne
Nathaniel Hawthorne by Brady c. 1860
Now available in my Shop!
Right now I am working on a portrait of the wonderful writer Dorothy Parker, I will post her as soon as I can.
After that, who should I paint next?