Artist Andrew Wyeth Dies at 91
January 16th 2009 17:06
Normally, my taste in art leans toward the darker side. People are often surprised by the giant framed painting hanging on my living room wall, because it is at first glance a gentle piece of Americana that does not seem to fit with my taste.
The painting is "Christina's World" by American artist Andrew Wyeth, and few works have moved me as much as this.
"Christina's World" has sparked much speculation as to its meaning. What is the woman in the painting doing?
The work is based on a real person, Christina Olson, who had an undiagnosed muscular deterioration that paralyzed her lower body. Although inspired by Christina, the model for the painting was Wyeth's wife, Betsy. It is at once wistful and inspiring. This is a piece that evokes emotion at first glance.
The dismal landscape and deteriorating farmhouse in the distance are shrouded in mystery as we long to see the expression on Christina's face. The work encourages deep contemplation that hasn't stopped for me in the years that it has been featured prominently in my home.
I was saddened today to learn that the artist, Andrew Wyeth, has passed away at the age of 91. He died Friday morning in his sleep.
Wyeth's vast body of work focused on the hidden melancholy of the people and landscapes of Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley and coastal Maine. Wyeth described his own work as "thoughtful". He was a known recluse who spent most of his time alone in the countryside, no doubt gathering inspiration from the barren landscape where he lived his life.
Wyeth's work tended to have a doleful feel, often depicting things and places in a state of disrepair; brown grass, muted colors, dilapidated buildings, and somber characters.
“I do an awful lot of thinking and dreaming about things in the past and the future — the timelessness of the rocks and the hills — all the people who have existed there,” he once said. “I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure in the landscape — the loneliness of it — the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it; the whole story doesn’t show."
Although Wyeth remained active and vital into his 90's, he stopped doing interviews. According to his granddaughter, Victoria Wyeth, he said, "Vic, everything I have to say is on the walls".
With his beautiful collection of haunting yet strikingly familiar works, it is certain that Andrew Wyeth's voice will be heard for years to come.
The painting is "Christina's World" by American artist Andrew Wyeth, and few works have moved me as much as this.
Christina's World
"Christina's World" has sparked much speculation as to its meaning. What is the woman in the painting doing?
The work is based on a real person, Christina Olson, who had an undiagnosed muscular deterioration that paralyzed her lower body. Although inspired by Christina, the model for the painting was Wyeth's wife, Betsy. It is at once wistful and inspiring. This is a piece that evokes emotion at first glance.
The dismal landscape and deteriorating farmhouse in the distance are shrouded in mystery as we long to see the expression on Christina's face. The work encourages deep contemplation that hasn't stopped for me in the years that it has been featured prominently in my home.
I was saddened today to learn that the artist, Andrew Wyeth, has passed away at the age of 91. He died Friday morning in his sleep.
Wyeth's vast body of work focused on the hidden melancholy of the people and landscapes of Pennsylvania’s Brandywine Valley and coastal Maine. Wyeth described his own work as "thoughtful". He was a known recluse who spent most of his time alone in the countryside, no doubt gathering inspiration from the barren landscape where he lived his life.
Wyeth's work tended to have a doleful feel, often depicting things and places in a state of disrepair; brown grass, muted colors, dilapidated buildings, and somber characters.
“I do an awful lot of thinking and dreaming about things in the past and the future — the timelessness of the rocks and the hills — all the people who have existed there,” he once said. “I prefer winter and fall, when you feel the bone structure in the landscape — the loneliness of it — the dead feeling of winter. Something waits beneath it; the whole story doesn’t show."
Although Wyeth remained active and vital into his 90's, he stopped doing interviews. According to his granddaughter, Victoria Wyeth, he said, "Vic, everything I have to say is on the walls".
Day Dream 1980
With his beautiful collection of haunting yet strikingly familiar works, it is certain that Andrew Wyeth's voice will be heard for years to come.
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Comment by Lola Tahlulah
Lola Tahlulah
Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
The Social Critic
Janet Collins Blog
Nice post.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Tracy
Comment by Morgan Bell
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
i had a blonde moment there when i first read that, i thought wow Natalie owns the original work, she must be a millionaire haha
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
Comment by Natalie 2
My Life My Muse
Beta Girl Blog
Janet, I agree. If fact, all of his work is similarly inspiring.
Tracy, I hope you pursue his work even further. I'm glad you liked it!
Morgan, that's so funny! After re-reading it, I can see that I gave that impression
Always Eighteen, I don't think we studied him in school, but I wish we would have. I think everyone should become familiar with his art.