"3 Graces: Aglaia (radiance)" ~ section 1 of triptych

Artist: Alice McMahon White
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"3 Graces: Aglaia (radiance)" ~ section 1 of triptych

From the “Black Butterfly: The Muse” series.

Grace #1 of 3 The 3 Graces: Aglaia (radiance) Euphrosyne (joy) Thalia (flowering) It was the poet Hesiod who named the Graces in his Theogony: “Then Eurynome, Ocean’s fair daughter, bore to Zeus the three Graces, all fair-cheeked, Aglaia, Euphrosyne, and shapely Thalia; their alluring eyes glance from under their brows, and from their eyelids drips desire that unstrings the limbs.”

From a reference photo by Rolling Stone magazine photographer Baron Wolman. Groupie Karen Seltenrich, San Francisco, Nov. 1968. Image was used in a New York Times article “When we tell you what a Groupie is, will you really understand?”

Charcoal on Mylar film, 20×16”

I saw these photos and fell in love with them – Baron was so gracious to allow me to use them. I added the flowers and butterflies, from a pattern on scented drawer liners.

Here is a quote from Baron about the groupies:

“As concert promoter Bill Graham has given me all access to any of the concerts he produced, I spent quite a bit of time backstage with the bands, their roadies and their women. What fascinated me were the lengths to which the women, the groupies, went to prepare themselves for their backstage appearances. Because I also wanted an excuse to photograph them, I suggested to Jann they might make an interesting story. He agreed and Rolling Stone Magazine No. 27 became known as “the groupie issue.” It was widely promoted, read and commented upon, even turned into a book.” -Baron Wolman

While the rest of the models I’ve used in the series are in the arts themselves, I was intrigued with the idea of groupies – and their intrigue with rock & roll artists of the late 1960’s. It seems to me they were using their own bodies and persona as an art form to attract their artistic “muses.”

I guess you could consider some of the works in my Black Butterfly series “Cover Tunes.” I believe the borrowed references are vital to the series to relate the idea of inspiration, and its relation to talent and celebrity. These “tunes” well deserve a stylish, honorable replay. Many thanks to the talented people who have loaned their vision of the muse to aid me in illustrating my ideas.

"3 Graces: Aglaia (radiance)" ~ section 1 of triptych belongs to the following groups:

1 on 1: The Fine Art of Portraiture , * Painted Ladies *, ! 100% !, 60's GLORY, Alt, Dirty Filthy Art: Charcoal, Fine Arts, Friends of RedBubble, Glamour, Out of the Past, Outsiders, Realist Traditional Art, Solo Exhibition, The Best of and Woman Appreciation

"3 Graces: Aglaia (radiance)" ~ section 1 of triptych by Alice McMahon White

lindybird

Wow—gorgeous, Alice. I am fascinated with this series you’re doing. The butterflies fit perfectly with the ‘muse’ theme. This piece has such a Gibson girl look to it. It’s timeless. By the way, I’m really enjoying my book!
Alice McMahon ... replied

I thought that too, she could be from almost any era. Thanks Linda, and I’m thrilled you like the book!
brettisagirl

that face is amazing. her eyes, her lips and hair.. love !
Alice McMahon ... replied

Isn’t she awesome, I’m glad you like her! I think I might have to get you to my studio for a sitting Brett. Do you have any vintage clothes? You sure have “the look” Funny, everyone who visits my studio thinks “Isis” is me when I was young. There is a resemblance, I think.
Vasile Stan

Oh, what a smile, what a self-assured look, a bit flirting with the eyes… and it’s all because of you Alice and your fantastic talent. Kudos my friend, another outstanding portrait.
Alice McMahon ... replied

Aw thanks Stan, but the look was all Miss Seltenrich, as captured by Baron Wolman. I just wanted to honor that, and share it with you, of course! xx
Rhinovangogh

GAAAAWWWWD! This is absolutely specfreakintaccular!!!! I am speachless. Oh Alice! OMG! WOW!!!!!! J
Rhinovangogh

Okay, that settles it! You have to do Sweet sweet Connie! That is what the band said (Grand Funk).”Sweet sweet Connie was doing her act. She had the whole show and that’s a natural fact!” You are unstoppable! J
Alice McMahon ... replied

You can be my groupie any day Rhino. LOL! More where these ladies came from.
andrea verstegen

Very lovely. Although she is not pretty in the conventional sense, you have brought out her inner feminine beauty. A nastolgic feel that appeals to me, Wonderful.
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thank you Andrea. I am very impressed with your work – I’ll be back to comment soon.
Lynda Robinson

More really beautiful work Alice! You are soooooo talented.
PJ Ryan

exquisite series .. really beautiful.
Alice McMahon ... replied

:) Thanks PJ! Still more to come. I like working in a series, I have more ideas than I need to complete this one!
Tahnja

That lace is just…sigh….amazing. Gosh woman, one day I’m gonna stand in line and ask for a portrait…..I think you’re talent would place my looks into a whole new realm….LOVE YOU WOMAN!!!!! hehehehe…hugs
Alice McMahon ... replied

It would be an honor to draw someone with your looks Tahnja! Thanks for all of your wonderful support! <3>
Simon Aberle

Great work! I particularly like the fabric and her hair!
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks Simon. I like to leave a little of the artist’s hand, but great references are key!
Edzie

So real!
ISMAIL ALAOUI ...

this is toooo much, you have really beaten us all; haha
i can’t say a single critic, its all ver ybezautiful and full of emotions, :)))))))
Alice McMahon ... replied

No way Ismail! I love to draw, and I do feel deeply about people, I can’t get away from drawing faces! But I’m continually humbled by the talented friends on RB. Your pastels are already looking pro quality!
rubyjo

love this- from the fabric on the sleeve to the eyelashes. and the words being back a few memories, but from the ‘70’s. ha
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks Rubyjo! Those were strange times, and a bit before my time. Darn! ;)
stephanie allison

Wow! her eyes speak volumes…
Alice McMahon ... replied

Ain’t she something? Thanks for the fave Stephanie!
AnitaInverarity

Wonderful, captivating indeed- I love the sultry vinatge feel xx
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks for the kind words and faves Anita! They were awesome ladies, weren’t they?
WonderlandGlass

Alice, I am pleased that the groupie subculture of the 60’s is being so well presented by your sensitive and skillful interpretations. There was a haunted, lonely wistfulness in many of those young ladies (and the few young boys who also followed that muse and are seldom mentioned at all). Their fragile, yearning spirits and softly pleading eyes are captured by your deft hands and presented with a long-deserved respect and sensitivity. Your honour and respect for the human condition comes across so wonderfully well in all of your work and your genuine love for people is but another of the qualities that both you and my lovely Linda have in common. Steven & I are both very fortunate men who ‘married up’ as the saying goes. Peace ;-}
Alice McMahon ... replied

I think it was brilliant of Baron to do this series. I think it was quite well received at the time as well. We all have our muses don’t we WG? And I think all of us are fortunate! Hope Linda is feeling better today.
catherine walker

It’s fabulous..so well done!
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thank you Catherine – I really enjoyed looking art your work.
Nikola Durdevic

Beautiful work!
Alice McMahon ... replied

I’m honored by the feature! Thank you Nikola!
MaryK

I wish I was this good with charcoal. Gosh! Lovely!
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks so much Mary. The drafting film really makes for a fun surface to work on. My fingers are blackened as I type! haha!
stephanie allison

Congratulations! your image is the inspiration for a new ~ drawn to her ~ challenge in the painted ladies group. Please feel free to submit this piece to the challenge or another drawing of your choice!!

♥
Stephanie
Alice McMahon ... replied

Awesomeness! Sorry, I think I over-submitted to take advantage of all of your great challenges. What a group! Thanks Stephanie!
Sean Farragher

fantastic
Lynda Robinson

Congratulations on the feature Alice. This one will be featured all over the place!! It is such a work of art!
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks Linda, she is a lovely subject, can’t go wrong!
nancy salamouny

This is remarkble… i have a question… wht is mylar film?
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks Nancy! It’s a type of plastic drafting film. The type I use is .007 gauge – heaviest I can get, and has double sided frosted surface. It’s a really fun surface to work on.
lifang

Stunning!!
midzing

gorgeous work,,,,, well done
Ashlee Maegan
Alice McMahon ... replied

YAY! Thanks so much for this honor Ashlee. Good luck with taking over the group!
DalunE Khoang

Great ,clean,sharp artwork drawing.Your great talent.
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks so much Dalune! I’ll drop in to visit you.
stephanie allison
Alice McMahon ... replied

Hey! Thanks so much Stephanie – yours is one of my fave groups on the bubble – I’m honored! xx
danita clark

Her gaze is mesmerising, i love the way you have created her wild hair!
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks danita! She was so fun to paint. I wonder where she is today? I think she has a timelessness the photographer Baron captured so well.
Petra Pinn

love her eyes and hair, the vintage feel and the way you used the charcoal, most beautiful work
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks again!
Norval Arbogast

Outstanding, at thumbnail I thought it was a photo. Where do you get your Mylar, I use to get the 5mil , frosted both sides, but Dupont quite manufacturing it years ago. I bought it by the roll, but finally ran out. I never used charcoal, but was taught to paint with graphite dust, an old repro art process, and a lot of medical illustrators used it before computers. Would love to try it again
stephanie allison

Congratulations! Your image won 4th place in the Drawn to Her Painted Lady Challenge

♥ ♥
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks Stephanie! xx
louisegreen

Great series, congrats on all your features, truly deserving.
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks for all of the kind comments Louise! Your work is so spectacular!
Antanas

lovely work
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thank you Antanas!
PPPhotoArt

beautiful, beautiful work, love the antique feel, well done
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks so much for commenting!
thepaintedsoul

Hey Alice, I’ve been away a long time and just now visiting my watchlist buds. Good to reacquaint myself with your work. The 3 Graces series is a real winner. You have such a subtle touch in your work. Always taken by the way you present your subject to the viewer. Hope you’ve been doing well. Enjoying your life. Cheers!TPS
Alice McMahon ... replied

Hey TPS! Great to hear from you – and especially delighted with your warm comment. We are all well, and I wish the same for you!
aglaia b

oh wow
how beautiful is this?
beautiful
;-)
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks so much aglaia!
Christeen Thor...

amazingly done!
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks for this lovely comment & the fave Christeen!
Josh Bowe

Stunning technique all round , but most especially the sleeve, great work Alice
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks Josh – especially for all the faves! I really love everything you do.
netmonk

excellent drawing skills! :)
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thank you netmonk, I do like to draw!
joanna77

beautiful. love the detail
ccceca

This is incredible.All your work is amazing!
Alice McMahon ... replied

Thanks for the love cc! xx
mando13 21 days ago

60’s Add ?