"3 Graces: Euphrosyne (joy)" section 3 of Triptych
Grace #3 of 3 From the “Black Butterfly: The Muse” series. Charcoal on Mylar film, 20×16”
From a reference photo by Rolling Stone magazine photographer Baron Wolman. Groupie “HARLOW”, San Francisco, Nov. 1969.
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: Euphrosyne (joy)" section 3 of Triptych belongs to the following groups:
# 1 ARTISTS OF REDBUBBLE , 1 on 1: The Fine Art of Portraiture , * Painted Ladies *, ! 100% !, Alt, Dirty Filthy Art: Charcoal, Fine Arts, Friends of RedBubble, Out of the Past, Outsiders, Pencil Drawing (2 per 24 hrs), Realist Traditional Art, Solo Exhibition, The Best of and Woman Appreciation
lindybird
Amazing….she kind of reminds me of a girl I once knew in high school. It wouldn’t have surprised me if this was her, but we were too young to be groupies then! I love how you’ve handled her hair. It’s as downy as cotton candy.
Alice McMahon ... replied
Funny, she does have a familiar look.I wonder if these two are sporting wigs, or is it the real deal? The original photo showed fox fur pieces, faces up, in the foreground! I didn’t like them too much, and even though the flower/butterfly paper is not realistic, I thought it lent a funky hippie psychedelic vibe. Thanks again Linda – I hope to finish Grace # 2 this week. She was a “lucky” groupie – and actually married her muse!
Tracey Mac
Stunning art Alice…..........you never cease to amaze me…........and those butterflies are always the icing on the cake….......such beautiful work…......
Alice McMahon ... replied
You are so sweet Tracey. These girls just grabbed me, and I had lots of fun drawing them. I like how the pattern ended up a tattoo on her arm. More a new millennium sort of thing, but that’s ok.:)
lindybird
Ooooo, who is she, or is it a surprise?! I wonder if the hair could be wigs, too. There wasn’t the kind of ‘product’ back then to create such looks-
well, I guess there was Dippity-Doo! I love the hippie psychedelic vibe with the butterflies-it’s perfect. Reminds me of those old Victorian houses that were all tripped-out near Haight-Asbury.Alice McMahon ... replied
No one well known Linda, but she married well, had a child, and divorced quickly. These people lived on the edge. That’s a fun way to look at the flowers – I love San Francisco and the Haight.
Jaytee
she has a “reall” womans beauty, full figured…...beautiful.
Alice McMahon ... replied
Thanks Jodi – I kind of guessed at her figure, because the reference had these weird fur pieces in front of her. I invented the butterfly garden, but her shoulders looked rounded to me, so I hinted at curves. :)
Rhinovangogh
Keep it going!!!! You soooo rock Alice. Work work work! I love your series and your cerebrum. ;-) J
Alice McMahon ... replied
Well, I guess Baron rocks like a Rolling Stone, Rhino. Reminds me, he asked to see what I came up with, I should send him a message. Thanks for yours! muah!
Lynda Robinson
Beautiful beautiful work! You most certainly ROCK!
Alice McMahon ... replied
:) Thanks Linda, you too!
Angie Muccillo
You are so incredibly talented Alice, an amazing work of art!
Alice McMahon ... replied
Ooo Angie – your hair would be fun to draw! :) Thanks for your kind remarks! xx
Geoffrey Dunn
Nice work Alice … I like what you’re trying to achieve here :-)
Alice McMahon ... replied
Thanks Geoffrey – the ideas keep flowing. Remains to be seen how it all comes together :)
Tahnja
You’re always brilliant no matter what the subject. I am always totally enthralled and inspired by your stunning work
ISMAIL ALAOUI ...
wooooooow
just so charming, it really make me feel how is your inside,
you are a very soft woman and artist, :))
WonderlandGlass
As ever-a wonderfully illuminating work, my friend. I have always admired your talent in revealing the inner spirit of your subjects and the overall spiritual feel of your works. These are another example of this quality in your work. I was wondering if the central subject of your groupies series will be Cynthia Plaster Caster, but that would be a bit too obvious, perhaps. At any rate, I am awaiting the work in progress, my friend. Peace
Alice McMahon ... replied
The Plaster Casters were also in the book, but, no :) I do love humans. Everyone has grace and dignity. Thanks for your continued kindness Doug.
WonderlandGlass
careful, there-you’re starting to sound like a Unitarian… Actually, after many searches on many spiritual paths, I decided that Unitarian Universalism is a good fit for me…at least for now ;
} Peace, my friend… the world needs more like you ;}SHRyan
Love it Alice. Theres a really nice feel to your work. xxxxxxSandy
Alice McMahon ... replied
Thanks Sandy!
Angie Muccillo
You can play with my hair anyday! :-)
Sean Farragher
lovely work
danita clark
Shes wonderful , love the swirling butterflies and her gaze
Alice McMahon ... replied
Thanks again! I hope to finish # 3 soon!
louisegreen
Lovely work!
midnightdreamer
You have an amazing talent, this is just so very beautiful….WoW!
I am a fan ;)
Peace Always,
Leah♥
Alice McMahon ... replied
Such a kind comment! Thanks Leah!
Steph Granshaw 27 days ago
utterly gorgeous..she reminds me of Stevie Nicks..loving this series of yours
Alice McMahon ... 25 days ago
She is a bit like Ms. Nicks, but must be older I’d guess. :) Thanks again!