Portrait of Dr Isabel Wright & Her Cat, Ripple
Oil on Linen.
Brilliant psychiatrist who emmigrated from Chatanooga, Tennessee to the University of Chicago, to Greenwich Village in New York. People in NY, she said, act out, making neurotics easier to find. And definitely more willing to work on themselves.
Adored cats, kept, healed, and treasured hundreds in her lifetime in a huge old seven story loft building off MacDougal Street. Nothing, said Dr Wright, was more important than life. She treasured it, sacrificed for it, and exuded it.
A giving, healing, terrific woman. A doctor in every good sense of the word, and a very dear, important friend to me.
Her blind cat Ripple, here in the portrait, knew where everything was by sound, echo, brilliance, and lived to prove it, reaching thirty. I had the great privilege of knowing them both.
Greeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints and Framed Prints
whisperingruth
I’m speechless Barbara!! Your new series is so amazing…....another special addition to your collection, that’s for sure! xx
Barbara Sparhawk replied
Bless you Ruthie. I’m very fond of this painting. It took a long time to get it right, and was done from memory.
whisperingruth
Your talent knows no bounds Barbara…........you should be proud…....really!
Cathleen Taraw...
This is very special; I know it’s going to be because it’s from you and the story confirms it.
Barbara Sparhawk replied
dear Cathleen, very kind. I know you’re doing a great deal of new experimenting with portraits, and will have at it today, I’ve only been able to see a touch. Your work is just getting more superb by the minute. Thank you for liking this portrait of my friend.
Heather Rivet...
wow amazing work
Barbara Sparhawk replied
Thank you, Heather. I’ll take a look at your work, too.
rosepepper
ooohhhh the wonderful reds, so rich against the dark tones giving this woman the glow of life you describe. You sure are a master (mistress!) portraitist Barbara and what a body of fantastic people it is that you have painted. You have caught the intelligence in the holding gaze of the eyes and the fine mouth, reminds me of Marie Curie. The book placed vertically is like a pillar of strength and knowledge and the relationship with Ripple is beautifully represented by the fondness in the direction of the gaze. The hair and fur have motion and sit in contrast to a sturdy and strong stationary neck. The blue eyes are incredible and the fingers point upward. Great work.
Barbara Sparhawk replied
Oh rosepepper, you got it entirely. I’m overwhelmed. She would have loved the comparison with Marie Curie, indeed one of my favorite people. I did this from memory, and it went through dozens of transitions. Your comments about my work mean so very much to me. You see the substratta of my intent and I’m never sure I’ve gotten it across. And you observe things that are right on target, that hit such a chord in me when you say them, especially if it’s content I hadn’t been conscience of. Thank you very much for your observations, and kind complements.
Louise Cooke
You’re amazing Barbara! The colour and quiet mood of this painting is truly awesome. Love the expression of the cat…like he just adores Isabel! And the colours that blend in her skin are incredible…how do you do it??!
Barbara Sparhawk replied
It was a lot of work and re work to get what I wanted. The canvas must weigh 20 lbs. for all the paint scraped off and added and changes made – over a year of putting it away and going back.
Thanks for what you’ve written Louise. They were very close, and Ripple loved Isabel indeed, and it was reciprocated.
Shanina Conway
Beautiful work Barbara, love the expressive and piercing eyes;)
Barbara Sparhawk replied
Thanks so much, Shanina. She could look straight through you; and there was always kindness there too. Your comments are much appreciated.
Douzy
How good are you!! I’ll never get tired of your style – it’s unique, rich, warm, complete and full of soul. Fantastic job.
Barbara Sparhawk replied
What kind words, Douzy. Your portraits are always terrific; I can always feel the people you photograph.
John Fish
I love the depth and richness in the colors and quality of light. just beautifully done.
Barbara Sparhawk replied
Bless your heart, John. If I got that right, it matches the individual in the portrait.