I love photography, though my art form is painting…still, I can’t help but be simply enchanted by these images I’ve recently come across. Magical, ethereal, lovely, shimmering with beauty. I love the lighting, romance and fragment of a moment captured. All images but one are from Anthropologie November.
Check out this photographer’s work, galaxeandrews.
All this month, I have been working feverishly on many different paintings in many stages. Below, you’ll see some of what I have been working on, particularly this past week. First, finishing up Red Satin by detailing the hair…
Red Satin, detail, copyright Jessica Libor 2009
Also, beginning a commission painting called Cherokee Autumn, in its first stages…
Cherokee Autumn, first step
And last but not least, beginning a painting I am VERY excited about. I’m stepping out of my comfort zone a little bit on this one–trying a more modern subject, still portrayed in a traditional way. It’s a snapshot of a moment…I was walking along the main faire in Edinboro, Scotland, with hundreds of actors and mimes and performers handing me invitations to thier shows. This girl, dressed as a mime, had placed herself in the perfect position for a good composition–white clothing, red, red lips, bright red fan, and fascinating background covered in posters. I’m very excited to see where this one goes.
Mime, step 1, copyright Jessica Libor 2009
Mime, step 2, copyright Jessica Libor 2009
Paper Lanterns, copyright Jessica Libor 2009, unfinished.
Paper Lanterns (detail), copyright Jessica Libor 2009, unfinished
Paper Lanterns as a painting has come a long way since I last posted an update on it–and while it is not quite finished, I wanted to share the progress. Stay posted for more updates!
Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths,
Enwrought with golden and silver light,
The blue and the dim and the dark cloths
Of night and light and the half light,
I would spread the cloths under your feet:
But I, being poor, have only my dreams;
I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.
Aedh Wishes for the Clothes of Heaven
by William Butler Yeats
Sargent (Detail)
In between painting, I have been studying Sargent and Rembrant, specifically in the ways that they model the human face, and the way that they handle lighting. I hope you enjoy these pieces as much as I did in learning from them.
Sargent
Sargent
Sargent
Sargent
Sargent
Sargent
Rembrandt
Rembrandt
Sargent
I am excited to share with you a recent article/profile done on my art in skirt! magazine. I’m honored to be a part of this inspiring magazine, and hope to be a part of the inspiration for the women who read it! Look for the December issue of skirt! magazine in Greenville, Charlotte, Charleston, and Savannah, among the 16 cities where they are published. In the Greenville edition, look on page 20 to see the profile under “Muses”, and also on page 31 to see a feature of my handmade cards, number one on the “We Love” page. To see the online versions, click here for the profile and here for the feature on the cards. A special thanks to Sheril Turner and John Fowler. Below, the material published.
Jessica Libor in her studio-December artist spotlight, photo by John Fowler
From cave diving in Mexico to exploring the ruins of a huge ancient abbey in Scotland, what could make Jessica’s heart beat faster? “I entered a talent show one time,” she says. “It took me three cups of coffee to get psyched up to sing.” For this fine artist, though, her adventurous life feeds her romantic soul. “I paint in oil—portraits by commission and scenery that I find beautiful. Often these places and people are from the cities that I have traveled to. I am also inspired by art museums, receiving instruction from a master painter, having a painting turn out the way I envisioned it, music of all kinds, fashion, streetlights in the fog, a deadline, viewers liking my work, going for a long run, brainstorming, and people that believe in me.”
We Love #1, handmade greeting cards by Jessica Libor
“In addition to her glorious paintings, Greenville artist Jessica Libor creates these hand inked and embellished ethereal greeting cards that are almost too pretty to mail off. Find yours at etsy.com/shop/jessicalibor.”
Titania Handmade Greeting Card
First Fridays December Edition-at Doug Young's Studio
Last night was December First Fridays, when all the studios and galleries of Greenville open their doors and show off the creativity they hold inside. This particular month, the shows were spectacular! I met and viewed work of several new artists, and was incredibly inspired by the people I met and the quality of work I saw.
The Art Bomb
What I love about the Art Bomb, beyond the quality of the work the artists produce, is the uniqueness of the building. It’s a huge, many-roomed old building downtown, decorated in a random but very stylish way. I love it. Notice the disco ball. Even the mounted beast on the wall is in the Christmas spirit!
The Art Bomb
Adorable sculpture pieces--little eggs that look full of treasure
At the Art Bomb--reminds me of Poe's "The Raven"
Love the size and elegant subject matter of this one
I thought I’d share this snapshot of another part of tradition here in Greenville, that I enjoyed last night–the Lighting Ceremony at BJU, where thousands upon thousands of lights are lit after Christmas carols are sung. To me, it was just as beautiful (if not more so) than any piece of art I saw that evening.
After the Lighting Ceremony--just as pretty as a painting
Next up will be recent pictures of my paintings–much progress has been made, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Wishing each of you a beautiful weekend!
"Five Past Nine on Main Street," pen and ink, 5" by 7", copyright Jessica Libor 2009
Since being home in PA for a week was not conducive to painting with oils, I did this little piece in between laughing with friends and family, picking out a Christmas tree, eating Thanksgiving dinner and doing a little black Friday shopping. Hope you enjoy! It’s of my very own Greenville, at a little past nine leaning against the iron clock by the Westin Pointsett Hotel. The time when the stars are coming out, and the streetlamps cast long distinct shadows over everything.
Hope each of you had a fabulous Thanksgiving. Next stop…Christmas!!
Alegria, 8.5 by 11 inches, copyright Jessica Libor 2009
Inspired by the music from Alegria.
Last night I saw the most amazing show I’ve ever seen in my life. Cirque du Soleil came to town with their show Alegria, a celebration of youth, life, movement and beauty. The music alone was incredible in its European flavor and subtlety, but combined with the excitement of the gymnasts and dancers performing with exquisite grace, scintillating French style costumes and lighting that brings you into a dream world, it was an experience I hope to hold in my memory forever.
The main singer in full costume
The snowstorm pantomime
Gymnasts
Contortionists--this looked like it hurt, but they seem ok with it!
The main singer
Alegria Birds
The mimes and clowns portrayed ideas and dreamscapes such as this.
Alegria
