"Coeur Rouge" - Place Igor Stravinsky, Paris - Watercolor 40 x 40 cm / 15.7 x 15.7 in - ©andrea hupke de palacio 2010
I was inspired by the power of this red heart on a cold cloudy Saturday afternoon. Now I remember: on the same day, just before going out for my walk, I made the self portait with camera and French beret, which most of you already know well.
The heart photograph patiently waited in a folder for a couple of years until I was ready to use it for a painting!
The “Place Igor Stravinsky” is just around the corner of the Centre Pompidou (also called ” centre Beaubourg”) in the heart of Paris and this fountain was created by Niki de Saint Phalles and Jean Tinguely. Of course, my photograph came out a bit darker that the painting actually is, but I was reluctant to change anything and decided to leave it like this.
I love the contrast between the colorful sculptures Niki de Saint Phalles created, and the black iron “machines” created by Tinguely, set off by the neutral rendering of the wall. I worked with apprehension and consideration on this painting. The special challenge was the water.
The main steps were:
1. The Wall, 2. The water, 3. The heart 4. The iron parts. 5. The water 6. The people, 7. The heart.
Now that it’s finished, I’m happy as a clam, which is a nice way to start the week.
Be creative and don’t forget to relax,
Andrea
