Invitation to the Unveiling

Nearly a quarter of a year on from when I got it into my head to paint my own interpretation of The Venus with a Mirror or what is now more popularly known as Velasquez’s Rokeby Venus, I find myself in mutual states of satisfaction, fatigue and melancholy. That is to say, I feel like one who has just finished a very enjoyable book and having turned the final page experience that sad finality that so often accompanies the end of all our long efforts.

You may ask yourself: “Why this painting?”

The direct answer would be that it has been a long standing fascination of mine; a presence that has helped shape my course and ambitions as an artist. I remember a long time ago looking at The Rokeby Venus for the first time in books and in prints and thinking how absolutely beautiful the woman was. My feelings regarding Velasquez’s work at the time were inexpressible and would have remained so had it not been for a chance encounter with the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez when he wrote: “That night I discovered the improbable pleasure of contemplating the body of a sleeping woman without the urgencies of desire or the obstacles of modesty.” I suppose the lasting impression this painting made in part explains why I paint women or the idea of woman.

Just to say, Velasquez was from Seville in Spain and auspiciously enough, so is the girl I used as a model for this painting. When I began this painting I took it as a good sign that all would go well and now that I have finished my work, I feel that it has.

This is to be the final installment in the Velasquez blog as I am at long last finished! So let me tell you what is going to be happening…

On the 16^th of April there is will be an unveiling of the painting which will include finished drawings as they pertain to the final work and two other large works.

For the lady and or Gentleman who acquires the Venus, their name will be joined to the paintings name in much the same way as Sir Rokeby is to Velasquez’s Venus.

Music will be provided on the night by Vladimir Jablokov, director and solo violinist of the Slovak Festival Orchestra along with two other guest musicians.

Wine will be brought in from Seville for the occasion. I thought it would be nice to keep everything in key with the predominantly Spanish theme.

The only thing left wanting is your company….so please, come, enjoy the paintings, the drawings, the music and of course, the wine!

Please feel free to download and print out an invitation to the reception night here. Again, thank you for reading. You are all very welcome to join me on that Wednesday Night!