Art imitates story imitates life imitates art...

I will continue to explain about the novel-in-progress (still whittling away) and discuss my various inspirations.

When my classmate and fellow alum published my short story, "Diner Chat", I did not understand the impact of how deep others would scrutinize its implications. Renamed "Night Sounds", I was told by my classmate/editor that she felt it reminded her of Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks", and that struck me as extraordinary in that his iconic paintings were one of countless artistic inspirations for me over the years.

Hopper often conveyed soft and hard lines within his paintings, and he portrayed many scenes from a New York of the 30s-40s. Whether he used actual locales or his scenes were figments of imaginary whimsy, Hopper's techniques of structure, color, and dimension made the painting FEEL real to the viewer. We may never know if much of the painter's locations and scenes were ONCE real, but, that isn't the point is it? Just like writers, artists want to pull the viewer, temporarily into their world. And if it feels real long after one has left it, than the impact has been successful.

For some fun at the official online site for the "Mental Floss" magazine, here is a link about Hopper's "Nighthawks". I hope you will enjoy and happy reading!

15 Things You Might Not Know About 'Nighthawks'

http://mentalfloss.com/article/63967/15-things-you-might-not-know-about-nighthawks

IMAGE CREDIT:
EDWARD HOPPER. NIGHTHAWKS, 1942. THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO, FRIENDS OF AMERICAN ART COLLECTION.

In Summer/Fall Chic circa 1932 (REVISED & ORIGINAL SKETCH)

"Summer/Fall chic" by Carmen K. Welsh

I originally posted this on Dec. 21, 2011. (Orig. 5 1/2in x 8 1/2in.)

For those following the blog, there has been a series of pencil sketches (and I apologize, some have been so faint) pulled from the work-in-progress.

When updating, realized I was fresh off reading and reviewing popular1920s/1930s art movements, such as Art Deco.
Art in this period, was highly exaggerated, and with very angular, bold lines.
(Just check out Dagwood Bumstead from the "Blondie"(r) comic strips!)

This kind of caricature was also used often to portray celebrities and politicians in the glossy magazines of the time.

And the update (9in x 12in):