Tea Party

Two Kittens & Tea Set
Pastel,
16x20
$1200, unframed

I created this composition for a group show featuring original works by New Hampshire artists that were "inspired by" a non-living artist. My pastel was inspired by the works Henriette Ronner-Knip (Dutch 1821-1909). Ronner-Knip was one of the very few eminent animal painters of her day, and one of the most admirable of all times. She has produced a cat-world remarkable above all for beauty and grace, for playfulness and cunning, and for intelligence far beyond what most people give them credit for. I admire her humorous and anthropomorphic characterization of cats and the luxurious interiors settings she so often depicted them in. She was known for using a dark palette not unlike the old masters. However I like to use more color!

This pastel painting was created using blue-violet as the dominant color with greenish-blues, a bit of light violet, and complimentary oranges, peaches, and pale yellow-orange highlights. Magenta pinks and a hint red were used as accents. I just love this circa 1930's Noritake tea set, inherited from my late grandmother. In the pinkish light of late afternoon the irrediscent, hand-painted blue and tan lusterware picks up the colors from it's surroundings. And in my pastel the set appears more violet than blue, and more peach than tan.

If you would like to purchase this painting please email dale@dalebegley.com.

Copyright by Dale Tremblay Begley