Painting. A complex word, depending on what it makes you feel when you say it. The first time I picked up a paintbrush or filled my palms with paint and touched them to a large canvas, I felt as though I had stepped into another world. A world where my whole being came to life with heightened senses that spun and twirled madly…
Painting, for me, was a destination more than an act. When I entered that place, there was an outpouring of emotions and I felt my true self come alive. I lost myself in emotions, characters, colors and other endless feelings…
Never knowing who might turn up…
When I started painting, it didn't matter if I was good at it or not. The passion that burst out of me as a teenager was addicting. I knew, I had to build my world around that "place."
Fast forward to today. A moment in time, where my path allows me to create freely…
Where I am totally open to "anyone" who wants to visit me in my little piece of sand on the Island of Art…
Sirens, ballerinas, bird girls - they are all free to come in and show me what they want me to see. I am open…
Sooooo, imagine my surprise, when I felt a deep sense of a visitor in my studio last week, whispering all sorts of things to me. A visitor who was about to take me on quite a journey.
La Maestra, Frida Kahlo…
I could see her in my mind's eye, beckoning me to paint her, telling me she would hold my hand.
I was hesitant to share this here, because this was a very deep and personal experience for me.
Alas, I decided to go ahead and share my little story…
As you know, growing up in and around Mexico, Frida is very alive in the culture. As a child, you are introduced to her, her story. Her gifts. So perhaps that is why I feel such a connection to her…
Anyhow, there I was minding my own business last week, getting ready to paint something else, when I felt this deep pull and heard whispers that I feel to be true.
My intended painting took a turn, and instead, I went on a journey with Frida…
Late nights. Letting go, not being impatient. Listening to her…
Waking up to paint. Going to bed late after a long day of painting, little tunes keeping me company. Losing sense of time and place…
Mi rebozo, Mi rebozo, she whispered…
So, her shawl was worked in… Her arms hidden underneath it, embracing herself, and her delicate frame that had been in a body cast and through so many surgeries throughout her life due to her terrible accident…
Little by little, everything fell into place –
(Click on images for better view)
Coming to life…
As I shared before, I had put away a lot of my portrait paintings, many unfinished, years ago. This painting taught me I have a discipline and a patience, I perhaps didn't have 10 years ago…
My emotions overflowed…
On my last day of painting, Mister Lovee stood behind me, tears filling his eyes. As I made my last brush stroke to the ribbon, I said to him, "I can't feel her anymore…"
"That is because your are finished," he whispered….
And so, I don't know what her fate will be. But for now, she looks on, as I fade into dreams…
So, that's the little story of Frida, the Butterfly, and Me…
🖤,V
Print (and cards) of original are available here in my online shop.
See you sooooon… 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤
ps: A couple times a week, I will work in stories at my other blog, Through the Secret Keyhole…
pss: If you would like to learn more about Frida Kahlo I would recommend watching this PBS film (Netflix has it), along with the Special Features on the DVD, http://www.pbs.org/weta/fridakahlo/. You can also watch the movie Frida.
psss: Thank you soooo much for the art love on my Frida Kahlo Painting (portrait). It means more than I can express!! xoxo
Vanessa:
What a beautiful post. How ironic that you heard and felt that calling to paint Frida, yet, she knew you were finished before you did! That simply gives me chills.
Kim
Garden Painter Art
V~
Absolutely Beauty-ful 🙂 Your Frida painting is a-m-a-z-i-n-g. Unfortunately I have to tell you I do not know Frida’s story. I will have to rent the movie…and watch…
Have a lovely day!!
Kylee
You are so very talented in your art and your words. It is such a pleasure to visit your world each day.
Amazing, my dear, simply amazing.
You can do everything, and you do it all with charm and wit and beauty.
You have a gift – with paint and words – beautiful job!
Ms Fanciful,
You are something special… having Ghosts of Painters Past visit you in your creative time. What a beautiful likeness you’ve managed in your portrait. She was such an interesting woman, so complicated and talented.
Thank you for sharing your process.
xoxo,
Kate
Vanessa:
What a beautiful post. Your painting is amazing! I love so much Frida too, I have big admiration for her!
see you soon
xoxo
besitos
xox
xo
Stunning, fabulous! Your love shines through her eyes. Little New Age Hippie, you are so gifted. Thank you for sharing your gifts with all of us. **blows kisses** Deborah
Wow! What a beautiful painting – you have got great talent! Are you going to sell any prints of this work, because I’d love to buy one. 😉 Artwork inspired by Frida are a favorite of mine. I would love to paint a Frida of my own one day. Thank you for sharing this with us!
Nicki
58Cherries
Oh sweet girl! You are so very inspired and inspiring! I love, love, love this story and will have to check out the movies you recommended. You were visited by her spirit to be sure. And the portrait is so true to what I understand her to be. I would love to know what that little ribbon says. I have no doubt that it would make me love it more. I have missed my little sojourns with you! But I am back from the bead show ready to play and be inspired (maybe by one of her paintings). Thank you for that! Enjoy the day! Erin
Absolutely beautiful…on so many levels. Vanessa, you truly DO possess a talent for painting beautiful portraits! Maybe Frida wanted to show you something within yourself that you didn’t know had evolved to such a level! You painted her out of you and onto the canvas in such a wonderful way…she looks as if she would speak again to someone who was in need of hearing what is in her heart. I love the ribbon… perfect. Congrats on your artistry…. your talent has transformed, again…. just like a caterpillar to a butterfly…
Oh my gosh, That brought tears to my eyes. She is just beautiful! I hope you make some prints of her, I would love to have one.
Take Care,
Tracy M.
There is a quote on the PBS site (from Frida) that says:
“The only thing I know is that I paint because I need to, and I paint whatever passes through my head,without any other consideration”.
I feel that quote to be so true….and in your case with this painting you painted what passed through your head AND your heart.
Extraordinary in every way!
XOXOXOXOX
Incredible.
So beautiful Vanessa! How lucky that you were called to do this painting so we can share it.
Sarah x
Vanessa, this is a lovely piece. It really brings back memories – I travelled around Mexico for 4 months last year and of course Frida was everywhere! The highlights were standing in front of ‘The two Fridas’ and visiting La Casa Azul; looking over the very bed from which she created such beauty
despite the pain.
Nats
Hina’s Apprentice
Besos
ps thanks for adding me to the Tea Party guestlist!
Vanessa, that truly is a beautiful painting. It is amazing -you are so talented in so many ways.
Gorgeous painting, Vanessa!
When you feel that your work is being directed – when you are the conduit, the instrument…there’s just nothing like it.
Frida was such a life force and continues to be an inspiration both as an artist and as a human being. I think she’d be proud of how many “daughters” (and “sons”!) she has in this beautiful, creative world.
Omigosh! This is, by far, my favorite painting you have done! Wonderful!
This is the most beautiful painting that I have ever seen of Frida. Just amazing! I love your background color that you chose and her red, red lips. And the butterfly off set is perfect. I love the way the shawl wraps around her shoulders. What an extraordinary woman Frida was to overcome her handicaps in life. She was such an inspiration and voice for women, heard around the world.
Wonderful painting, Vanessa!
Teresa
Thanks for sharing your process…you made her as beautiful as she was. (I am always dismayed that her amazing paintings do not capture her real beauty.) Thanks SOOO much for posting the utube link. I had never before seen her on film & loved it.
You did a lovely job with this painting. So much love shows through. Hugs, Bobbi Jo
oh my
i am speechless
and
that is saying something
for
me…
🙂
you did so good
and
know this…
i am ever🖤so happy that you did not
need to paint her portrait–
suffering with much pain–
while flat on your back in bed…
i am always amazed
how frida did that,
painting through her pain…
see how fortunate you are, missy,
how VERY fortunate…..🖤🖤🖤
Beautiful! And I love your post about living from the inside out too, the truest way to live.
Beautiful beautiful! I love that dirty green.
She is amazing and beautiful, V… I feel the real Frida coming through your wonderful and accurate depiction. You certainly captured her essence perfectly… I just love her!!1
OhMy. That is amazing! Really. I was touched and felt her spirit and yours just by reading this. It truly is amazing how connected you feel to something while you bring it to life on canvas. :))))
Breathtaking work and thank you for bravely sharing your wonderful story.
I’m so inspired by Frida and am deeply moved by your painting of/with her
Intoxicating piece of art! I think this is my favorite of your work and I can’t stop looking at it. You captured her essence perfectly.
I forgot to ask what does the ribbon read/say, the words mean?
Your painting of Frida is simply stunning. I think it is probably the best painting of Frida I have ever seen. You have captured her, Vanessa. Your color choices are impeccable. WOW!
Thank you for sharing a deep part of your soul with us. Sometimes that can be scary. Your Frida painting is absolutely beautiful and alive. Your pride in being Mexican shines through.
Hola! It’s ironic this week you should paint Frida. We have a deep appreciation for Frida and her dramatic life. My daughters and I have a real love for her grandness. A couple months ago we visited her home, Casa Azul, and it was magical. (You can see pics of it on a past post on my blog)We’ve been back down here in Mexico City for 2 weeks and just got a puppy and named her after Frida. I hope you’ll paint more of her and put them in your etsy shop, I’d love to proudly display one on my wall. My daughters have 3 Frida pictures already on thier bedroom wall in Philadelphia, but I think we’ll bring them down here. We also just bought a great book called Frida’s Feistas written by Diego’s daughter. There are 12 chapters and each one is for a month, the celebrations Frida would have had or holidays she would have observed, along with the foods she would have prepared. There are also a few day trips to places around Mexico City that that month I want to take with my girls while following the recipes. A whole year of Frida!! You should check the out the book, I bet you’d love it since you have access to somk great Mexican ingredients there in AZ. Viva la Frida!
you desribe the emotion of painting so well… now i know why i am not good at it, i havent had that feeling but i do dream about stitching.
lovely portrait, you are amazing
mmmwwaaahhh rosey
She is simply breathtaking my Fanciful friend. I understand Mister Lovee’s tears at the sight of her beauty.
Pray tell, what is written across her ribbon?
xoxo Cori
As others have said, this is a stunning, wonderful, breathtakingly beautiful painting. I do believe she had you do this painting, and I wonder why she had you do it with no arms? I think that means something. Ah, a delightful mystery! Maybe she’ll tell you more….
you are so special Vanessa..thank you for sharing your experiences..love and hugs
That is beautiful!
Vanessa, you never fail to amaze me…Frida is Beautiful & I’m so glad you shared your intimate story behind her painting. I have studied her a little in college but I’ll have to see the movie, I’ll bet it’s really good.
I’m loving your stories on your other blog too, now I get 2 doses of ya to look forward too, yippeeeeee!!!
Jamie 🙂
Frida is my favorite artist and you have definitely done her justice.
What a gorgeous painting.
I did a little watercolor of Frida last month which I posted on my blog for cinco de mayo. It currently sits on my favorite old cupboard on a tiny easel I made out of twisted wire and it makes me happy when I pass by and see Frida staring back.
I so agree with you that Frida is very inspiring. She had such passion for life, passion for all things. In fact, I believe her passion was so great that she left if behind and it still sings, spilling out to the world. Some day, I must go see Frida’s Casa Azul. I simply must.
Frida’s passion definitely sings in your painting of Frida!
hullo~
i wrote a little bit about you in my blog…i hope you won’t mind!!!
http://deer-s-petite.blogspot.com/2009/06/i-met-unicorn-prince-today.html
(just scroll towards the bottom… i quoted you on some of the things you said here that really inspired me…)
This is a beautiful painting! I love the soft contrast of the background and the her bright shawl, I love it all!
I am still working through the artists way and am doing chapter 7 “Listening” and in it she talks about listening to your creator within, and you have just totally shown me the way and the creative benifits of sitting and listening 🙂
I shouldn’t be surprised – but your painting of Frida is just wonderful … not only the portrait (which is terrific), but the entire composition. Beautiful.
Turned out very nice, Vanessa! Cheers, Julie
this painting is utterly amazing! I love the colors, details…everything about it. Wonderful, wonderful work!! the post really made me smile- xox natalea
This is exquisite, Vanessa. And I say this as a painter of functional art whose first love has always been portraiture….
Frida has inspired so many artists, but few truly capture her spirit as you have here. There’s something piercing about her eyes. And the butterfly – perfect.
Absolutely exquisite.
~ Carolee
Your art pieces never fail to make my heart skip a beat. But this took my breath away. Stunning portrait. My favorite, Sweet Vanessa. Love, Jamie
Oh she’s so lovely! And your story is beautiful!! 🙂 I love the wee hand holding the words……just perfect!!
This is such a lovely and inspiring painting and story. You have captured her spirit and loveliness…in your very own style.
The music you listened to is so moody and perfect for the subject.
After seeing Frida’s paintings in person last year, I could not get enough Frida.
I adore the movie Frida and the music.
I loved it that you came by the other day just to say “Hi” after you had already commented on the post…loved that visit 🙂
She’s alive !!!
i haven’t left a comment in a while, because i was starting to feel a bit silly with all my “wonderful”, “beautiful” and “lovely”s but now… i don’t care if i’m silly, the frida-painting is all of those things :).
also, my two year-old knows how to say frida kahlo now *lol*. my kids love your blog ;). the can’t read anything yet, but they love just looking at it. perhaps you should consider illustrating a childrens’ book one day ;)?
4 words. Your best work ever.
Kathy in Chicago
Astonishment!
such a wonderful painting!
beautiful! and reflecting so much Frida’s soul!
beautiful story. I love Frida and her paintings. Yours is happier 🙂
thanks for sharing that amazing footage. she is so regal and graceful! i have a slightly different image of her now that i have seen this. lovely.
She’s just beautiful…like always.
how blissfully fantastic! i love your story Vanessa. your portrait is BEAUTIFUL!
Vanessa,
Her spirit spoke to you…so beautiful, very powerful.
the video clip is one I have not seen, man…fantastic! I have Frida’s journal sitting right here….and love looking at the drawings and her hand writing.
thank you…as always…for sharing yourself, with us.
x…x
steph
wow….wow…..amazing!
yeah you are on Twitter- my newest obsession these days! I haven’t been good at saying hello to my blogging buddies because of it!! so now we can chat on Twitter!!
I am doing a giveaway on my blog since now I have over a 1000 followers!!
http://ellencrimitrent.typepad.com
She is beyond beautiful…you are amazing!
What an honor to be guided by your muse(s) to create the most amazing art!!!
Always in awe of you,
Rowan WIllow (alter/artist ego)
aka Tiffany
Absolutely beautiful, Vanessa…~ER~
Adelante con Frida.
Good job seester. Very good work.
BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
You amaze me further, the more I see of your world and the beauty you capture from it.
Thank you so much, for sharing!
Hugs, Ashlyn
Miss ~V~
Ohhh, How I do miss coming by every so often…..life gets us so wound up but when I do come by for a visit, it’s so divine and your talents are such precious gifts to us all! Your painting is ahhh what can say…..Lovely, just lovely!
xo, Miss Ann~Denise
P.S. I can’t wait for the madness!!!!
OMG…. Vanessa…. this painting…. wow… wow… wow…
You have captured the very essence of this woman…. every emotion ….. every part of her being…. you can look through and into her soul…. what an amazing gift you have …. amazing…
I dont think I am actually expressing what I am feeling …. I believe that I am rendered speechless ….
LOTS OF HUGS
JO
oh, vanessa…. i got chills reading this post.
the painting is beyond words beautiful. just breathtaking.
i have to stop typing now and look at frida some more…
You had divine Frida guidance on this one V.
I’m all weepy.
Bravo.
You’ve outdone yourself.
She’s beautiful.
I can see why Lovee was so proud.
Sigh.
I’ll bookmark this one to read over and over and over…..
xoxo
p.s.
Oh and how DID you keep quiet about this?
Weren’t you bursting to share!!!????
xoxo
How funny, i have just made an illustration called “tribute to Frida” and another one called “butterflies”!
Lovely work you got there!
Goodness, this made me cry. I love that way it speaks to me, the elf pictures did that. They are so simple with just their faces, like they just wanted to be seen.
This is the one and only best Frida, besides her own of course. The colors are full of her life and beauty, she is wrapped as vulnerable, but, soo strong. The flowers sing and well, tears, are on my cheeks. Congratulations for inviting her out and sharing sometime with the muses. Blessings.
Hello Miss Vanessa,
Wow! What a fabulous painting! Great talent!
Frida must be so honored!
~ Gabriela ~
Thank you for sharing this.
Not only was the process compelling but the finished work is absolutely exquisite.
The beautiful rich colors to match her beauty captured in such detail.
Such a beautiful fusion between our Frida and our Vanessa. I love the colors you chose,so Vanessa,and the the ribbon……so Vanessa,and so VERY Frida!
Frida,if you will permit my humble opinion ,is simply a pied piper to many types of artists not just the visual. When I had the honor of playing her in the musical, La Casa Azul, she whispered to me too. She inspired me to depths I was unaware existed in me. I suspect she has the same effect on writers(Hayden Herera)and musicians,(Gregory Hancock).
Love that you are still making magic,I must check out your new spot!
Vanessa,
This music I am playing via your lin, is the perfect music to invite angels to whisper as you paint. This painting out of all that I have seen you do is magnificent. You must not sell this one, it truly belongs in a museum. This is truly the most beautiful painting I have seen of Frida. She inspires us all, her work, her story. Yet, I believe that she is especially fond of you and your spirit. Just one look at this, and anyone knows this was inspired by an angel.
You are a generous spirit, and you have the secret to inspiration. As you give away, you are blessed with divine inspiration. The kind you reveal in this glorious tribute piece.
Blessings, Karen
Darling V, you have outdone yourself – what a fantastic painting! You are so talented. And this one is certainly true to the spirit of the amazing Ms. Kahlo. Well done, you! Bravo, Vanessa! xoxox
It’s wonderful, Vanessa! What’s written across the ribbon?
She’s perfect. I especially am caught by the light in her eyes. You should do more of these. You have a wonderful sense of detail. Much different than your girls of the forest, and yet- the same feeling. Brava!
vanessa, this is so beautiful and tears are in my eyes, as well. i love frida and her spirit, and i think she would have loved you. she was delicate and strong at the same time, and you have captured that beautifully here. i find the best work comes not from planning or thinking about it too much, but allowing yourself to go to “that place” where something else takes over. i am so glad you went to that place and brought back this gorgeous portrait!
oh how things are woven together in the world. i just did a post about my mom, and then i read your frida painting post and when i got to the part about ‘not feeling her anymore’ it totally connected with my feelings lately about missing my mother, not feeling the connection because she’s been gone so long…nearly 26 years. but perhaps a session with canvas and paint and memories will mend my heart a bit and help me reconnect to across the veil…
What a beautiful painting Vanessa! I just have to say that you are so lucky to have Mr. Lovee. He seems to understand you and your art so well. I don’t think Frida was as lucky with her husband.
One word: Incredible
I loved this post so much. I love Frida too – her art was so vivid and colourful and it’s wonderful that you had this amazing artisitic/spiritual experience and brought her forth in your own hand.
Dy
I’ve just recently found you and I so love your expression of yourself…and others! Thank you.
Miss Vanessa…this may very well be your most fantastic piece yet. You have captured Frida perfectly!
Truly, an outstanding piece and without a doubt you have ventured outside your “comfort zone”!
I LOVE it!! 🙂
LOL, we might be connected!!
OH!
Kiss Noises Linda
This is so beautiful and so is your talent and spirit. Twyla
Amazing painting and a wonderful post! I’m in awe. Freda has been a favorite of mine too.
Oh, Vanessa, this is amazing and gorgeous. Frida’s spirit was guiding you to finish this. It looks as if it were an original from her brush. Such an lovely way to create! Oh, my gosh, just beautiful! I love the music from Pan’s Labyrinth, just perfect for your painting.
Michelle 🙂
Your painting is stunning !!!
I love it all : her face, the colorscheme you used…
Splendid !!
greetings from belgium
Inge
PS : problems with my little bicycle… couldn’t pass by earlier since a long time… but it’s almost vacation, perfect to catch up my favorite blogs again…:)
My blogbuddy Kathryn told me there is a party coming on your blog… so I must take a closer look, cause I want to be a part of it just like past year !!
WOW!!! I visit your site often because I love your imagery and everything you write about. The colors in this painting is so bright and welcoming…..I think you did justice to Frida!! Great work!!
Wow. This is beautiful… Inspiring too! 🙂
Beautiful painting, beautiful post!
Mere
my god, im in awe of this painting! really i cant say much more, apart from to add that your first paragraph really struck me – this is so like my account of my own feelings when i first stood in front of an easel, with a brush and paints at primary school around the age of 5.
seriously, im dumbstruck by the beauty of this!
Oh so beautiful! You did a great job on Freida Vanessa!
So wonderful!
xox
Constance
You have done a beautiful job on this painting. My compliments on the incredible job you do with your postings and photo presentation.
Looking forward to the Mad Hatter Tea Party.
Cheers! =D
~Kitty Kellie
The Artful Paper Doll
Wow! This is fantastic!!
Oh My! The talent that lies within you! I am so jealous…but in a good way. 😉
You really motivate me to catch up with my creative spirit in between my days at work. Even though I am lucky enough to work with kids every single day, my “young” and creative sides seem to get lost in the mix.
How do you keep that Fanciful-ness like you do? How do you not get pulled into the sad and grown-up real world?
Can’t wait to take a longer look at Through the Secret Keyhole. I’m on my way over there now!
Beautiful painting!! Bravo for listening!! When you are very still, you can hear and you will hear the truth.
Hugging you
SueAnn
Wow, what an amazing painting, and it’s lovely to see the progression in your photos, a stunning piece. It’s one of my dreams to visit her house, hopefully I’ll get there some day 🙂
Vanessa your painting is absolutely breathtaking!
This is really a great thing to share–your facing this challenge. I really love this picture and the colors you used. And the butterfly.
Thanks for sharing this with us. I now have the PBS film ordered!