St. Louis Woman

Original - Oil / Gold foil on gallery wrap canvas
 12" x 12"

This painting was inspired by reading about Bessie Smith, a violent, hard living woman of her era. Despite her lifestyle, she was a gifted blues singer and had a great body of works to her credit. This painting depicts her at a quiet moment with the ever famous feather fan of the day. I enjoyed the composition and challenge of direction. This was a fun exercise in color application and the effect of feathers. In the background right are a few of the words to some of her songs; Bessie was a friend of mine...; Nobody knows you when you're down and out;  Gimme a pig-foot and a bottle of beer.