Beth and Joe Krush, oil on linen, 36" x 48"

Julie Deane · 02-12-2009, 11:05 PM

I recognized their illustrations immediately, Alex. I have fond memories of "The Borrowers" which was one series of books they did.

Nice job on the portrait. I especially like the woman's expression.

Alexandra Tyng · 02-13-2009, 12:00 AM

Julie, I'm so glad I found another fan of the Krushes' illustrations! Thank you for your nice comments.

Tom Edgerton · 02-13-2009, 02:07 PM

Lord, this is good....I continue to be inspired that a painterly and fluid application like this can become so solid from the normal viewing distance. Really something to aspire to.

The character in each one of them is so palpable, which is your strongest card always.

I was a big fan of the Borrowers, too, and that 50's pen and ink graphic style.

David Draime · 02-13-2009, 02:57 PM

To echo what Tom has said - I think of you as a painter's painter. There is such an honesty in your approach, it is very refreshing. Really fine work!

David

Bob Botha · 02-13-2009, 06:08 PM

Alex, thank you for posting the painting, particularly the close-up details. I learn so much from your work, always alive and expressive!

Allan Rahbek · 02-13-2009, 07:18 PM

Alex,
A painter's painter, you are, you never stop inspiring!

I think you indicate those wonderful people's spirit with all the bright colors. Still full of curiousity, even after a long life chasing butterflie's.

How dare you use that lemon yellow for background, I'm envious, lemon yellow !

Alexandra Tyng · 02-13-2009, 08:16 PM

Tom, David, Bob and Allan, you guys are gems--thank you!

Let me just answer last things first, Allan: I like a good dare! The wall was actually yellow, and even though I didn't have to paint it yellow, it just seemed right. It fit with their personalities and the mood of the books they illustrated.

Thanks so much for your comments about the painting being expressive and alive, and capturing their character and spirit. I really appreciate knowing you feel this way, because that is exactly how I feel when I am painting someone and really enjoying the process. The light seemed so luminous and happy, I could feel the softness of Beth's sweater, and the energy in Joe's hands and face. Can anyone guess what color Beth's hair used to be? It was interesting to me to paint two people with grey/white hair and see the contrast between the colors of each person's hair.

Allan Rahbek · 02-13-2009, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexandra Tyng

Can anyone guess what color Beth's hair used to be? It was interesting to me to paint two people with grey/white hair and see the contrast between the colors of each person's hair.

Guessing - Was she red and he was black?

Thomasin Dewhurst · 02-18-2009, 09:02 PM

Dear Alex,

I haven't visited here for some time - life is getting busier and busier (yet things don't really seem to get done!) - and then i came across this beautiful painting of yours. The colours are so rich, strong and quite unexpected and yet they remain secondary to the faces with their delicate skin, and their really perfect placement in the composition. Wonderful space you've created around the figures too. This should be purchased by a museum, honouring the sitters and the artist.

Alexandra Tyng · 02-19-2009, 02:30 AM

Thomasin, I'm so glad you like this one, especially since the process of putting on the paint was a total experience this time. (We have talked about that before.) Everything was unified and I could feel the quality of the light as I was painting everything, especially the skin.

I painted this as part of my project "Portraits For the Arts." so I'm hoping somehow it can be used to raise money for an illustration scholarship at an art school here or something that honors the Krushes. The Brandywine Museum collects the work of illustrators. . .hmm. . .interesting idea! Thanks, Thomasin!