Costuming

[Kimberly Dow]

I know most here do commissioned portraits rather than figuratives, but this may interest you as well.

I am having an attack of Ebay mania. (My eyes are bleeding from all the surfing).

I was originally doing a search on the web for vintage nightgowns for paintings...moved on to just vintage and ended up on Ebay. I live in an area where there is a National Park with a historic Fort - picture old west and indians. I wanted to find 'prairie' style dresses to do a theme-based figurative. Anyway - I have just now realized that if you can come up with the name of what you want exactly - you can always find it - at a bargain no less.

Some of these vintage outfits are so timeless they could actually be used for a variety of portraits, figuratives, etc.

Not only do I have 3 dresses and 1 nightgown on their way for models- but I have so many ideas running through my head just from viewing the different clothes.

And the really exciting part is I have decided to dress like a 1950's housewife from now on..... (someone stop me).

Ahem - it is a great resource for inspiration. Just dont get carried away and all. I have to go now - my husband is coming to take the credit cards away.....

[Patricia Joyce]

Hi Kim,

You make me laugh. You DON'T want to dress fifties housewife - PLEASE ! ! ! !

I am looking forward to seeing the figurative paintings you will be creating with this new wardrobe. I so enjoy watching your paintings develop.

Have fun!

ps If I were to dress "period" style I would go back to the old cowboy days when women wore the saddle-girths which made the waist appear small and the bust - busting and who cared about the size of the hips!! That was a look I wish would come back

[Kimberly Dow]

You got a problem with Donna Reed?

[Patricia Joyce]

Not if I could have the perfect husband and children and neighborhood she had!!!

[Chris Saper]

That was a look I wish would come back

It is back, out here in the west. Just check out Cowboys & Indians Magazine.

[Linda Brandon]

Originally Posted by Kimberly Dow

And the really exciting part is I have decided to dress like a 1950's housewife from now on..... (someone stop me)

I have a collection of '50s aprons that are, well, charming in an "Anthropologie" way. The problem is that if I wear one somebody starts thinking that I'm about to start cooking or cleaning, and I hate to raise expectations.

Pino is a big fan of the apron, too.

By the way, Morgan Weistling employs a seamstress to create the clothes his models wear for his paintings.

[Kimberly Dow]

Linda - those 50's aprons are so sexy sometimes - way too pretty to wear when actually cooking. The ones I keep seeing online are the little ones that tie around the waist and often are made of filmy material and transparent.

I wondered about Weistling and his costumes. Dan Gerhartz shops at flea markets for his at times.

[Sharon Knettell]

Namely moi!

Sargent had costumes made as well as Paxton and Degas.

I have had at least 10 tutus made, Meschantes corsetiere made me about 7 custom corsets, my seamstress made me about 7 puffy sleeved tops and I have bought countless wigs, ballet slippers and other frou-frous. This does not of course neglect the lace camisoles on eBay or the sashes purchased out of New York.

It is a wonderful way to make a picture your own. Of course this means my own wardrobe has taken a severe hit. But as they say if you can't afford to be chic, be outrageous.

Another suggestion, don't try to recreate the past and make ye old pictures, use the costumes to make your own statement.

[Kimberly Dow]

Oh Sharon would I like to go through your closets!

I just wish one thing - that I was the same size as the girls I get to model - how I would have fun wearing this stuff. It is almost reason enough to go on a diet. (almost).

Just a note - I am not recreating 'olden days' - I wanted flowy, romantic clothing...no particular style. I've fallen in love with Gunne Sax dresses. They sometimes look 'prairie' and sometimes 'renaissance' - very feminine anyways.

[Linda Brandon]

Ditto that, Sharon, your closet full of tutus sounds wonderful! A custom corset - I wouldn't have thought of that.

Here's what I have in addition to antique nightgowns:
-Kimonos (not enough of them)
-Capes
-Long evening gloves, including fingerless ones
-Old hats
-Piano shawls, scarves, big bolts of fabric for wrapping things (and people)
-Collection of bird wings in the freezer
-18th century British naval officer white pants (just joking on that one, sorry, couldn't resist)

I also have a network of friends who are authorized to snap up things for me (maximum purchase price, twenty dollars) that they think I might like in their forays into the world of Neat Old Stuff. What I really want right now is a fantastic portrait chair.