Sunday, March 20, 2011

Creation's Colors From Painters of the 1800's


Flores by Federico Olaria, b.1848 Spain, d. 1898 France
(Click on the painting for a larger, beautiful view of it!)


Some beautiful paintings of the 1800's which were hidden from the public for the past 75+ years, are now appearing at auctions throughout the world and being made available for people to enjoy. The painting of a basket of flowers is so vivid in color and detail that it looks absolutely fresh, as though just picked. These realist artists were really amazing. Federico Olaria lived and painted in France.

Sewing is one of my interests, and when I choose fabrics, I like to think of these paintings of the past with their exquisite detail, and find prints that express this same freshness.


Click on for a larger view.

This is a very high quality decorating cotton which I used to make a garment to wear. The pattern did not fade over time, and the outfit lasted over 10 years. I once bought French Cotton in one of the Carribean Islands (Antigua-Barbuda), and this piece was very much like it in texture and wearability. After it began to wear out, I used pieces of it for quilts and crafts. The value of using wovens, like cottons, is that it can be recycled into so many other usable things.  Wal-Mart still has this print on their collection that stays the same over the years.


These two photos are of a co-ordinating print that was intended for cushions.  Sometimes I see the completed pillows in gift shops.

5 comments:

Suzanne said...

Lydia , that painting is stunning!Thanks for sharing. I would love that hanging above my mantle:-)

Nabila Grace said...

What a beautiful picture! I am always drawn into paintings like this one because of the realistic detail. Thank you for sharing it :o)

Lydia said...

It does not seem to be available in any online poster stores, but it is copyright free in the U.S., being over 75 years old. You might be able to get some canvas textured paper and run it through your copy machine or take it to a printer. I do not know how big it would print out, however.

If you want an art book for homeschooling your children, you might start a type of scrapbook by printing out some of your favorite paintings along with a bio of the artists.

Anonymous said...

You mentioned sewing. Does that mean more of your creative projects are soon to come.
Thanks for the photos on you blog. I have always aspired to paint, and the one's you show are great inspiration.

Lydia said...

I intended to put up a photo of a piece of fabric I have, that sort of goes with the theme of the painting, and yes, I do have several completed sewing projects, which I hope to add to this particular post.