I was given a confronting challenge a few months ago....some years ago my late wife Marge and I had produced together a large embroidery-painting (embroidery by her and initial drawing and painting by me), of a group of German immigrants to Israel in the early 1920`s dancing a traditional Hora - arms on shoulders in a circle. The figures were particularly striking, against a background of rolling desert hills, presenting a picture of much movement. It measured 5x4 ft 9 (nearly 2 x 1 1/2m). The work is now residing in my son Peter's medical consulting rooms.
Detail of the original painting/embroidery.
A friend to whose wife we'd given a colour photo of it years ago because she loved it, rang me saying he wanted to give her a special present for a special birthday and was wondering whether I would paint it on canvas? I gave the surprise suggestion some thought, asking him what size did he have in mind? He didn't know but he'd discuss it with her and advise me.
She immediately called at the consulting rooms and then my friend said she wanted it exactly the same size. I`d never painted anything so large but decided to give it a try. How happy I was I had a large antique oak dining table about 9ft x 4.3!
I quickly covered it with an old tattered cloth which soon was covered with the canvas and all my paints, brushes, mixing bowls etc. Our friendly family dining room rapidly retrogressed to an unkempt artists studio.
Busy at work in the makeshift living room studio.
Thank goodness I could close the door on the mighty mess at the end of the day! My son had emailed me a good snap of the original work and I invested transfinite time avidly absorbing it whenever I could, then sketching & painting - anything from 15 minutes to 5-6 hours a day. Because I'd used acrylic paints when I started painting about 30 odd years ago - I wanted rapid results not possible with oils - and I'd never used an easel but painted in a horizontal position, I soon found I had to manoeuvre the canvas frame into awfully awkward positions necessitating that I stop and rest about every 45 minutes.
At work on the commissioned painting.
After some months I was finished and righteously rewarded with the delighted response of my patron-friend and his wife with big hugs and an immediate cheque. I was also thrilled that at almost 89 I was commissioned........
Detail of the finished painting.
A few weeks ago one of Peter's patients, on seeing the original embroidery-painting in his consulting rooms, said it reminded her & her husband of a similar theme (see photo) of a magnificent sculpture at Jewish Hill in Barcelona, Spain.
The statue in Barcelona.
Oscar Wilde (1854-1890), Irish poet, dramatist, writer, critic & wit said "All art is quite useless." (Could anybody, anywhere, any time tell me what they think he meant?)
`till next time...hopefully, in 7-10 days...
2 comments:
Dear Harry, just lovely to read your wise and wonderful reflections. We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful neighbour.
Meredith
Harry and Marge Greenberg came into my life in the late 1950’s.
Harry and Marge opened a Ladies Boutique in Hewish Road, Croydon called Jolee Sports. Marge and Harry were not the usual shop owners and Jolee Sports was not the usual sports/ladies wear shop.
On the contrary the shop was unique. The window display would include antiques, potted plants, garden rocks and absolutely stunning clothes. The shop had bags of style with Marge the best model.
Later Marge and Harry opened a coffee shop that adjoined the sports wear shop. The window seat was much sought after – particularly on a Saturday morning. Many a time I didn’t stick to the shopping list compiled by my mother because I would make my way to Jolee with my friends. In later years in the coffee shop I introduced my new husband to them. I am pleased to say he passed their scrutiny. Jolee grew like Topsy. Later Jolee Junior was opened. Baby and children’s clothes. A play–area was set up for the children complete with telephone. I can recollect children ringing up for a taxi and discussing with Harry the requirements of children. Marge and Harry had many talents. Marge would be patchworking, crocheting, embroidering and knitting, in between customers. Harry attended to the financials/administration and was so creative with displays and presentations. Harry using these skills then went into Real Estate in the Yarra Valley and surrounding area.
We are still friends. Along the way Harry and Marge have been a huge influence on my life. Various matters were referred to them for approval – even children’s names.
Marge’s passing some four years ago was a huge blow. Their house was a treasure chest to me – displaying their combined talents on canvas, rugs over sofas, etc. It is what I call the Greenberg touch.
I am so pleased Harry painted for me the German Immigrants dancing the Hora.
The painting gives me enormous pleasure.
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