I finished my other painting for the Suite 100 show, and had it framed up today. We're going to Portland on Thursday for the weekend, so I've got a bunch of loose ends I'm tying up today and tomorrow.
Like lots of people, I'm really interested in and love old carousels and the animals that were carved to inhabit them. In one of my big carousel books, there is a photo of a "hippocampus" carousel figure, which is a mer-horse of sorts (it's also a part of the forebrain, Wikipedia tells me).
I thought it would be just the creature to star in another aquatic-themed piece...
Hippocampus 11"x14"x1 (Framed size approx. 16"x20"x3") Acrylic on canvas
Here is a (crummy) shot of the painting with its frame:
Have a lovely Tuesday!
Comments (46)
Hi! If you like merry-go-rounds (and kids' books) you should read The Thief Lord (if you haven't already). It's a wonderful story about a carousel in Venice.
Also, I like your new profile pic! I have the pig version of that - sculpture, I guess it is? - hanging on the wall by our stairs.
Katherine · June 27, 2008 at 12:00 AM
What a wonderful piece! Congrats on it and good luck!
Melissa
melissa · June 25, 2008 at 11:10 PM
i love the frame, of course!
jen · June 25, 2008 at 10:48 PM
so will you be live and in person for the opening of this show. will be great to have you in our fair city. btw, im totally your new biggest fan!
kevin · June 25, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Gorgeous!
Have a great weekend here in our fair city. The weather should be very accommodating to your search for a home.
We'll be about this weekend, so if we see you, we'll be sure to wave hello!
Give Miette a few extra cuddles so she doesn't have to fret while your away. I know the Stella appreciates it!
cheriwan · June 25, 2008 at 07:11 PM
How great that you get to be part of Suite 100! Its a magical place. I really admire all the artists involved there.
This coast will be happier with you on it:)
Jenn · June 25, 2008 at 06:22 PM
I love your work and I just love this newest piece. I think it looks great in that frame too (the shot isn't crummy at all, I don't think anyhow:D!). Looking forward to seeing more...isn't tying loose ends in time for a holiday just delicious in it's own way, despite any stress or time crunch that may accompany it:D Good Luck and Be Well and Happy Weekend too.
Mandy Saile of Bijou's Whimsy
Mandy Saile · June 25, 2008 at 05:50 PM
I love these green colours you use!!
:)
Francesca · June 25, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Cool! I love the green colors!!!
Rachel · June 25, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Beautiful. I love merry-go-rounds, too.
Brianna · June 25, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Yay! You're coming to my area - I can't wait to go to the Suite 100 show! I love your stuff and am going to drag all my friends with me in hopes they will see what I see...
very cool!
Jillian · June 25, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Lovely! The frame is also pretty amazing! It makes a beautiful home for your painting!
Last week I went to an auction that had carousel horses! I wish I had a place to put one :)
Have a lovely day!
♥Lisa
Lisa · June 25, 2008 at 12:53 PM
What a wonderful painting, Emily!
Marie · June 25, 2008 at 12:35 PM
I think you should do one with the Hiphopopotomus...
Jessica · June 25, 2008 at 12:14 PM
oh emily! this is really lovely. I must say hippocampus is my fav mythical creature. Your treatment of it is perfect. another homerun girl!
shannon · June 25, 2008 at 11:34 AM
emily, this one is really one of my favourites so far...the colors and the wash are great!
my b.f.f. and i have always talked about getting a matching tattoo of some kind of old carnival illustration. . .but haven't had any success finding anything good... you have any ideas?
talk soon lady,
xoxojanelle
janelle · June 25, 2008 at 09:47 AM
I really think this is very pretty.
The name is funny, At the amusement park here in Westmoreland county we call it a merry - go - round and it has gone through several different themes through the year. I do remember as a child riding a seahorse and them just dream of being in the sea riding the seahorse.
Your picture bring these memories back to mind.
lavon · June 25, 2008 at 09:24 AM
love love love it.
Tams · June 25, 2008 at 08:52 AM
when I was a little girl my great aunt gave me a little hippocampus pendant... well I jsut thought it was a magic sea horse... I loved that pendant but it eventually got broken and lost like so many childhood treasures. Its a lovely whimsical, etherial painting and I msut say that I love the frame that you have put it in. Have a lovely day.
Apryl · June 25, 2008 at 08:24 AM
wow..
emedemarta · June 25, 2008 at 07:56 AM
Really lovely! I love the green you've used.
Ana · June 25, 2008 at 07:32 AM
This reminds me of myself (not to sound weird). When I was little, there was this carousel that I loved going on, but I would only ride it if I got the one that looked just like the creature in your painting. Also I've got bright red hair and blue eyes, and when I was young I would only wear dresses. Isn't that strange?
Kelly · June 25, 2008 at 06:13 AM
Beautiful! You've outdone yourself.
Lotta · June 25, 2008 at 02:05 AM
I really like the drippy murky back round with the flaming red hair. Very nice. And she has such a sweet face. :)
Shannon of Mayabella · June 25, 2008 at 12:11 AM
Flame red hair floating in an emerald sea. I like the redhead and white mer-horse you've painted. Very underwater ethereal.
Two decks of "knowledge cards" you may like:
Goddesses
Animal Spirits
Each card in the deck has a painting on the front by artist, Susan Seddon Boulet (American, b. Brazil, (1941-1997), the backside tells the story of the subject's symbolism and mythology. They are very cool. Powerful imagery. Interesting text.
Thank you for your artistry, Emily! Your insight and determination are inspiring!
Hilary Frye · June 24, 2008 at 11:06 PM
This is beautiful!!
And, as i recall, the main function of the hippocampus is memory. Wouldn't it be wonderful if your sea horse was floating around in our brains carrying our memories around.
Actually it would be quite wonderful to have your paintings live in my mind.
Gina · June 24, 2008 at 10:44 PM
While you're in Portland, there's a lovely carousel at the Jantzen Beach mall.
Janey · June 24, 2008 at 10:41 PM
My students would love this! We studied Greek and Roman myths this year and then we went to the Getty Villa to see ancient interpretation. I bet they will be surprised to see a modern painting!
Jane · June 24, 2008 at 09:33 PM
We had those on our historical carousel at the amusement park that closed down where I live. I'd love to see you do a whole series of carousel pieces especially since so few remain in wonderful condition.
katie · June 24, 2008 at 09:30 PM
I also love the name hippocampus! The picture reminds me of a Dame Darcy peice.
Julie · June 24, 2008 at 09:27 PM
you should make a print of this and sell it in the shop!
Julie · June 24, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Beautiful piece. I love the colors you used.
Shonnie · June 24, 2008 at 09:15 PM
This is SUPERB! I love it. Good job on the greeney-ness! :)
Good luck this weekend!
JammerSage · June 24, 2008 at 09:04 PM
oh, those lovely greens! So refreshing to drink in on such a hot day! I'm actually going to visit Lotusland tomorrow, where I read that, in the olive orchards, there is a fountain with a hippocampus. =) delightful!
safe travels!
sarah · June 24, 2008 at 09:02 PM
...oh Em, she is magical!
I think so many of us have a memory or two of riding on old carousels, wonderful memories I'm sure :)
I know Disney"land"'s Carousel is wonderfully antique, I think the story is Walt purchased it at an old amusement park in New-York(?), even one of the horses was special for Lilly(his wife). She would just ride this "one" horse, I don't know the whole story. But it's a neat one.
Have a Lovely "house-hunting" trip to Portland? As lovely as those things can be :)
<3~michelle.f
miss.michelle · June 24, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Beautiful! Have a wonderful time in Portland.
Chery S. · June 24, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Oooohh, fantastic! You never cease to amaze. =)
Shanon · June 24, 2008 at 07:40 PM
I'm from Syracuse NY, and they put the old carousel from an outdoor theme park inside the mall. I used to ride on that carousel when I was little, and still ride on it many years later. it's such a thrill!
The horses are carved wood, and are all beautiful still.
Congratulations on your showing.
Sue
susand · June 24, 2008 at 07:31 PM
Emily,
I love this one as well and am counting down the days to the opening reception at Suite 100. Can't wait to see your work in person!
Kelly · June 24, 2008 at 06:05 PM
I love this! I love the drips in the background, and the colors. Combined with the frame, it feels especially old-fashioned, which is a very good thing in my book!
Sarah · June 24, 2008 at 05:38 PM
what a lovely painting! Have a great time in Portland this weekend, hope you both find a great little house, if you haven't already :)
jill · June 24, 2008 at 05:34 PM
Oh, that painting is wonderful!
I always thought it would be fun to ride something around under the sea... very dreamy and melancholy and surreal... like some of Radiohead's music (pyramid song, for example), or the film The Science of Sleep.
Have a great time in our neck of the woods - looks like you'll have some quite warm weather (it's supposed to be in the 90's towards the end of the week). Cheers!
Dave · June 24, 2008 at 05:33 PM
red, green, brown and cream. can there be more perfectly married colors? i LOVE it!
mrs.deane · June 24, 2008 at 05:25 PM
Emily,
I love how the colors drip into the subjects!! gorgeous!
megan · June 24, 2008 at 05:14 PM
I want to ride the mer-horse! I really like the sea green with the edges darkened, and I LOVE the little droplets running down the top right corner... makes it feel like you are stealing a glimpse into an undiscovered water-world :-) Will your paintings in the exhibit be for sale, also?
GirlieGirl · June 24, 2008 at 05:11 PM
love the colours and the frame!
michelle · June 24, 2008 at 04:57 PM