Part Two
Back by popular demand! The celebrated partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers rustled up a rousing dos-a-dos to come back to life with more stories of women artists. Again, this series will feature select paintings, specifically focusing on colors used in the compositions. Part One of this series presented at Bronze Coast Gallery’s Spring Unveiling in May, was sold out within days of the event. The Gallery will present Part Two of this pigment series, Dancing Backwards in High Heels, Lessons from Fred and Ginger, on October 11, 2025, so mark your calendars. Ann Richards, former governor of Texas, was the author of the phrase; “Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards in high heels.” This famous bon mot went on to epitomize the efforts of women who consistently have do life’s tasks with more volume than men just to get recognized.
Dancing the Piccolino
As before, I will choose one work from each artist and echo the palette used in that particular piece with the caveat that I will complete my painting in my personal style. Over the course of the research, it is plain to see that women faced deliberate prejudice both in her personal life, culturally, and in the art world. Fathers banned their daughters from becoming artists, society prevented them from attending art schools, and art institutions restricted female attendance in classrooms. When women were finally allowed to attend classes, nude models were forbidden in the studios so substitutions were made such as cows used for models.
More Enlightening Stories Coming Soon
Of course, the most profound hardships were responsibilities with family and children or lack of financial independence. Those who were lucky enough to have parents who encouraged their talent or helped to support them with classes or tutorial instruction were miles ahead of the others. The most shining examples were Rachel Ruysch and Lilly Spencer, featured in Part One. They both had early parental support and were later encouraged by their husbands who helped care for their very large families. Ten children for Rachel and thirteen for Lilly! I hope to uncover more enlightening stories like theirs in the coming weeks so stay tuned.
Preview of Upcoming Stories Spanning 1535 to 1895 From Italy to The Netherlands to Russia
Leave a Reply