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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Forgive me Leonardo.

My dearest Leonardo,
Please forgive me.  It's hard times out here in the 21st century.  An artist has to do what an artist has to do.  or does she?
Yours truly,
Serena

I was approached to paint my interpretation of a "slutty Mona Lisa" reproduction.  I thought about it for a few seconds and agreed.

Need less blurry photo!
However, once I started painting I felt a bit funny about it.  Embarrassed or slightly ashamed.  Or maybe just irreverent.  This is one of the most well known paintings in the world, done by Leonardo Da Vinci for kitties sake! Shouldn't I be more respectful?  As I kept painting I needed photo reference and in my research found a bazziliontrillion knock offs and reproductions from alien heads to Micheal Jackson in Mona Lisa drag.  Soooo, I decided to embrace it and paint that best damn Mona Lisa I possibly could in the time frame I had.

It's also really hard painting from crappy photos online.  It's also hard to extrapolate breast augmentation.  It's obviously not a direct reproduction, I've made some changes to the clothing that I thought appropriate to her well-endowed and time period.  I have a few small things to touch up, but it's 99% finished at this point. 
Have I stepped on Leonardo's, as well as the feminist toes here?  Probably.  Thoughts?
I'll also post a process blog at a later time.  

5 comments:

Robin said...

I have to be the first one to comment! I think she's beautiful!!!
You did such a good job!
oxoxox
Really proud of you!
I know I just keep saying it!
But it's true.
Your biggest fan!
Mom

Serena said...

Thanks Mom! You're the only fan I need! :)

Anonymous said...

I think it's awesome!

Sattie

Diane P. said...

Actually I don't think she is slutty at all. She is actually quite lovely and somehow more pleasing to the eye than the original.

Serena said...

Thanks Sattie and Diane!
I'm excited to have just posted the final photo of her in her new frame! It as a lot of fun!