One Last Indulgence
by Karen Musick
Buy the Original Painting
Price
$5,025
Dimensions
16.000 x 20.000 x 1.000 inches
This original painting is currently for sale. At the present time, originals are not offered for sale through the Karen Musick - Website secure checkout system. Please contact the artist directly to inquire about purchasing this original.
Click here to contact the artist.
Title
One Last Indulgence
Artist
Karen Musick
Medium
Painting - Oil On Canvas
Description
It began with an e-mail. I hadn't heard from him in quite some time, and out of nowhere, an e-mail. Inviting me to a party no less. But I just could not bring myself to go. I could not bare to see him with her! I was so tired of carrying around a torch for this man. He had made his decision nine years ago, and it did not include me. Why couldn't I just put it all to rest. For once and for all. He creeps into my dreams, taps me on the shoulder when I'm not expecting him. Thoughts that just would not go away. Thoughts that drove me crazy. "Why her, why not me" "What's wrong with me" "Aren't I good enough". JUST GET OVER IT! I could hear my inner voice telling me. But how. DUH! Paint it away. Just like all my other demons. Paint it away.
Which I did. Lately, I've been fairly housebound, so live models to paint from are a luxury I'm not privy to at this time. I got a subscription to a fashion magazine, and each month tear out the photos that appeal to me. I look for models with body language or a facial expression that I may be able to incorporate into a painting. I carefully went through my inch thick resource folder and found the inspiration to fill out my latest struggle....getting over that guy!
The painting involves three characters: The lady in red, also seen starring right at you with a single tear. THE guy, who is seen steeling a glance at her; in an embrace with his new wife; and watching over her perhaps with a tinge of regret; And the wife, where there is a suttle, yet powerful "I have him, you don't" attitude pouring from her body language. The characters from her memory, her perception on the entire affair, are painted in sepia tones while the main character is in full color.
A few of the details evolved and changed over the course of this painting. I added in the little white house with a front porch that I had always longed for as well as the "Dear Jane" letter that explains why he's leaving her. This is what the lady in red is burning. And the braided hair, again pointing to the triangle. The braid goes from three strands, to two, down to one.
The title "One Last Indulgence" refers to the idea that this is the last time she(I) will let herself think about what she thought was; what might have been, and what truly is. She is burning the letter from him, where he explains about the affair, pregnancy, and wedding. The smoke from the fire of memories fills the air around her, yet all taper into the soon to be ashes thrown into the garbage to be taken out with the rest of the trash.
Ironically, as soon as I completed this painting, another ex-boyfriend contacted me out of the blue, wanting to pick up where we had left off, and he was indeed married, though he didn't realize I knew. As a wave of temptation from memories of passionate kisses began to take hold, I looked up at my newly completed painting and realized that the piece had become about more than just "that guy" but about a past that was no longer available to me. Options that were no longer open to me. And a conscious decision to let go. It has become more about cleansing my past and beginning anew, than about a "dear jane" letter and broken heart.
My Sweet Katherine;
I must ask for your most generous forgiveniess. I know what I am about to say in this short note will break your heart.
Julia is the love of my life. I met her several years ago. We began an affair s ome time ago. As you know, I have always longed for a family of my own. I know this is not what you long for. I know one day you will find someone of your own.
Our wedding is scheduled for June, the baby is due in October. Perhaps it would be better if you don't show up to our wedding. You will always have a special place in my heart.
Forever
William
There was no such letter in my real life, and no such conversation. The letter really sums up the excuses I've heard many times throughout my dating career. I already had two wonderful children, and could not have any more due to medical reasons.
Uploaded
August 17th, 2010
Statistics
Viewed 1,320 Times - Last Visitor from New York, NY on 03/24/2024 at 10:35 PM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet