"Women Impressionists' - National Gallery of Ireland
I’m delighted to announce that I have collaborated once again with the gift shop in the National Gallery of Ireland for their new exhibition 'Women Impressionists'.
To celebrate the launch of this special exhibition, I created a limited edition Looking Glass inspired by
Mary Cassatt's (1844–1926) beautiful painting Summertime (1894).
I chose this painting from the collection, due to the warm peachy tones, playful use of light on the rippling water, and the sense of nostalgia evoked in its subject matter.
Photography © Terra Foundation for American Art
Mary Cassatt, Summertime, 1984, Oil on canvas, 39 5/8 x 32 in. (100.6 x 81.3 cm), Terra Foundation for American Art, Daniel J. Terra Collection, 1988.25
I used complimentary tones in the Looking Glass, such as peachy bunny tails grasses, and calming blue cornflower petals to bring a sense of the movement of the water. I had harvested and dried a selection of wild grasses from the farm in honey, and lilac tones. They echo the feathery friends who bob upon the water, as well as creating a summery and dynamic impression.
Finally I added white highlights to lift the palette with ammi majus blossoms, and sparkling copper leaf to replicate the amber swashes reflected off the crest of the gentle waves. Sitting within the composition is a single droplet of rose quartz; symbolic of unconditional love and compassion.
It was such a fun project to work on, and I always love to be challenged and think 'outside the box' with the NGI commissions.
The Summertime Looking Glass will be available soon in the NGI gift shop and you can also purchase your very own Summertime Looking Glass on my website in the coming days.
- Gillian x