In mid-October we’re going to Africa, South Africa, Cape Town South Africa. We’re told it’s the farthest you can fly from Southern California. I suppose we should be practicing sitting for 24 hours straight. We’re going for a week-long event called The Lausanne Congress, along with 5000 others, invited from around the world. They’ll be sitting; I’ll be standing . . . on the periphery, painting some 12 standing portraits of people I’ll meet there. But more about that later, like after we get back. Meantime, here are some pieces recently finished that will be going with us.
Blue Scarf, oil, 9×12
In preparation for it all, I’ve been painting internationals again. I call them internationals because they’re “not from here.” To them we’re the internationals. Here’s one painted from a photo from one of my earlier African trips. Nigeria, I think, or was it Kenya, or Sudan? Personally, I love the face, and the way the blue scarf whisps into the background air, like paint in movement.
Red Scarf, oil, 9×12
Then there’s the richness of the truly dark face, which can go altogether white again when struck with the bright sun. These two, “Blue Scarf” and “Red Scarf,” are small pieces, unlike those to follow. I mention it because, in this context, scale is hard to determine. (See Studio picture at bottom.)
Miao Moment, oil, 25.5×21
Though we’re going to Africa, it’s not just Africans I’ve been painting. This one, Miao Moment, is from the Guiyang Miao (pronounced like the cat speaks), one of the many ethnic groups of China’s hinterland. She looks like a queen, no? So it is with so many of these. Economically they’re dirt poor, but the way they dress can make us look like we’re the financially bereft.
Mongolian Braids, oil, 21×28
Some years ago I read the story of Genghis Khan, then this year I saw the movie. Both were great. This woman played the part of his wife, Borte. Who knows if the real Borte was so beautiful. Maybe Genghis would have stayed home. And world history would be different.
Eyes of Green, oil, 26.5×20
Onto India. I don’t know if any have green eyes in that country or not. In fact, I don’t know what race has green eyes. (Okay, just checked Google: “Afghan, Brazilian, Iranian, Irish and Italian.”) But this one has them because they go so well with the sari . . . rather than the other way around.
Eyes of Green, detail.
I don’t often put so much detail into the eyes, but some paintings call for more than others and this was one. Click on it for a larger view.
Guatemalan Regal, oil, 28×21.5
On to Guatemala, where we lived for a couple of years back in the 70’s. There all the tribes are known by their distinctive garb. But for all that, I can’t place this one (from a photo I came across). I’m thinking Quiche of Santa Catarina, Ixtahuacan. Somebody help me out. In any case, she’s another queen.
Guatemalan Regal, detail. Click for larger view.
Of course, it’s not just the raiment that provides the elegance, but the face itself, the beauty of which there’s no end of in every race around the earth. I’m not saying I did this one so much justice, the style calling for a certain informality of stroke. Then again, it can be a rugged life out there, and in time, it all shows on the face.
African Balance, oil, 26×21
Speaking of brush strokes, just because they’re “informal” doesn’t mean they aren’t intended. I painted this youth from Central Africa with a brush two inches wide. Only toward the end did I get out a small one (and that, not very small). It gives a certain look, doing it that way, not to mention the paint laying down about an eighth of an inch thick. It provides a vitality that just can’t be found in any photograph.
African Balance, detail. Click for larger view.
Just to illustrate, here’s a detail. Wild splashes of color in some places, a little more “controlled” in others. All intended, in either case. Part design, part discovery, that’s the creative process,
Waiting for Heaven, oil, 32.5×32.5
I called this one “Waiting for Heaven” because someone told me they thought that symbol on the wall between the figures is that of “heaven.” It’s a painting of friendship somewhere in China’s more remote–and colder–parts.
Waiting for Heaven, detail. Click for larger view.
Once again, the brush work itself is worth calling attention to, and the color, the energy of application, the laying it and leaving it. It’s all part of what makes a painting. Sometimes it’s the very paint itself that’s the beauty, the way it mixes on the canvas. One friend of mine, an abstract painter, is always coming up to my paintings and cropping a small section with her hands, not even (or ever) the center of interest, and saying, “There’s a painting! Beautiful!”
Waiting for Heaven, detail. Click for larger view.
A case in point is this small section pulled out of the lower garment area of “Waiting,” (above, our left). Of course different light will reveal different things, but it’s rather fun to find things that have just happened in the process of it all. A wonder, really. One among many, on any given day.
An unusual moment in the studio (a clean pair of clothes). Click for larger view.
Finally, a photo of me in the mess. All these and there were painted on unstretched canvas for the sake of easy transport to South Africa (and possibly back again). Once dry, they roll well in a mailing tube. Then, once purchased, they’re easily stretched during the framing process. Meantime, they all provide a richness of variety–the nations of the world represented together on one wall, or soon, in Cape Town, South Africa.
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Ongoing and Upcoming Events
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Show at the House
November 20-21, Mark your calendars
Lecture: How to Start a Painting
November 19, 2010, details next issue
Art Fair, Del Mar Fairgrounds
November 25-27, details next issue
Loosen Up Workshop
December 11-12 in San Clemente, California
Call: 949.369.6603
Laguna Art Walk
First Thursday evening of each month, 6-9 p.m.
Anne at Sandstone Gallery in Laguna’s north end
Hyatt at Studio 7 in Laguna’s south end
Semi-Private Coaching for Painters
In Hyatt Moore studio, Mondays in Dana Point
Call for your two-hour slot: 949.240.4642
Printmaking Classes
In Anne Moore studio
Call for info: 949.240.4642, or email: anne@hyattmoore.com
10:17 am
I love the green-eye girl, from India. Even if it’s not ethnically possible. “internationals” depends on where you are when you are saying it, which gives one a humble perspective. God Bless you and Anne’s work in South AFrica!
10:23 am
Still love getting your emails! Would love to come back to CA for another workshop!!! I still haven’t found a painting instructor here in Alaska but looking at your paintings inspires me. Blessing to you and Anne!
11:03 am
Hyatt, Most women could only wish that their own faces would somehow reveal the depth of character shown through these. Each one leaves me with a desire to become acquainted with them. Have a good time traveling and interpreting through your painting. Joan L.
11:11 am
Love these pictures, you did a fantastic job, I love your classes and will probaby take another weekend workshop with you again. You really inspire me.
good luck and hope you come home emptyhanded!!!
Carole Van Houten
11:14 am
Awesome, absolutely awesome!
12:25 pm
LOVED looking at these internationals! Wonderful images of God’s amazing, creative creation-US!
12:36 pm
Your shoulder must be feeling some better? The paintings look more beautiful for the effort! Love you and praying for your fabulous, God-honoring trip!! (former comment is from another professional painter, Ginny, a dear friend from my LABC years – love Facebook connections!
12:55 pm
Fabulous as usual. Thanks for keeping us on your email list. Have an awesome African trip.
3:00 pm
Good stuff Hyatt! Thanks for sharing with us :)
3:27 pm
The green-eyed india girl is reminiscent of the famous national geographic cover photograph of the Afghan girl a number of years back. It is striking. Thanks for the image of the pair of women from China in the Waiting for Heaven piece. Your respectful, beautiful images of the peoples of the nations bring glory to God, Hyatt.
3:27 pm
Me again. You guys thrill me. I ain’t no artist, but I knows what I like…and I REALLY like yer stuff. “Stuff” includes the whole life package.
Down for the old Capo High reunion, Oct 15-17, some 55 years or so. We’ll call ahead for a visit. I won’t be rich by then. Won’t be buying, but maybe we could just look.
3:43 pm
Am interested in some of your ethnic portraits from ‘Crystal Cathedral.’ Mongolian, Tibetan, male ? any of those left around?
4:06 pm
Looks like God has opened a new door of opportunity for you. Enjoy and may the ride be blessed.
4:19 pm
Hyatt – I absolutely LOVE your work. You have an amazing free and passionate style. I only hope one day I can bring that out in my work. Thank you for sharing!
4:58 pm
Hyatt and Anne,
Your paintings are just beautiful and inspiring. May God go with you as you journey to South Africa. Get ready to set for all those hours half way around the world.
Becky and Bill Jones
5:30 pm
As always, just wonderful, Hyatt. So appreciate you keeping me on the mailing list. I’m especially drawn to the Mongolian, Miao, and Waiting for Heaven. As you know we’ve been blessed by a little treasure from China, and once the paperwork jumps enough hurdles, we’ll be going to China for that second granddaughter, who we’re told comes from an area near Mongolia.
Blessings on your trip to South Africa, and greetings to Anne as well.
5:51 pm
A CLEVER SELECTION OF YOUR NEW TREND, HYATT! I CAN SEE YOUR EVER IMPROVING DEXTERITY AT THE “FIRST ATTEMPT STROKE” AND THANKS FOR INCLUDING THE BEAUTIFUL QUICHE WOMAN. BUENA SUERTE EN LAUSANNE. Luismario
6:00 pm
SOOOO wonderful! I love the “Eyes of Green!”- But I am partial since I left my heart in Afghanistan. You artwork is AMAZING. It is my fantasy and goal to someday own one of your marvelous panitings. I love the rich life that exudes from each one. Your paintings have so much energy and truly are alive. With every one I feel the moment and eagerly anticipate- “what happens next!” To me your paintings are an experience. Thank you for doing what you do and sharing it! Blessings!
8:37 pm
Once again capturing the true essence of God’s beautiful people around the world! This is your amazing gift Hyatt. Keep up the excellent work for His glory. Have a wonderful informative trip to South Africa. Randy and I are sponsoring a friend in Kroonstad South Africa working in Aids orphanage and teaching in the schools as well. Our thoughts and prayers go with you and Anne. Have a great trip.
10:42 pm
Hi Hyatt!
The paintings are beautiful I wish I could afford to buy them all :)))) Have a wonderful trip!
2:31 pm
This really looks exciting and I know this has been in the works for awhile and finally your going, we will pray for and exciting, profitable and fun trip. Of course your painting are always captivating. Sincerely, Roger & Mary
4:32 am
Hyatt,
How wonderful that you take the time to share how this all comes about. The work is beautiful. Still hoping our 15-year-old granddaughter will sometime get over to your place from Poway. She is good in art and loving it. We want to see her develop that wonderful talent.
Have a great trip. So many we know are going to Lausanne.
8:09 pm
Great paintings, just wanted you to know I am having surgery on Oct 14 with DR. Abdollahi. See you in painting sometime after that.
4:55 pm
your brushes and words have come together so eloquently. Your heart and response for the hidden peoples still shines through.It is beautiful work.
extra:
At the Lausanne Africa Conference please look out for a distinctive face, with the name Karina Kreminski. She is my senior pastor, from Community Life Church, Cherrybrook. Sydney NSW. I have been working with her as Pastoral Care pastor, for the past three years.Ethnically she is from Argentine/russian/polish DNA but raised in Australia. Before pastoring she worked in journalism in Beunos Aeres, and speaks Spanish and loves her journey with God, leaving an agnostic view behind.
5:57 am
What a wonderful opportunity………..
I wish I had the time to get back into painting………your work is inspirational on many levels. To be there, in Africa, doing what you love, truly is a gift and will bless so many. It is this execution of light and color that lifts the portraits off the canvas and causes them to breathe. I, for one, will be interested to see the work you will do through this unique experience.
Thank you again for sharing with all of us….fans…..
12:16 pm
Hyatt
That epiphany you had while waiting at a red light in Laguna has produced some amazing art. I’m looking forward to your sharing the results of your So. African journey with us at the Huntington Beach Art League when you demonstrate for us next year.
Jane
7:25 am
I looked at these later because of a vacation. I M stunned. You are simply getting better and better.
12:34 am
Hello Hyatt and Anne.
Welcome to Cape Town.
What a blessed talent you have to be able to capture the beauty of GOD’s creation in the faces of His master pieces.
What an honour to be able to attend The Lausanne Congress.
We have one of your paintings hanging in our home of the two little children leaning against a sheaf of wheat after the hard days harvest.
Looking forward to seeing the images of life you will be capturing on canvas here in Cape Town.
Till we meeting again.
John and Lorna
4:53 am
Hola, ЎGracias! Ahora me irй en este blog cada dнa!
Boldy