Georgia O'Keeffe, Pineapple Bud

   Georgia O'Keeffe (1887-1986) was already a famous woman artist in 1939 when the Dole Company sent her to Hawaii.  Pineapple Bud is the result of that trip, an interesting story and painting by a complex and interesting woman.  Much has been written by feminist wanting to identify O'Keeffe and her work with their movement, but she consistently declared there was no underlining meaning, and she wanted to be remember simply as an artist.  By 1939 she had struggled enough to find herself, define her life and establish her work. 
  O'Keeffe explored abstraction, and was strongly influenced by precisionism, an American movement centered primarily in photography (Ansel Adams, for example). However O'Keeffe's style was always her own, unique and powerful. 
   This painting is a perfect example.  It is typical of her famous flower paintings because of the unusual focus.  It is almost symmetrical, as the bud is almost center with the leaves radiating from it.   The color harmony is complementary:  orange red and green.   In referencing the painting I could only uncover that it is large - so what a dynamic statement it must make in a room.   Unfortunately, Pineapple Bud is in a private collection, however I have read it has been loaned out occasionally for public exhibitions.
   Make Art a part of your life, it's a beautiful thing to do.

Comments

  1. charguthJune 2, 2020 at 8:17 AM

    I have always liked her sensuous lines and meticulous detail. Her color harmonies are always attractive and calming, particularly this one. We get a beautiful closeup observation of natures marvels; she takes us right into the subject. Her life is as interesting as her art. I would not tire of looking at one of her florals. She has certainly defined her style; her paintings seem strong, but yet, gentle with soft lines and shading. Just lovely.

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