"Little Fourteen-year-old Dancer" after Degas

"Little Fourteen-year-old Dancer" after Degas original painting by Kerry Inkster

I had been reading a book about Edgar Degas, one of my favourite artists, and noted a quote "...An artist has to be able to cut a great deal away...". Reflecting on this quote, and the year that has been in 2020, it struck me that this quote is applicable to all of us. We have all had to cut a great deal away this year, and in that process I have been reminded that in stripping back sometimes less is more. I had already chosen the base image of the little girl underwater for this painting (inspired by Degas love of ballet dancers), and in keeping the less is more approach I decided to leave the painting quite abstracted. I look at this painting now and am comforted by the reminder that it's more than okay to take the philosophy that "less is more".

The canvas is covered it in Japanese Rice Paper to give a lovely texture that is akin to the movement on the surface of water. And, as with most of my paintings, I paint in layers - the background using action painting (expressionistic) techniques - pouring, dripping, splashing paint and involving my body in the painting process rather than just the paint brush. The figure was created using contemporary art pop art techniques and stencils, and a further layer of hand painting brought the foreground and background together. My palette is colourful and bright in this painting, to create an uplifted mood. Mostly consisting of complementary colours, I've also focused on using Degas favourite colours for his ballerina's - pink and yellow.

This painting is painted using professional artist acrylic paints and mediums from Matisse, Golden, and Liquitex Professional Spray Paint. Japanese Rice Paper has been collaged to the canvas prior to painting the image. The painting is finished with a Matisse Gloss Varnish which protects the surface with a smooth glossy finish.

I particularly enjoy the push and pull of this piece, the joy of discovery that there is a figure in the painting.

Professionally stretched, signed on the back, ready to hang and enjoy!

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Questions? Email Kerry on info@kerryinksterartist.com