Everything but the Bathroom Sink, acrylic, 16×24 © 2009 Michelle Basic Hendry
This is the third in a short series of interiors from some of the buildings I have discovered in the last year and a half. Going inside an abandoned or empty building is a whole other emotional experience to wandering the outside. It is like being let in on a secret. It is as if time slows down after the last occupant has left and everything waits for a return that never comes. The perfection of imagination is possible and the story of a room or hallway reveals itself on canvas.
I never know what will strike me. Quite often, I won’t know even after my first viewing of photographs from an expedition. Some of the most intriguing are places left open to the elements. These are the ones in which the sounds of all seasons are ever present, as are the ghosts of the lives that lived in them.
This particular house in Muskoka is currently under renovation and this was the last room, at the time I visited, still in its original state.
There are a few changes to this painting from the original photograph. I decided to leave out the wallpaper pattern. The strength of the colour on it seemed too distracting. It is a decision I am not entirely comfortable with because of the issue of authenticity. I think that leaving it out improves the composition. (Thanks for your feedback everyone – it is greatly appreciated!)
I think the lack of wallpaper works. I think the wallpaper pattern AND the floor patters AND the other subjects in the painting would be to overpowering. I think it’s nicer this way. Great job!
hmmm I don’t know. On one hand the wallpaper would have really shown the age of the room, but on the other it would be really busy and distracting. I’m no help lol
Hi Michelle,
I’ve gone back and forth three times now….I think that it needs the wallpaper, and it won’t be too busy or distracting, depending on how you paint it. Go back to the photo and squint, maybe you’ll see what I mean….or you can call me later. Good job though…it is very nice!!
A dangerous question! You ARE brave. My “in favour” for the busy wallpaper may just be a reflection of an attraction to a certain busy-ness in my own work but even so I think you would have handled the wallpaper beautifully — you would make it fit, not over power. I think your skeleton is strong and would withstand a little makeup.
Haha, a very dangerous question! I think you could hint at it without it becoming distracting. But, whatever you decide to do, it works. I love the neglected atmospher that you achieve. Is that a foot scaper in the corner?
Chrissy – It is a stand for the hot water heater!
It’s funny, but, I have been asking this question all over and I am getting ‘leave it’ from men and ‘add the wallpaper’ from women. I am attracted to an almost minimal simplicity, personally, so my instinct was to leave it. Jury is still out…
make up a different pattern for the paper?
erm…wallpaper, by it’s style and condition will give the room a ‘fixed’ time stamp. Without, everything is open to interpretation. So, of course, as always, up to you.
I love the painting. I think the painting is excellent as it is. But the photo is excellent, too!
The question I ask is the painting a duplicate or an interpretation. An artist’s rendering. I think the latter!
Thanks for your thoughts, everyone. I really appreciate your feedback!
I am inclined to do another painting entirely with the wallpaper in. That way, I can have it both ways!
🙂
I think you can have it both ways…what ever works for “you”…as someone mentioned if it is a duplicate, it needs the wallpaper, if it is your interpretation then it is your choice.
I do like your idea of doing another with the wallpaper…what ever works…
Great piece regardless of what you do…
Cheers
Wow, this painting is amazing! I checked out the original photo and I hate to say it but I think the painting WITHOUT the wallpaper pattern is far more powerful. My eyes are able to register the picture. In the original photo I can’t seem to settle on any one thing. There was just too much movement.
I also feel like the painting conveys the true feeling of these old hoses much more than the photo. You mention the ‘waiting’ for return, well the painting REALLY captures that feeling. It brings up a huge longing in me, the deep-in the-pit of your stomach feeling of wanting to recapture something long past. It can bring tears to my eyes. I think it is something we all relate to…if we let ourselves feel it. I do.
I think these old places are living breathing memories. The wall and floors are saturated with all the voices, emotions, touches and experiences of their occupants. Maybe it is why we feel we are getting a peek at a secret or something deeply private.
Your works of art are really beautiful Michelle. I just wish I was there to explore with you. I too feel when I enter an abadoned home that I am entering a sacred space.
Gosh, we are fragile beings who are here for only a blink of an eye. Makes me want to live and live and live every moment I can.
Thank you dear friend. You are quite remarkable. Hugs, Robin
Thanks Heather – and Robin! I plan to leave this version as it is. I feel it speaks more to me as a personal image. That said, I plan to try it again with the wallpaper.
Robin – Special thanks for your wonderful way of seeing…
I think everyone here offered great points – thank you so much!