Monday, March 29, 2010

The Cocktail Series • Mr. Martini and friends

Mr. Martini

The Cocktail Series • Mr. Martini and friends

This is Mr. Martini. He is one oil painting 'personality' in a collection of fourteen. After holding on to them since their creation, I am now considering selling the complete collection. These paintings would be great in a trendy Martini Bar or spirited restaurant.

The largest of the series measures 5'' x 7' (213.36 cm x 152.40 cm) and boasts a carv
ed goldtone custom frame. This painting, a spoof on Renoir's Luncheon of the boating party, features each of the cocktail personalities.


Luncheon of the Beverage Party

These cocktail paintings were featured in my first European exhibition - The Pleasures of Life - and prints of these paintings have been sold all over the world.

Ms. Manhattan

You can view the complete collection of Cocktail portraits on my website:

www.annelizabethschlegel.com

Just click on 'The Adult Beverage series' located under the
Quick Gallery Viewer.


In addition to the fourteen paintings, six of these paintings are also available in signed and numbered limited edition prints. Several 'celebrity' chefs and restaurateurs own prints of them including Harry Cipriani and Emeril Lagasse.

For any additional information on these or any other paintings featured on my website, or to order the set of signed and numbered prints, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at:

info@annelizabethschlegel.com


Mr. Martini

Ms. Manhattan

Ms. Chardonnay

Ms. Cabernet

Ms. Margarita

Ms. Cosmopolitan


Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Nicolas de Staël


55 years ago today Nicolas de Staël ended his life.

Nicolas de Staël was born in 1914 in St. Petersburg, Russia. He was then reared in Brussels and traveled extensively before settling in France in 1940. De Staël evolved a highly abstract style, developing a rich color fabric combined with strong elements of tension.

On March 16th, 1955, he jumped to his death in Antibes, France.
Le Concert was his final painting. This masterpiece can be viewed in the beautiful Musée Picasso in Antibes, France.



Monday, March 08, 2010

Barba-Del


Barba-Del Campbell

What does one say about the loss of a legendary woman, a great art and literary enthusiast and an even greater friend to anyone that knew her ? This is Barba-Del Campbell. Writer, philosopher, woman of insight, humour, wisdom ... and the most intelligent person that you could ever meet.

Barba-Del passed away on Saturday, March 6th at 6:30 in the morning. Those of us who were fortunate to be in her presence knew they were subject to greatness. She 'held council' wherever she went. She was friends with princes and paupers ... and may even preferred the latter. She could quote the most poignant phrases without skipping a beat, she penned letters to the editor of the New York Times ... and composed cherished notes to friends she loved.

I miss her. She was one of the best friends that I had. I say that because she always had tremendous insight into my joys and sorrows and freely gave of her intuitive advice. I wish I would have been with her more ... because I could benefit greatly from her unending counsel and life lessons. She is the last of her breed.

I always thought Allentown was a bit muted in contrast to Barba-Del's grandeur. She loved and belonged in New York City ... and would have procured company among the greatest.

Barba-Del never missed absorbing the New York Times and always completed the Sunday crossword in record time, often sending the finished results to friends when applicable ... even me ... receiving the completed 'Valentine's Day' puzzle from years ago which included the heart icon inserted in answers instead of letters. How she figured that out I'll never know. I saved every note ... and after grief subsides, will read them again with great affection.

I have been to her 'crooked apartment in the old mansion' * to help
go through the thousands of books, memorabilia, knick-knacks and keepsakes. I came home with an old Fred Astaire recording, put it on my cd player and the first words coming through my speakers were: "Heaven, I'm in heaven, and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak .."


There will never be another You Barba-Del. Our world shines brighter by knowing you.

Your friend and with love,

Ann

"when he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun."

William Shakespeare

Barba-Del memorial and celebration * March 20th

* photo and quote by Heather Sincavage