Tuesday, September 21, 2010

MILES TO GO BEFORE I SLEEP...

Well, I've started painting something a little different...more of a seascape with a little extra interest.  I have a very LONG way to go obviously, but thought I'd show you what I'm up to right now.  I'm really rather excited about it-but know it's going to be a challenge.  That's okay, right?
and I HAVE to show you what I found in a thrift store...I was out to do an errand, and thought I would just stop in to this store since it was a block or so away, just to see what they had.  There was a sign on the window that said everything was half price, so I thought that was even better.  Well this is what my eyes spied as soon as I walked through their door...
Some people would say...what? It's just an old statue.  Some people would say, it looks like something that was probably in a church...why would I want that?
I said (especially after picking it up and it was HEAVY), "YESSSS".  I kept imagining that people that passed me by were thinking, why didn't I see that?  But, seriously, I really don't think they were...which is dumbfounding to me.
After walking around with it carefully cradled in my arm, I noticed why the sticker on it said "as is"...there was an obvious break at the wrist...but it was securely glued together.
But unless you really looked at the side of the wrist you didn't see it.
It was priced at $18.99.  Then it would have been half off of that. I debated that there was a break...it wasn't perfect.  Would it be worth about $9?  To a real collector...no, it wouldn't be.  But the face...Oh, the face was so beautiful and perfect.  How could I pass that up.  It was one of those things that I pictured myself putting it down, and someone else picking it up.  How would I feel?  I asked the manager that since there was this break, even though it said "as is", could I have a discount.  She said that I could have it for $10...so half off of that would be $5.  What do you think I said?
It stands over 20" high.  And it's crying out to be my next "sitter" for a painting!
I just found out through research on the internet and talking with fellow facebooker Amy Gethins Sullivan, that my statue is The Infant of Prague.  It is in it's original state which was unrobed. It was robed and crowned ornately in the mid 1600's. (I like the simple unrobed version the best). The right hand rasied in a blessing with the first two fingers extended to signify His two natures. The left hand holding a globe surrounded by a cross to signify His kinship.  There is also the version called the Santo Nino, but I couldn't find that one dressed as simply.  Although it may have been in it's earlier version as well.

16 comments:

makiko hastings said...

Challenge! Love that! looking forward to seeing the process Lori. :) xm

Ronnie14 said...

I too think the face is beautiful Lori. The sea scape is very nice too.

Joji said...

Looking forward to the seascape that you have challenged yourself with. The statue has your name written all over it. Almost like you painted it.

Terri said...

The first thing I thought of when I saw your painting was; Christina's World by Andrew Wyeth. Not the colors, but the way your young lady is positioned. You may say, "Huh?", but that's what popped in my head. Looking forward to seeing the finished piece.

Love the figure, and nice price!

Blessings,
Terri

Carrie Joy Byrnes said...

I love your painting! Challenges are good but exhausting...sticking with that and love love love the statue. I would have paid 18.99 :0! Love your post too! Chuckling.

Carola Bartz said...

I love the seascape - and it's wonderful that you challenge yourself. That's what keeps us going. You totally rock! Looking forward to see more of the progress.

Nina Leonard said...

Yes it is The Infant Jesus of Prague. Growning up we had an Infant Jesus. You put His royal dress on Him for special holidays.There were specil colors for certain church days. Example,lent was purple, Easter was white,and so on. Check out this site which will give you more details... There is a beautiful dressed one on this site. copy and paste.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant_Jesus_of_Prague

lori said...

Thanks for all of your great comments! That is so interesting Nina-how you would then adorn the robeless Jesus according to the holiday...and Terri I thought the same thing as I was painting it...I said to my husband it reminded me of Andrew Wyeth! The picture is inspired by a photo in a magazine. I appreciate all of your comments so much!

Jacqueline said...

Dearest Lori, i love your new painting! Challenges are nice but sometimes they makes you feel tired. Your thrift find is awesome!! Very pretty. Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!

jacqueline
http://www.jqlinesocuteithurts.typepad.com/

Diane said...

I love the meaning behind the statue--it's even more beautiful now,and you were right to pick it up the minute you saw it--You know, it was meant to be.
P.S. Can't wait to see your completed piece too!

Barbara German said...

Oh...the face.........
I'm glad you found the meaning...how beautiful.
What a find!

Shariyah said...

I can't wait to see how your painting turns out- it has a different look to your other ones...it kind of reminds me of some of Nana's paintings, maybe its the romantic feel, and the fact that its by the sea...I love it either way and I'm excited to see the finished work! And can I just say, every time I see a post of yours showing these treasures you come across (and for such bargains!) makes me want to move there, NOW! That is one thing I seriously miss about living in the US...and I'm planning to bring an empty suitcase next time I come so I can go on a treasure hunt myself! This angel is beautiful, and just in time for Christmas! :) Love you

Stephanie said...

Your new painting is absolutely georgeous! I cannot wait to see it once it is finished. Please share!

Kerri said...

what a find- and for $5?!!
you're right- beautiful face! so glad you didn't pass her up!

Unknown said...

I'm loving the feel of the painting so far! Love the sweet little statue, I wonder how old it is. Thanks for popping by my blog, I'm glad to call you my friend!
♥Jenny

IVYALLOVER said...

oh don't you just love challenges? They're so good for you, scary at times but always rewarding in the end. What a great start to you painting! I look forward to seeing it the final. Great find in the statue too! thanks for sharing ♥