A few weeks ago when we went to gather pumpkins from a patch, I spotted one with a stem and vine that reminded me of a Jamie Wyeth painting, Warm Halloween, 1989. I brought it home as my cherished child, guarding and protecting the creation, so rich with possibility. It is one of those pumpkins that you simply can’t carve. It is so special to look at, like some perfect sculptural piece you could enjoy forever. It came inside this morning so no one will harm it for Halloween. I am the guardian angel of Pumpkin Perfect.
This is Jamie’s painting. He is without question, my favorite contemporary artist. Many of his paintings feature animals and birds and have a mythological, other-worldly quality to them as well as whimsy and delightful humor. I connect with nearly everything that he has painted, and of course he comes from a long line of notable artists, Andrew, his father, and N.C., his grandfather. And he is fairly close in age to me, having been born in 1946.
Pumpkinhead-Self-Portrait, 1972
Runners, 1984
Almost all are favorites. This one is The Wind, 1999. Such magic and mystique.
A special note: I urge you to check out a new blog by Julia.
She has many gifts to share and she has a cat too!
hey, i just found julia’s blog too….
the wind is just a wonderful piece….
I hadn’t seen The Wind before, it is magic!
I love the painting and the pumpkin on your table quite regal and lovely and the other pieces too.
The Wind is magical. The suggestion of other worldliness is strong. Jamie Wyeth has great genes. Can you imagine growing up with that heritage. I might have wanted to be a doctor or something where my creative abilities wouldn’t come into quetion. Oh great ego of mine. What a heritage that man has and lives up to!
I read in a book about the Wyeth’s that Jamie began his art training at a very young age and was mostly home schooled so he could concentrate on his art. His aunt was very influential as well. I would agree, however, about the legacy of his father and grandfather. How would one hope to match up? He must have been very confident and very brave to stand beside these two artistic giants. I think he found his perfect niche.
Thanks for the reminder about Jamie Wyeth. I am always culturally enriched and my artistic horizons are expanded after visiting your blog.
In the tech department: I finally figured out how to link and list my favorite bloggers on my webblog, and you are definitely on my list! I am feeling like an absolute computer wizard today!
Julia
It is indeed a wonderful pumpkin. I am impressed by the table it sits on…is it an Adiorondack table? We have an Adiorondack room in our house.
Jamie Wieth lived one month in a house next door to us in Saratoga Springs. We respected his privacy so we never met him, but saw him out walking many times.
He is an amazing artist. We love to go to the Brandywine Museum to see the Wieth Family paintings.
Thank you for your well wishes. I am getting better every day.
I am not sure I could have held back if Jamie Wyeth lived next door to me, but I marvel at your discipline to respect his privacy. The table is actually made of bamboo, at least the legs. It does resemble Adirondack furniture. I have a book on this genre, but it is in Mendocino. I will look it up. I bought it several years ago at an antique mall because is seemed so unusual. Thank you for asking. I would love to see your Adirondack room.
The Wind, stirred my soul! Is it possible to get a frameable poster?
Jamie Wyeth has a website where you can order certain prints. So far, I have never seen this one offered. I would love to have it too. I agree, it definitely stirs the soul!
what is the name of the book in which you have shown pictures….i would love to get one….thank you….interesting site!..
Actually this is not from a book but a calendar. For several years I used to buy the Jamie Wyeth calendar because I love his art, but have not done so in several years. You can probably buy his calendar from a nice bookstore that specializes in art calendars or perhaps find it online. Thanks for visiting.
I carve pumpkins at the Chadds Ford Great pumpkin carve for the last 7 years.
This year I carved the famous painting of George Washington down on bent knee next to his horse in Valley Forge. The Wyeth family inspire me to strive for excellents in my own work. I even shot the breeze with Andrew for a half hour one winters day a couple of year before he past away.
I have to say I am a little envious. I have followed the Wyeth family for so long. I am now following Jamie. I bought a print of his recently. I think his art is absolutely amazing. And to think you were able to actually converse with Andrew. It would have been my dream….thank you for stopping by and leaving your wonderful comment.