Smudged Lipstick (30x30cm)
**Words by Amber L-J**
It is a romantic deed rooted in our history.
Red roses are part of a universal language which expresses endearment.
In Western culture, they date back to Greek mythology with red roses growing from the tears of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love.
In Eastern culture, roses are titled the ‘Queen of Flowers’ for their uplifting and medicinal powers.
These roses are nurtured and grown by humans, to be gifted and exchanged between humans. The deeper the shade of red, the deeper the commitment.
This was no special occasion, but rather felt like any other morning. I dozily walk down the stairs, but the sensory surprise awaiting quickly nudges me awake: my kitchen is in full bloom. An exotic, powerful scent reaches my nose before my eyes lay upon these flowers.
My blushing cheeks and upturned lips match the roses that were lovingly wrapped and tied with a sapphire bow. I lift them from the counter, their jade stems heavy in my arms, like a sleeping child. I stroke their velvet petals and am further enveloped by their scent.
The roses are an arresting colour, which demands to be seen and admired by those around them. As light enters from the kitchen window and I turn to face the sunrise, the colours of jade and scarlet are imprinted in my mind.
Whether they are invited to live in our homes, or in our gardens, the bright crimson colour and sweet fragrance draw us to them. I am always asked who the flowers were from, as if that person can be credited for the beauty of such a flower. Regardless of who bought the flowers, it is a reminder of simplicity in love and feeling.
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Smudged Lipstick was originally a still life painting of beautiful and passionate red roses. It was voted as an audience favourite and sold soon after Lisa Timmerman’s second solo exhibition at the ‘Alfred East Gallery’, Kettering Museum from 16th November – 19th December in 2015.
Reflecting on Lisa’s series of rose paintings, they were said to be captured on a glorious “feeling”:
“It was the feeling of complete joy they give me, with their elegant stems and array of shades within [their] petals and buds full of potential.”
Smudged Lipstick: Framed
This ‘Smudged Lipstick’ series was also poignant as part of Lisa’s artistic exploration and journey:
“It was the moment I worked out how to get the sunlight coming through red rose petals without adding white which would have made the petals go pink!”
Although the original painting has sold, ‘Smudged Lipstick’ has been scanned and printed on beautiful-quality, thick etching paper. With only twenty-five produced, this giclée print is identical in colour to the original painting.
Combined with dark undertones, the red roses are enriched with vibrancy. It also creates depth, as if the roses are emerging from the undergrowth, their lustrous petals open. The detailed lower composition is contrasted by the ‘smudged’ roses in the upper half of the painting. With the pale blue reminiscent of a warm, summer day, the smudging may be illustrating the haze of high humidity.
Overall, ‘Smudged Lipstick’ is highly evocative of summer romance, with the red roses as a visual gift.
For more information about these fine art giclée prints, please visit Lisa’s website.
WE WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY AND HOPEFUL NEW YEAR!
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