Seamstresses in Fine Art

11 responses to “Seamstresses in Fine Art”

1. Richard E Miiler looks a right old grouch, hahahaha, but an amazing painter!

   1. He does look grouchy! He believed that art did not have to tell a story but rather please the senses–I like that about him.

2. I bet he’d rather be painting instead of dressed up sitting for a portrait. Love his work. More research coming up for me. I want to find out why they listed place of death as ST Augustine instead of MA. For 35+ years we lived 90 miles from St Aug,
   and went there so many times.The art world presence there is fantastic.

   1. Yes. I thought he died in Provincetown MA.

3. Hmmm,…. still a mystery but will search more.. I am fascinated with his handling of fabric in the two paintings available in cursory search. In a photo of him in his studio, he is wearing what appears to be a dress shirt with old slacks. He has the sleeves rolled up and buttoned up short of the very top button under a very stiff collar. No air conditioning in the 1920’s when this was executed. Interesting to see his painting on the easel and the real scene in the room with it. He might have been in his late 40’s when this photo was taken. Still solemn, I wonder what his natural smile would have looked like. Surely a man who could produce this lovely art, win so many accolades and be a sought after teacher had a smile. He died at 67. Smithsonian site says his paintings of ladies were called “confections” in the day! They do look delicious!
   Lori, you have broadened my education.. Again ! …thank you.

   1. I almost thought the critics called his art “confections” in a negative way–as in “not serious”–did you get that impression too? He seemed to appeal to the masses rather than avant-garde art critics??

      1. Yes m’am…. Agreed, as in “not serious” and “fluff”..! 🙂
         I wouldn’t mind gazing at his paintings while consuming a chocolate eclair with lemon filling ! Best of both worlds.. His confection can go on my wall anytime!

4. There’s something to be said for making the general populace happy with your painting. None of us live in museums, and we want to be surrounded with paintings that make us smile when we pass. I would not have “The Scream” in my hallway, but I’d love a print (or the original) of “The Necklace”. The reflections on the floor and in the flounces of her dress make the painting sing. The whole room, what we can see of it, is charming. Watercolour is not an easy medium. My watercolours would not be dismissed as “confections”, they’d just be dismissed ? But they make me happy when I pass. They’re snatches of time that bring back memories.

   1. I agree. I love pretty art.

5. This is lovely! The colors, the light…..ahhhhh!

6. The critics might have considered his paintings “fluff” but they are still beautiful to look at. Wonder how artistically talented the critics were?