Monday, May 5, 2008

Queen of the Surface Streets


I spent the past week in decadence celebrating my beloved's birthday. One night spent swaying to the gyspy rhythms of Devotchka, the next dancing to the indie jams of Stephen Malkmus and The Jicks provided a much needed rock out.

Dinner at Le Pigeon, their chef voted by Food and Wine magazine as the top chef of 2007 capped the week off perfectly.

Interspersed therein was First Thursday, Portland's swanky art walk, skate show, and street party replete with large groups of revelers congregating in an open appreciation of culture and art.

I painted the above following the Devotchka concert. My favorite tune of theirs, Queen of the Surface Streets,

(I'll give my days to the Neanderthals
With the classic rock
And the wrecking ball
I'll go swimming in the wet concrete
And I'll cast my pearls at the unpaved streets),

inspired her, Art Deco style.

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26 comments:

CSD Faux Finishing said...

Great lyric! That is such a vivid visual & your painting is a beautiful compliment to the song :~) Love that video too, very creative!

littlebyrd said...

Thanks for leaving me a comment on my little byrd blog. I have been enjoying scrolling down your blog and looking at all of your beautiful illustrations. They are gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

Great painting! I have never seen Devotchka before, but her music is really interesting and beautiful! I'm glad you had a wonderful time!

Distressing Delilah a.k.a. jenn said...

She is so elegant!

/// said...

OMG I think this one's my favorite. Eek! I can never decide!!! :)

Dawn said...

I have been dying to come to your neck of the woods for some time now. Sounds like you had an inspirational/creative/fun day! I checked out the First Thursday link and fell in love with Gretchen Gammell's work. Thanks for sharing :) Speaking of, your art is awesome!

Hadley Makes said...

I love her green dress.

Sandra Evertson said...

Wow, Love your Fabulous illustrations!
Sandra Evertson

Hoi Polloi said...

Your beloved is one lucky human to have you in this world. I am absolutely loving the way you are paring the soft pastel shades with the bold blacks and reds lately. bravo!

Margins. said...

This piece is truly lovely. I love your use of colors. Not sure if I've mentioned that yet, but I think it every time I see your art pieces.

Yay Devotchka! I like their song "Transliterator." Listening to it right now actually. Ha.

Unknown said...

What fantastic inspiration for you! That sounds like so much fun. And her dress is FABULOUS! I'd kill for some style like your ladies!

Rosebud Collection said...

Beautiful drawing, as usual..Glad you had such a nice time..

Mrs.French said...

Wow, this post makes me feel completely out of it. I will live vicariously through you for now.

P.S. Original said...

Love the painting, the colors are rich and so beautiful to look at! Really enjoy your blog.

UniqueNurseGranny said...

Lovely work.

Anonymous said...

thanks for sharing that great story!
mary
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Cakespy said...

Yea!! Sounds like a wonderful time--and an equally wonderful illustration!! :-)

Anonymous said...

Such beautiful work, I love her dress, I want one now!

Unknown said...

Your writing and your art are wonderful!

LeaKarts said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful week! Your painting is fabulous--I will have to check out the band that inspired it.

tangobaby said...

Now you've made me want to find Devotchka's music. I love the idea of casting pearls somewhere.

And the painting is perfection.

Hunters Glory said...

very interesting blog! you have some talent going on here!

Waterrose said...

Sounds like you had a delicious time!

dollface design said...

beautiful painting, i truly love your work...your celebration sounds perfect and fabulous, what a great song, your painting is such a wonderful visual for it...

layla

Mary-Laure said...

Hmmmm, I didn't know Devotchka, I need to know more about her music...

Unknown said...

well i hope i created many new Devotchka fans.

thanks everyone for all your lovely words.