The Beggar & St. Martin

 

The Beggar & St. Martin

In my interpretation the Beggar only accepts Martin's horse, ignoring his offering, golden coins and fine clothes. Sainthood may not always be practical.

(gouache/oil pastel/Arches paper 37x53 ins.)

Reimagining Manet’s Works

Reimagining Manet’s "Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe” - or - Picnic on the Lawn Role Reversal

(water color/gouaches work 31x42 ins.) I had a comical notion of reversing the character’s sexes.I decided to dress the women (or gender ambiguous seated figures) in a similar style to the original painting. I love Manet’s wonderful oil painting and you will see how I did use his general layout, but did my own thing. After all, I was not trying to copy his masterpiece. But I think the irony and peculiarity of my piece is obvious.

Olympio (gouache/casein/Arches paper 29x38 ins.)

Édouard Manet painted his 'Olympia' in 1863. It was considered controversial, shocking, even scandalous. I couldn't resist adding it to my series of 'Role Reversals'. Again, I am not trying to copy another of Manet's masterpieces. I am simply exploring an idea. My humorous take, 'Olympio', switches the sex of the main figure and also the Black servant, who now becomes a handsome friend; made evident by his tray with two wine glasses, two forks and a piece of cake to be shared. The cat too, now white, is no longer menacing.

For reference:

October 2025

 Messenger

(mixed media/Arches paper)