Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Georgia O'Keefe has always fascinated me, with her impressionistic paintings associated with sexual images. She was a successful female artist in a world that catered to males. I was ready to see this museum and learn about her life and art, so on Tursday we used our NARM membership to visit.

The fifteen minute film about her life was interesting, and the exhibits led us through the evolution of her vision. We learned about Georgia's life, loves, and what made her tick. These were a few of my favorite images, and some stories behind them.

Georgia lived in west Texas for a time, teaching at West Texas Normal a College (now Texas A&M University.) Watercolor and graphite on paper from 1916.

Red Landscape, an oil on board painting, from 1916/1917 depicts a canyon near her home.

In 1916 Georgia began a correspondence with Alfred Stieglitz, an avant-grade gallery owner and photographer in New York City. Georgia moved to NYC upon his invitation and began a affair with Alfred (who was married at the time.) Their affair continued for 6 years, after which Alfred's divorce became final and the couple married. Alfred and Georgia continued to have affairs with others throughout their marriage.

This is a gelatin silver print of Georgia by Alfred from the 1930's. Alfred took hundreds of photographs of his wife, many of which were nudes.

Georgia painted Series 1 White & Blue a Flower Shapes in 1919. She was reportedlyshocked and hurt that the public often associated her paintings with sexuality.

In 1929 Georgia made her first visit to New Mexico, where she fell in love with the area's interesting scenery. Georgia spent spring and summers in New Mexico for years until purchasing a house there in 1940. The painting above is Part of the Cliff, oil on canvas, painted in 1946.

 In front of her house was Pedernal Mountain, a view she painted over and over. This is from 1941/1942.

In 1952 She painted Lavender Hill with Green.

Georgia began traveling around the world in the 1950's, after the death of Alfred in 1948. This is Machu Picchu, painted in 1957.

Georgia O'Keeffe died in Santa Fe on March 6, 1986 at the age of 98. Her last unassisted painting was completed  in 1972. In her later years she suffered from macular degeneration and was blind.

After leaving the museum Bob and I drove through the Santa Fe Plaza, with its adobe buildings and old world charm.

A fitting end to our day out, I think.

In the evening I finished weaving my latest band. I really enjoyed weaving this with the double-hole heddle.