I am always overcome with admiration when I find the work of a true folk artist, and by that I mean someone who draws and paints totally from their own experience and talent, who has never been to art school and who follows only their own vision. A few months ago I discovered one of these true artists in the person of Bill Traylor, who I'm embarrassed to admit that I'd never heard of until recently. He was an African-American born into slavery, who lived a life of poverty, but whose personal vision inspired his astonishing art. His work looks very simple at first glance, maybe even crude, but when you take the trouble of looking carefully, it grows in significance.
Here's an article about his work: https://americanart.si.edu/artist/bill-traylor-4852
A Traylor-inspired bird
This is a bird that was inspired by Traylor's work. It's certainly not a copy of anything he's done, but when I looked at some of his paintings of birds, this version slipped into my mind, and I hope he wouldn't mind my being inspired by him
Hi Mia, A stunningly beautiful folk art bird design, enhanced of course, by your hand painted background. Thanks for sharing the url about Bill Taylor. I enjoyed looking at all of the artwork he had created through his lifetime through the video that also related his personal history.
Another of your beautifully patterned birds! A great story behind it, too. This one has the stiffer, silhouette-like shape like Mr. Traylor’s work, but with your wonderful detailing to give it life. Lovely! For some reason my eye keeps being drawn to the feet – so gracefully drawn! Thanks for sharing both the story, the link, and your unique interpretation, Mia.
Thanks for sharing about Bill Taylor. His work tells a story . You can see parts of his everyday life.
I do like your rendition of his bird.
Merci pour ce partage autour de Mr Traylor
Votre interprétation est vraiment très intéressante