Preparation- A Retrospective

            "Preparation" A Retrospective -Silvana Siudut ©

I have always loved dancing and especially classical dancing. Ballerina with tutu reminds me of a magical world: the theater, the stage, the performance, the music, and the audience. Also, I love the Degas paintings and drawings, never staged as formal scenes but very spontaneous, part of a moment in time.

     "Preparation" came about in a very spontaneous way. Wanting to do a painting of a ballerina, and looking for a model, a painter friend suggested that her daughter would be willing to pose and be photographed. So it happens. I shot dozens of photos as the "ballerina" posed in the timeless poses.
     After considering many images of the "ballerina,” I came across the one that the painting represents. To me it is very spontaneous. Viewing the intensity in which the ballerina concentrates told me that she took her love for dance very seriously. Hence, it was titled "Preparation."
     I was very happy the way the painting turned out. Besides forming the figure and making it come alive, another of the many challenges was to bring the clothing to life also.
     After studying John Singer Sargent portraits, I tried to get a sense of what I was to do with the ballerina outfit and her shoes.
     I have shown this painting in two galleries and a few art shows, always receiving many compliments about it. The painting was home from the last gallery and stored for at least six months, waiting to be shown again at some point. One day I received a call from the gallery owner where the painting was last displayed, she asked me if it was still available...and it was.
     A little girl had seen the painting while visiting the gallery with her mother months before, she loved and wanted it and could not forget about it. It was sold to them. I cannot think of a better place for this painting to end up.