My latest painting, Norma (2019), depicts silent film star, Norma Shearer. Against the odds, she became a Hollywood star and an iconic role model in her time.
Norma was born in Canada and came from humble beginnings. She suffered from a condition that made her seem cross-eyed.
When attempting to break into film, this became a problem. Producers did not think she was photogenic enough.
However, Norma did not allow her imperfections to stand in her way. She used her passion to drive her forward in the industry.
Exceptional features
She was one of few actresses who easily transitioned from silent film to talkies. Her talent was rewarded when she was nominated for five Academy Awards.
Norma won best actress for her performance in The Divorcee in 1930. She converted to Judiasm and married studio producer and ingenue, Irving Thalberg. They had two children.
Tragically, her husband died from a heart condition aged 37. Following this, she obtained royalties from his work and retired from acting in 1942.
She then embarked on a series of affairs. This included actor James Stewart, who was 11 years younger.
Norma eventually married her ski instructor and lived a private life away from the spotlight until her death.
I was inspired to paint Norma (2019) after seeing a photograph of her face. Ultimately, it was her expressive face that drew me in. Moreover, I found her blue eyes piercing and emotive. Similarly, I painted Carole (2018) due to the lucid quality of Carole Lombard’s expression.
Recently, I completed my purple series with Vivien (2019), Helen (2019) and Ava (2019). In contrast, I have favoured a blue palette in this piece and this is reflected in the colour of both the jacket and the eyes.
The result is a painting that shows the defiant and indefatigable spirit of a truly talented actress. Norma (2019) pays homage to a long forgotten actress and brings her memory alive for the next generation.