My latest painting, Ava (2019), pays tribute to screen legend, Ava Gardner. Her talent took her from poverty to the bright lights of Hollywood.
She was youngest of seven children born to poor farmers. When she was 15, her father died and life became even harder. As a result, the family struggled financially.
Her career came about after a professional photographer took her photo and put it in his shop window. This led to Ava auditioning for a film and subsequently, gaining a contract as an actress.
She had a commanding presence and embodied true feminine strength. Ava Gardner did not find fame immediately. In spite of this, she dazzled in every film in which she starred.
One of a Kind
It was the tenacity of her spirit that led to her success. Yet when it came to her personal life, Ava was unlucky in love.
Her first two marriages barely lasted a year and her final union with Frank Sinatra ended in divorce. Following this, she spent time in Spain with Ernest Hemingway and had an affair with a bullfighter.
Eventually, she moved to England and remained there until her death at the age of 67. In painting Ava (2019), I was initially inspired by her natural beauty.
In particular, I was attracted to the symmetry of her face. Ultimately, I wanted my painting to capture the strength of her character. As a result, I took special attention to capture the steady intensity of her gaze.
Although based on a black and white photograph, I painted Ava wearing clothing in shades of purple. Similarly, in my recent paintings, Helen (2019) and Vivien (2019), I used this feminine hue.
My painting, Ava (2019) depicts both her grace and her resilience. The result pays homage to this enigmatic actress and keeps her memory alive for the next generation.