TO THE LIGHTHOUSE

Georges Seurat, The Lighthouse at Honfleur, 1886

Stephen Scott Young, Dawn's Light, Coast of New England, 2008

Paul Resika, Blue Wave, 2008

Andrea Kowch, Light Keepers

I just returned from a much-needed, albeit brief vacation in the mid coast of Maine.  On my last day, I was able to explore the Historic Lighthouse at Pemaquid Point, located in a picturesque setting on the rocks since 1827.

While we were clambering around on cliffs, I began considering the various depictions of the lighthouse in painting.  In a quick search on Artsy.net, I compiled these few widely varied examples, ranging from a close-hued Pointillist painting from the 19th century by Georges Seurat, to contemporary painting, both Realist and abstract, to a fantasy-like, almost Surreal, contemporary work by Andrea Kowch (previously featured here).

Which style do you prefer?

Dress: Vintage (thrifted for $5!)

Shoes: Sperry

Hat: H&M

Images via Artsy.net; Photographs by Hope Huynh.

OUT OF OFFICE: Maine.

Alex Katz, Ada Seated, 1963

I'm currently on vacation in the favored painting location of figurative artist Alex Katz: Maine.  The landscape here is beautiful and I'm taking cues from Katz's wife and muse, Ada, featured in many of his paintings.  I love the simple ensemble pictured here, and the slower pace of life here in Maine.  I'll be back next week with new Art to Wear and outfit posts.

Happy Fourth of July!

Image via.

FISH AND FRUIT

I'll admit I've been spoiled by a week of wearing my brightest prints and gauziest fabrics--it will be quite a challenge to return to April showers and rain slickers.

This ensemble was inspired by the work of Paul Gauguin (1848-1903), a Post-Impressionist painter-turned Primitivist.

Born in Paris, Gauguin lived in Peru as a child. After returning to Paris and starting a family, Gauguin began to yearn to live in a place where he could simplify his life and "live on fish and fruit".

After leaving his wife and family behind, he eventually settled in Tahiti.

Though his lifestyle was criticized, many of his most famous works were produced during his time in Tahiti, where he realized his goal of finding a simple life in which his art could flourish.

The bold hues and primitive elements of the resulting work beautifully reflect the aesthetic of the islands.

The colors and flora of this vintage caftan reminded me of Gauguin's Tahiti paintings, and I decided to wear it out to dinner in Waikiki.

I'm wearing a vintage caftan, beaded necklace purchased in Kailua, vintage leather clutch borrowed from Jess, and Cynthia Rowley x Roxy leather shark tooth sandals.

Thank you to my patient vacation photographer, Jessica Vandagriff, for taking these photos!

In other news, the StyleLikeU book was just released! You can see my photo in the book in the company of dozens of the most inspirational style icons that have been featured on the site. Click here to buy the book on Amazon.

Congratulations to Elisa and the StyleLikeU team!

View my Stylelikeu interview here.

[Gauguin images from mimifroufrou.com, allartclassic.com, jamesbrantley.net, and wholesaleoilpainting4u.com, respectively.]

Hau' oli lā hānau

Aloha!

I am currently writing from the island of O'ahu, where I've been enjoying lovely sun and sand for the past week, spending time with my best friend from middle school and making my birthday last as long as possible.

I've enjoyed experiencing Hawaiian culture, particularly local art and style. Though Hawaiians are exceedingly laid back, and greet every day with a shaka, I've adored the bright colors of local artists and designers, which reflect the surroundings so perfectly.

Though I've enjoyed the local art, I can't help but think of my very favorite artist, Henri Matisse. His cut outs are some of my favorite works, and I think they really relate to the mood of the islands.

I shared here that, after a lifetime of painting, Matisse turned to producing paper collages when he was bedridden and could no longer wield a paintbrush.

The bold, bright colors of these works, and themes of nature and jubilation encapsulate my experience of the island aesthetic.

I wore this outfit to my birthday luau at Germaine's in Honolulu, where I learned how to hula dance and that I don't like poi. Hau' oli lā hānau means "Happy Birthday" in Hawaiian.

I'm wearing a silk Diane von Furstenberg maxi dress, Miss Trish of Capri leather seahorse sandals, and a fresh orchid lei.

Thank you to the lovely Jessica Vandagriff for taking these photos!

[Matisse images from archimuse.com, redyellowbluemakeyou.blogspot.com, and madamepickwickartblog.com, respectively.]