At the beginning of the year, I was inspired to begin a series of drawings called Cat Ladies. The idea was to mix images I saw in fashion magazines with portraits of female friends who love their cats in an effort to modify the stereotype.

I made two and then stopped.


Cat Lady I acrylic, india ink, marker, and charcoal on chip board 32 x 40"

I had ideas for more, but while the first one was inspired directly from a magazine photograph, the second was more concocted. I realized if I kept making them, my natural aversion to photorealistic painting would take over and I'd begin fabricating the scene and situation more and more- straying from sleek, moving toward crude.

This wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing. I really like the outcome of the second (below). I liked making it more than the first, but it didn't fall in line with my original intent which sparked a small and nagging thought.



Cat Lady II acrylic, india ink, and marker on chipboard 40 x 32"

If I wanted to create gorgeous and sleek scenes, I needed to photograph them. So I wondered: How could I instantly become a talented fashion photographer and have access to elaborate interiors and gowns and dresses worth thousands of dollars? Hmmm.

While I pondered this, other ideas and projects took over, and the short-lived Cat Lady Series moved to the backburner.

Maybe I'll pick it back up again someday. I can envision being a fashion photographer in my 50s. By then I'll have a multitude of cats to use in my photos! Purrrfect.


Sidenote: Cat Lady I was inspired by a photograph in Vogue. Cat Lady II was inspired by a photograph by Luke Wilkins.

Beth Meadows Pool IV acrylic on canvas 16x20" 2012

I feel like this painting was an accident, but that may not be accurate. 

I guess what I mean is that I didn't have a vision of this at all when I began painting it. I'm happy with the outcome because it's rare that I wander far from representational work. This painting goes in a direction I've been fantasizing about going in (toward abstraction), but it's going to have to be an accident if it's going to happen at all. I don't think I could do this on purpose and it be successful, at least right now. 

I've painted and drawn swimming pools for a few years now but have recently started a new series mixing this subject matter with a gold and black color palette.

Gold and black is one of my favorite color schemes currently, conjuring up thoughts of high end fashion and design, fame and fortune. There is an inherent glamor when the two pair up, a feeling of luxurious living that swimming in a crisp clean pool makes me feel (no matter how much money I might currently have).

Below is one of about six or seven that I'm in the process of making for an upcoming show I have in Nashville. More to come...

Beth Meadows Pool II acrylic and varnish on canvas 16x20" 2012

 

Bliss Home

29 Market Square

Paintings by Beth Meadows 

during September

For my September show at Bliss Home, there are still mason jar paintings on wood, but I've added new ones on slate roof tiles. The ones on slate are only $35 (a steal) so go to Bliss Home and get one... or three. If you are afar, you may also order them from my Etsy shop - more will be added this week, so keep your eyes peeled.

I made ten new pieces for this show inspired by an interest in the convergence of trends and classics in women's fashion today.

The image below has directly influenced these pieces- a Valentino ad I saw in Vogue a few months ago.

The vintage-looking lace dresses with hot pink and neon yellow embellishments. Be still my heart. 

Take a look at the beginning of the series inspired by this idea.

Using acrylic and spray paint, I dipped, painted, and spray painted stencils on lace and fabric and put them in antique window sashes and vintage frames.

I limited the paint color scheme to hot pink, neon yellow, gold, and even some black, which is not shown here.

I finished them off by signing the sides and even the fronts of some, in designer-esque fashion.

I'm excited to see where this series goes. I have to take a little break from this work but all ready have ideas for when I can pick it up in a month or so. Can't wait.

If you like what you see, it is available for purchase at Bliss Home this month. 

Here are some nice words from Bliss Home about my show that has been there for the last month and my upcoming show beginning Friday:

Due to the positive response to her work, BLISS HOME has invited Beth Meadows back for more First Friday Fun as our featured artist in September!

“We’re thrilled by the tremendous reaction that Beth’s show received at its unveiling and throughout the month. We wanted to extend her exhibit so more Knoxvillians can experience her art,” notes Bliss Home Lead Design Consultant, Cherie Piercy.

Bliss Home will host a reception to reveal Beth’s new additions to her exhibit at 29 Market Square, from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, September 7.

I am showing some staples (Mason Jar paintings, but for the first time on slate) and also the beginning of a new series using lace and paint. Please stop in during September if you can.

Bliss Home
29 Market Square
Knoxville, TN 37902
Hours: Mon-Sat: 11 - 7; Sun: 12 - 5
865.673.6711