A Unicorn with a Rainbow

Applegate, Amy

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/132854 Copy

Description

Title

A Unicorn with a Rainbow

Author(s)

Applegate, Amy

Issue Date

2023

Keyword(s)

• New Media
• Studio Art

Abstract

I was recently given a prompt by my childhood best friend’s three-year-old daughter Lucy to make her a painting of “a unicorn with a rainbow.” I said yes without hesitation, but as an artist who normally makes rather melancholy paintings from direct observation, Lucy’s request was far outside my comfort zone. I knew that if I were to feel any semblance of satisfaction with the project, I needed to make something that fulfilled Lucy’s young ideals while managing to maintain my artistic integrity. I wanted the painting to be strong and whimsical and seriously considered.As I began making sketches, my initial trepidation soon let loose. I found myself directly referencing landscape paintings by Jean-François Millet and John Constable and looking at depictions of horses by Rosa Bonheur and George Stubbs. I also looked at ancient and contemporary depictions of unicorns, including cartoons from recent pop culture. I’d never normally collage references in this way, but I found doing so intellectually and aesthetically interesting. Making Lucy’s painting helped me recognize some of the essential things I care about in painting and has opened me up to connect with time, place, and audience in new ways.

Type of Resource

• Text
• Image

Language

eng

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/132854

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 Amy Applegate

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