Untitled c. 1960

Edwin Georgi made this ethereal portrait of a woman sometime during his career. The woman’s gentle, dreamy expression is achieved through delicate brushstrokes and a soft colour palette of whites, yellows, pinks, and blues. I can imagine Georgi’s process as one of careful layering, building up the image through washes of colour that subtly define the contours of her face and body. What was it like for him to observe his model so intimately, noticing the delicate play of light on her skin? The woman's gaze is averted, which gives her an air of mystery. Her slightly parted lips suggest a hint of vulnerability. The fluffy white shawl that drapes around her shoulders adds to the overall sense of softness and innocence. Painters are always looking, learning, and responding to each other’s work across time. Georgi's portrait reminds me of other painters' engagement with the human form, such as those by John Singer Sargent and Alice Neel. It is a conversation that continues today, with each artist bringing their unique perspective and approach to the ongoing project of image-making.