Dogwood Regional Fine Arts Exhibition

My "Neo-Lisa" has been chosen for the Dogwood Arts Regional Fine Arts Exhibition at The Emporium Center Gallery in Knoxville, Tennessee. The exhibition's opening reception is scheduled for Friday, April 1st, from 5-9 pm, with the awards ceremony taking place at 7:45 pm.

For centuries, the enigmatic figure of the Mona Lisa has sparked fascination and intrigue among art lovers, historians, and casual observers alike. I too have found myself captivated by her, although my admiration does not solely stem from the allure of her enigmatic smile, which certainly holds an air of mystery and charm. Rather, it is her eyes that seem to possess an almost supernatural ability to follow you around the room, creating an unsettling yet compelling experience for those who gaze upon her. The way her gaze seems to track the viewer, no matter where one stands, adds an element of engagement that is both haunting and mesmerizing.

Though I have yet to experience the painting in person, my journey with the Mona Lisa began in my early days as an artist, a time when I was deeply drawn to the work of Leonardo da Vinci. His mastery of technique and innovative approaches to composition and light have influenced countless artists throughout the ages, including myself. However, as I reflect on the status of the Mona Lisa as a so-called "masterpiece," I find myself grappling with uncertainty regarding whether it deserves such a label. While I acknowledge its cultural significance and the reverence it has garnered over the years, I often find myself drawn more to his other works, such as the "Virgin of the Rocks," created between 1503 and 1506. This particular piece, in my opinion, exemplifies a true masterpiece, especially when considering the groundbreaking style and techniques that were revolutionary for its time.

Leonardo's painting style was distinctively innovative, setting him apart from his contemporaries and artist before him, which include Giotto di Bondone, who was revered as a master painter of the early Renaissance. Giotto's works, while exceptional in their own right, adhered to a more traditional approach, whereas Leonardo was unafraid to explore new methods and perspectives. This divergence in artistic philosophy compelled me to delve deeper into the question of whether the Mona Lisa could be deemed a masterpiece in its own right.

To answer this question for myself, I embarked on a personal journey of discovery, seeking to understand the nuances of the painting that have captivated so many. My goal was twofold: first, to capture the likeness of the subject in a way that pays homage to Leonardo's original, and second, to recreate the mesmerizing quality of her eyes that seem to follow the viewer around the room. However, I also had an additional aspiration: to create a painting that would, at a distance, resemble Leonardo's work before the inevitable yellowing of varnish would obscure the details, and upon closer inspection, would reveal a blurred quality, reminiscent of the optical inventions that have been explored by contemporary artists.

In this pursuit, I drew inspiration from Gerhard Richter, a leading figure in the modern art world known for his innovative techniques and exploration of perception. To create my interpretation, I employed an airbrush, meticulously layering watered-down acrylic pigment to build depth and a smooth surface. I made a conscious decision to use as few pencil lines as possible, reserving the majority of my linework for the edges of the central features, allowing the essence of the painting to emerge organically.

Throughout this process, I have shared my techniques in lectures, often describing my approach as "painting from the bones first." This phrase encapsulates my belief in establishing a solid foundation before layering additional elements. Once I had laid down the majority of the image using acrylics, I transitioned to oil paints, applying layers with a methodical approach. I began with scumbling, a technique that involves using a dry brush to create a transitional toned surface, followed by glazing, where fluid oil paint is layered over the base, allowing for a rich interplay of colors and luminosity.

It is important to clarify that during this intricate process, I did not, I repeat, did not utilize an airbrush for the oil paint application, nor would I recommend that others do so. The results of my efforts were immensely gratifying, and upon completing the work, I found that everything I had envisioned for this piece had come to fruition. This journey led me to a profound realization: the Mona Lisa, with all her complexities and subtleties, is indeed Leonardo's masterpiece. My respect for him and his artistic genius remains unwavering, and I continue to be inspired by the legacy he has left behind for generations of artists to explore and interpret.

Mona Lisa

By Eric Buechel

In shadows deep, her visage glows, illuminating the darkness that surrounds her with an ethereal light, casting an enchanting aura that captivates all who dare to gaze upon her. The faint luminescence of her presence breathes life into the dimness, creating a striking contrast that draws attention to her features, soft yet defined, as if sculpted by the hands of time itself.

A timeless smile, a secret knows, resting upon her lips like a delicate flower in bloom, hinting at the mysteries she carries within. This smile, both inviting and enigmatic, speaks of untold stories and hidden wisdom, a testament to experiences that have shaped her journey through life. It suggests a depth of understanding that transcends the ordinary, whispering of joy and sorrow intertwined in a beautiful tapestry of existence.

With eyes that dance like whispered dreams, shimmering with the essence of hope and longing, she gazes into the distance as if peering into the very fabric of reality. These eyes, vibrant and expressive, hold within them the reflections of countless aspirations and fleeting moments, each one a fragment of a larger narrative. They convey emotions that words often fail to capture, revealing a soul that is both resilient and tender, capable of embracing the full spectrum of human experience.

She holds the world in silent themes, embodying the essence of life itself, where every glance and every gesture speaks volumes without uttering a single word. In her presence, one can feel the weight of unspoken thoughts and the gentle pulse of dreams yet to be realized. Her silent wisdom resonates with the rhythm of the universe, reminding us that even in the quietest corners of existence, there lies a profound connection to all that is, was, and ever will be.

Eric Buechel Fine Art

P.O. Box 277

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Pleasant Hill, Tennessee 38578

931-881-7806