Tag Archives: painting

Who wants to die a sad and broken person?

Posted on July 13, 2018 by JMN

This gallery contains 1 photo.

Who wants to die a sad and broken person like Melville — show of hands? One berates the ether doggedly with “this is me” effluvia. When, what, how much to reveal vexes continuously. Thrust, parry, withdraw, resurge, repeat. To trim … Continue reading →

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Variation on a theme — for the daughters

Posted on July 12, 2018 by JMN

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? The egg came first. A hen is only an egg’s way of making another female. (Deference to Samuel Butler) (C) 2018 James Mansfield Nichols. All rights reserved.

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“Wanted Dead or Alive”

Posted on July 10, 2018 by JMN

Steve McQueen stares at the viewer from a sitting position in the lefthand space — steely eyes, cowboy hat. Two stubby rifles dominate the righthand space: “A sidearm like nothing any lawman or outlaw had carried before — The MARE’S … Continue reading →

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The Painted Word

Posted on July 8, 2018 by JMN

In my twenties I fantasized an artistic project called “The Painted Word” — standing language on its head by meticulously brushing it on canvas. (I didn’t know until later that Tom Wolfe had used the phrase for the title of … Continue reading →

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Counterintuitive

Posted on June 29, 2018 by JMN

I’ve had little training as a painter, but one tenet I’ve tried to honor is the one that says, “Choose a brush you think is too large, then start your painting with one size larger.” However, human likenesses are comprised … Continue reading →

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Jerry had a sweet tooth

Posted on June 27, 2018 by JMN
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Amrita Sher-Gil

Posted on June 21, 2018 by JMN

nyti.ms/2I7OD36 “Sher-Gil died on Dec. 5, 1941. The cause was believed to be complications from a second, failed abortion performed by Egan, Dalmia wrote in her biography of Sher-Gil. She was 28 and was just gaining widespread popularity and taking … Continue reading →

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“Life is complicated…”

Posted on June 9, 2018 by JMN

“Life is complicated. It’s filled with nuance. It’s unsatisfying. If I believe in anything, it is doubt.” (Anthony Bourdain)

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LinkedOut

Posted on June 8, 2018 by JMN

I’d like to record how fruitless my multi-year meander in LinkedIn has proven. Full disclosure: I never sought employment on LinkedIn. My work history doesn’t define me — I’ve disliked most of my jobs. Why trot out a lackluster record … Continue reading →

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Jekyll-and-Hydish

Posted on June 2, 2018 by JMN

Some bloggers are restrained, self-deprecating, modest, understated; others write posts that are daring, obstreperous and filthily funny. I admire and enjoy both registers, and the gradations between. It’s hard to find my own voice, though, one that feels authentic. I’m … Continue reading →

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