PYOTR TCHAIKOVSKY

PYOTR TCHAIKOVSKY

COMPOSER SERIES II

Russian composer Pyotr (Peter) Tchaikovsky

I really enjoyed working on the Renaissance oil collage of Tchaikovsky. His music, such as Swan Lake and the 1812 Overture strikes a familiar note (excuse the pun) with most people. Once again, here is yet another composer who experienced a troubled life and who also died young at the age of 53.

Musical notes, using crackle technique, emphasize his "mind of music"

Tchaikovsky pursued a musical career by entering the Saint Petersburg Conservatory in Russia in 1862. He had great success and was loved by audiences around the world. On a more personal note, he was said to be a misogynist (he hated women.) He married one of his students but he never did live with her and left her shortly after the marriage. He was depressed and emotionally insecure a lot of the time. Wikepedia states that the contributing factors were his suppressed homosexuality and fear of exposure. He also lost his friendship with a long time patron which added to his depression in later years.

The beard was difficult but I finally got it

In creating Tchaikovsky, I painted entirely with oils in which I used the Renaissance Oil method. This method includes painting a first coat with oils. This is called a campitura. The next coat is called a dead painting, with a first and second painting after that, followed by glazing. It’s complicated but I feel that I can achieve a painting that has more “soul” than by using straight oils or acrylics.

Tchaikovsky was a fan of Shakesphere and created Romeo and Juliet symphony

Along with working on my composer series, I’m painting my first “Freida,” which I hope to post soon. She will be very different from my composer series. I am, however, using the Renaissance oil method again and I’m trying to convey as much emotion as I can into the face of this wonderful Mexican icon. I’ve started a sculpture to go along with it. They both are coming along very, very slowly. I feel like I must jump into her life and experience her agonies and joys vicariously and somehow show her passion for art and life. I must have corrected the sketches I did of her face at least 10 times now. I will continue until I’m sure I have captured the essence of “Freida.”