"Cordial"


Oil Painting on Canvas
Lisa Reinke
Completed January, 2007
16" x 20"
$425
This work is available for viewing and purchase at The Gallery in La Mesa, CA.



Travels:
The Gallery, La Mesa, CA

This painting was actually a study of the word cordial, which I think has some connotations that are actually the opposite of the official meaning. The word itself is a very positive and flattering word. Here are some dictionary definitions:

courteous and gracious; friendly; warm
sincere; heartfelt
Warm and sincere; friendly
diffusing warmth and friendliness
showing warm and heartfelt friendliness

I heard the word used on a radio program to describe someone, and it got me to thinking whether (and how) I would like to be described as cordial. It seems like it isn't genuine friendliness, but hostess friendliness - a front one puts on while performing a role. You are cordial at a cocktail party, or the hostess of a restaurant is paid to be cordial to the costumers. Although the person who is cordial may become a genuine friend or a person you honestly like, you just don't know because they are being cordial. Cordial is the courteous version of friendly and welcoming.

I have been haunted by this word and knew I had to do a painting that illustrated the word. At first, I thought I could combine this project with another I've had on the back burner for a long time - a white on white portrait. It migrated to a minimal color, with select colorization portrait. I wanted a friendly face, but not one that was overly friendly. One that would make you feel like you were getting the surface attraction and make you itch to look under the hood and take it for a test drive to see if the performance matches the exterior. Hence, the mismatched eyes. The comic book feel to the painting enhances the feeling of my meaning of cordial.

Sorry this one is so late in coming. The holidays tend to slow me down and scatter my attention a bit. And, believe it or not, I like to wrap up the finances of the last year and start the new year with a business plan and budget. I made a profit in 2006! Now, it is time to expand my market a bit.

Here's to a great 2007!

Posted: Mon - January 22, 2007 at 02:18 PM          

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