La Cave et le Petit Chien
By Denise Liebermann
Original artworkOil on box canvas
Framed
Image size: H: 90cm x W: 60cm
This is the latest fascinating work by Denise Liebermann, full of drama and intrigue.
Once more, Denise paints a story unfolding before our eyes – and we're left to fill in the gaps and weave our own ideas around the figures who draw us into their lives. It's a narrative revolving around the human and dog companionship and its central importance in a wider, complex world.
There's a sense of l'etranger about the composition and the stillness of the 'outsider' protagonists: these two are divorced from the main action inside the bar, hinted at only in shadows, but they are very much together and, inseparably, there for each other.
Like the opening chapter of a novel, here's how the artist sets the scene:
“It’s a fleeting moment between movement and stillness, solitude and connection.
“Her little dog sports a natty stripe. She wears a classic trench coat. He sniffs the door. She takes her time - a sip, a sign, a pause.
“Inside - who knows: a past affair, a lover's laugh, a noisy party or just the lure of live jazz floating through the half-open door and another good glass of wine quietly enjoyed?
“Her little dog's stare is fixed down the street, ears perked, tail still: he's waiting patiently, while she looks longingly – or wistfully – inside the room.
“The rain stopped hours ago, but the pavement still shimmers under the street lights as she stands outside La Cave, fingers wrapped loosely around the stem of her wine glass. She’s not in a hurry - life has taught her patience too.
“When she’s ready, and not before, she’ll make a decision, a move. And her little dog will follow. …”
Now read on – or rather, make up your own next lines – and enjoy this never-ending story, on your wall, for ever.
ABOUT DENISE LIEBERMANN
Denise is a Worcestershire-based artist who shares a studio with another of our artists, Wendi Weller, and who has become respected for her animal portraiture. Her new, larger portrait pieces are set in complex storytelling scenes, moving her work on, both in scale and narrative.
"My passion as a portrait artist lies in the intricate dance between capturing a person's outer likeness and revealing their inner essence and motivation. Through each stroke of my brush or pencil, I aim to unveil the stories, emotions and unique character that make each individual a work of art in their own right and to convey relationship and companionship, especially between human and dog.
"Portraiture, for me, is a deeply personal and profound exploration of human connection. It's not merely about creating a likeness; it's about delving into the soul of the subject and conveying their humanity on canvas or paper.
"Every face tells a story - and I'm committed to telling those stories with empathy, sensitivity, and authenticity.
"In my work, I embrace a blend of classical and contemporary techniques. Whether it's a detailed, realistic portrayal or a more interpretive and abstract representation, my goal is to elicit a sense of recognition and emotional resonance in the viewer.
"Through the medium of portraiture, I hope to foster a deeper understanding of the human experience, celebrating our diversity, vulnerabilities, and strengths. Each portrait is an opportunity to explore the intricacies of identity and narrative and the shared bonds that connect us all."