D.J. Hall, American, born 1951
Colored pencil on paper
Hall, the Los Angeles-based artist seated at right, based this lifelike drawing and a related painting on a photograph she took in spring 1986, just before she suffered an emotional and physical breakdown.
The drawing's vivid colors, bright sun, and festive atmosphere belie the artist's troubles. Despite the sitters' cheerful camaraderie, Halls' companion at left was not a family member or friend but a local woman she hired to pose with her for her composition.
God I love a work of art with an intriguing back story!!
rverc, Dona Minúcia, and defretnek added this photo to their favorites.
Trish Mayo 44 months ago | reply
Thanks for sharing the story behind this painting - on the surface it seems such a happy moment but she had to hire someone to pose with her that's sad.
rasputina2 44 months ago | reply
Maybe there was something wrong with the cake.
Maulleigh 44 months ago | reply
Cake drives me crazy but in a good way.
vidalia_11 43 months ago | reply
There is some hysteria to this. I hope she recovered.