The Artist's Eye

This poem was inspired by the work of artist Gio Swaby, who uses textile-based techniques to create portraits of women.

I was painting her eyes,

cat's eyes, like jeweled

marbles,

green in that way

that green is not

black iris with a gold halo

I was painting her skin

smooth and black

a stone

crashed and thrown

against the shore

over and over

until it shone smooth

I was painting her face

sharp, with a jutted

jaw line

high regal cheekbones,

an awkward nose

I was painting her hair

an orange-red dahlia,

the petals caressing her ears

and the back of her neck

I was painting the crown

around her head

twisting and shimmering

blood red

flames

with a white hot center

I was

painting

her

Reviews

[John Alexander McFadyen]

The description in each stanza is captivating as we follow the eye of the painter across the canvas and your words down the page. You end once again with impact that jolts the reader's senses awake.

[NormaZ]

Thanks John !

[Arundass TP]

A great Artistic expression. Beautifully written. Loved it 🤣

[NormaZ]

Thank you, so glad you liked it!

[Chris Shaw]

Paintings can be so inspirational for a poet. I enjoyed the colour and movement you conveyed in your observations Norma. Nicely penned.

Chris

[NormaZ]

Thank you Chris, I hope you’re feeling better!

[Chris Shaw]

It’s a slow recovery but I’m on my way :) thanks for asking Norma

[Ken Simm.]

Celebrating looking at the close individual. Really looking.. Excellent.

[NormaZ]

Thank you Ken!

[Bhuyanshi Talukdar]

It portrays the act of painting as a way to capture and celebrate the individuality and beauty of the subject.

[NormaZ]

Thank you for your review!

[NormaZ]

I was trying to add a jpeg image with this, a beautiful portrait by Gio Swaby, but couldn’t make it happen! Anyone have any advice on getting an image in a post?

[console]

sometimes error happens while uploading. There is a option to insert the image over the top bar where you write the text with a icon[image] of portrait.

[NormaZ]

Thanks! I’ll try it again