One of my most favorite magazine is Early American Life. I do a discreet little dance at the mailbox whenever it arrives. It never fails to fascinate and inspire me, and make me want to get to painting some Americana style paintings.
This weekend the Christmas issue arrived in my mailbox and the moment I turned to the story about Izannah Walker dolls by artists Edyth O’Neill and Dixie Redmond I was enamored by the photo of a little daguerreotype of a small girl holding her Izannah Walker doll. That was it. I had to paint her!
I mean, just look at that little face! According to the magazine, the daguerreotype was labeled as “Clara Eddy Eight years old.” It was reported to come from Providence Rhode Island, and according to FamilyTree.org, a Clara Eddy was born in 1849 in Providence, although its unconfirmed if the girl in the photo and the girl in the records are one in the same.
My painting is not an exact rendition of the photo; mostly I added in my own background and the pattern of the dresses are slightly changed. From what I could tell from the daguerreotype, the colors of the dresses are very similar if not identical. I thought it would be sweet to show a little girl and her doll in nearly matching frocks.
I mean, just look at that little face! According to the magazine, the daguerreotype was labeled as “Clara Eddy Eight years old.” It was reported to come from Providence Rhode Island, and according to FamilyTree.org, a Clara Eddy was born in 1849 in Providence, although its unconfirmed if the girl in the photo and the girl in the records are one in the same.
My painting is not an exact rendition of the photo; mostly I added in my own background and the pattern of the dresses are slightly changed. From what I could tell from the daguerreotype, the colors of the dresses are very similar if not identical. I thought it would be sweet to show a little girl and her doll in nearly matching frocks.I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, since this painting came about as suddenly inspired, but I think it turned out pretty sweet! I love the idea that this tiny little girl from so long ago has inspired me, a girl from long after her time to create something that perhaps, will last long after my time. Things like that make me happy 🙂
Well, off to do some errands this morning and then get back to the studio to paint. Some cooler fall weather is on its way, perhaps with even a little rain, and I know I will really be raring to go then.
Hope you have a wonderful day….and if you haven’t already, don’t forget to enter the giveaway for one of Sweetheartville’s beautiful prints!
Til next time,
~H
Sleightholm Folk Art 
Thank you so much for being inspired by the article in Early American Life. What I love that you have painted something inspired by but not an exact copy of the daguerrotype. Thanks for the links! Dixie
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Beautiful! Very, very nice.m.b.
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your work is wonderful
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Oh.Swoon….
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Your blog is one of my favorites because I love getting glimpses at your inspiration. This turned out beautifully! You're making me think I need to subscribe to some kind of polymer clay magazine. 😉
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I JUST love visiting you and your blog Heather, it is a daily treat for me! And, I LOVE your new painting too…..such a lovely sweet face and rich colours, beautiful! Karen
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I am really enjoying your blog! Your art is so different! http://maidenofnature.blogspot.com/
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Oh she is beautiful. As always, I adore your work. You are inspiring. I always enjoy a stop by your blog. Hope Fall is coming your way soon. 🙂
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The painting is lovely, Heather. I love how you applied crackle to the face of her doll. And those rosy pink cheeks – just delightful!
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Oh what a lovely magazine. I definately have to order a subscription this year. Luckily they ship to Sweden. And what a lovely painting. I love how the little doll is like a doll version of the girl herself. Every little girl (and many little boys as well I guess) would want to have a doll version of themselves like that I would think! And the necklace and the hat and the colour of the dres… sweet! Also, what a nice elaborate golden \”frame\” you have put the painting on.
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