05/20/2026
Behind the easel #6: "Two Ages of Women" by Sarah Sossaman
This painting was inspired by the body of work of Gustav Klimt. He is known for his use of a whimsical dream like black drop. Klimt's work usually contains gold-gilded accents and realistic skin tones while the surrounding clothing and scenery is painted in an explosion of pattern that inspires movement and imagination. Some of his common themes include commentary on societal restraints, many forms of natural women, and landscapes of whimsy. He incorporated certain symbolic patterns that varied based on feminine and masculine subject matter. He is known as a great contributor to the Art Nouveau movement.
I used a dear friend and her daughter as models and muses in this piece to retain the intimate nature of his work.
THE CREATIVE PROCESS:
- "May I take a reference photo for a painting idea I've been working through in my head? I need y'all to pile in bed with as many blankets as possible!"
-the real task at hand was capturing their relationship, the mindset of a young mother at rest, and a silly toddler loving the blanket dog-pile
- I carefully selected my patterns to play into each personality and the overall feel I was trying to portray.... I was going for the feeling of waking up in a lovely dream in a magic garden perhaps, while retaining the mentally of my subjects during the time of the reference photo capture.
- The painting experience was long, sometimes, gruelling, but always exciting.
- I pushed myself out of my comfort zone by using every color I had available and many symbolic patterns similar to Klimt.
- Tired, successful, and over the moon with the sheer feat finally coming to a close I sealed my painting and signed my name.
Included are pictures of the process.
"Two Ages of Women"
Acrylic & gold leaf on canvas
3'x4'
FOR SALE: 2K
Price negotiable to serious buyers
