Lady in Red

Lady in Red    Jim Plesh

acrylic on canvas   36” x 48”
currently at Gallery 164, Bonita Springs, FL

As I’ve indicated in past articles, many of my paintings are inspired by remembered times and occasions.  Lady in Redis one such painting. 

Many years ago as a young man I was in the service and found myself stationed for a period of time at Fort Bliss, Texas. Fort Bliss is a very short distance from Juarez, Mexico and I,  like many stationed there, found my way on occasion to the the city of Juarez. The visits were colorful and sometimes crazy for young servicemen, and presented ample reference for creative inspiration. 

Lady in Red represents the many women who were in high supply there and in search of  the young soldier’s meager funds. The colorful dresses and sweet perfumes marked the streets, bars and cafes, where the wise treaded with caution and care. 

Remembering the sights and times spent in Texas and Juarez I rendered several works of art depicting those remembrances. The rain storm cloud seen across the sky many miles away. tumbleweed blowing around helter-skelter, the bull fights and yes, the ladies of Juarez, presented images to be captured on canvas.

Juarez II      Jim Plesh

acrylic on canvas  48” x 48”

private collection

I recently walked into the gallery where the Lady in Redpainting was on display. The attendant at the gallery alerted me to the fact that two women knowing that I was due to come in waited for over an hour to discuss the piece. When I explained the inspiration and meaning of the painting one woman spoke to the other saying “I knew it! You can see the sadness in the eyes and the feeling of despair in that young lady”.  She had waited an hour for confirmation of her interpretation of the art.  And she was pretty much right on.  

Incidentally, for the record, I never had any encounters with the lady in red, or her many associates. And I didn’t drink the water or eat the food in Juarez either!