The old guitarist
Description of the Picasso painting52 total reviews
Comment from humpwhistle
A very astute and compassionate portrait of Picasso's guitarist.
A street artist? Probably.
As I look at this painting, what stands out to me is the length of his fingers. Too long in proportion to the ulna--even taking perspective into account. I expect this meant something to Picasso. What? I do not know.
Traditionally, that style of guitar would be strung with gut strings, not steel. And even casual guitarists would have calloused fingertips.
I'm not criticizing. Just mentioning things I see.
Best of luck.
Peace, Lee
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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A very astute and compassionate portrait of Picasso's guitarist.
A street artist? Probably.
As I look at this painting, what stands out to me is the length of his fingers. Too long in proportion to the ulna--even taking perspective into account. I expect this meant something to Picasso. What? I do not know.
Traditionally, that style of guitar would be strung with gut strings, not steel. And even casual guitarists would have calloused fingertips.
I'm not criticizing. Just mentioning things I see.
Best of luck.
Peace, Lee
Comment Written 23-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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Thank you so much Lee for the kind review. You are right about the gut strings, you certainly know your stuff. Do you think I should change it?
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No. I don't think it's a crucial detail. I just mentioned it because I used to play classical guitar. I don't expect anyone else will mention it. L
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Thanks. X
Comment from harmony13
The author's words are heartfelt, descriptive, and creative. The reader
pondered on the sadness the poem conveys. I felt compassion
as I read on. The artwork is perfect and compliments this poem.
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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The author's words are heartfelt, descriptive, and creative. The reader
pondered on the sadness the poem conveys. I felt compassion
as I read on. The artwork is perfect and compliments this poem.
Comment Written 23-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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Many Thanks. Jen
Comment from Mrs. KT
Hello Jen!
Absolutely moving and exquisite in message and format. Love the shortened lines and the visual and emotive imagery within. Your words definitely paint a picture worth reading again and again.
Thank you for sharing!
diane
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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Hello Jen!
Absolutely moving and exquisite in message and format. Love the shortened lines and the visual and emotive imagery within. Your words definitely paint a picture worth reading again and again.
Thank you for sharing!
diane
Comment Written 23-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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I love your review and the stars of course. Thank you so much. Jen.
Comment from Reese Turner
A nice salute to an old man who will not give up his music. I will think of this poem and wonder if he is a yank in Spain or Spanish? Sometimes I regret that I did not continue to play my guitar, but I am lazy and karaoke is just too easy!
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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A nice salute to an old man who will not give up his music. I will think of this poem and wonder if he is a yank in Spain or Spanish? Sometimes I regret that I did not continue to play my guitar, but I am lazy and karaoke is just too easy!
Comment Written 23-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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I like Kareoke too. Thanks for the review. Jen.
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But, I must ask, in your poem, is the old man Spanish or American?
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Probably Spanish. Why?
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An American on the skids in Barcelona is a different picture to me than a Spaniard. I know, it is still a man, a child of God, but I am an American vet and so it matters - even in fiction - to me. Thanks
Comment from Pam (respa)
-Nice artwork and
presentation, Jen.
-This is a lovely poem
with good imagery
and rhyme, and tells
a good story about this man, too.
-You paint a vivid word
picture of his world.
-He is old, full of pain,
and unappreciated, but he
has his music and his guitar.
-The last two lines really
bring the emotion out
in this poem; they are
beautifully written, but sad.
-You make us feel this
man's plight, but he is
not giving up.
-Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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-Nice artwork and
presentation, Jen.
-This is a lovely poem
with good imagery
and rhyme, and tells
a good story about this man, too.
-You paint a vivid word
picture of his world.
-He is old, full of pain,
and unappreciated, but he
has his music and his guitar.
-The last two lines really
bring the emotion out
in this poem; they are
beautifully written, but sad.
-You make us feel this
man's plight, but he is
not giving up.
-Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 23-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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I love your review. Thank you so much. Love Jen.
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You are very welcome and deserving. You really got into the soul of the man and the painting.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
You brought the scene in your eloquent words here Jen and I could imagine this guitarist on the streets in Barcelona, a city I have visited a few times and it is full of street musicians and artists, a magical city full of culture and vibrancy. There are homeless people on the streets too, your poem is in fine company with this painting and I adore Picasso and have painted many of his portraits in water colour, they adorn the walls of my Spanish home. Much enjoyed, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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You brought the scene in your eloquent words here Jen and I could imagine this guitarist on the streets in Barcelona, a city I have visited a few times and it is full of street musicians and artists, a magical city full of culture and vibrancy. There are homeless people on the streets too, your poem is in fine company with this painting and I adore Picasso and have painted many of his portraits in water colour, they adorn the walls of my Spanish home. Much enjoyed, love Dolly x
Comment Written 23-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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Thanks Dolly, so pleased you liked it. Barcelona is my favourite city, it is so vibrant. Love Jen. X
Comment from duchessofdrumborg
"The old guitarist", is an exceptionally well-written and deftly descriptive piece. With craft and skill, this talented poet has told it as it is. It was a privilege to both read and review a piece of this standard. To me, this is a six. I look forward to seeing your next post.
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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"The old guitarist", is an exceptionally well-written and deftly descriptive piece. With craft and skill, this talented poet has told it as it is. It was a privilege to both read and review a piece of this standard. To me, this is a six. I look forward to seeing your next post.
Comment Written 23-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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Thank you so much for your kind words and stars. Take care. Jen. X
Jen, my possum, you deserved both.
Take care,
the Duchess X
Comment from Cindy Warren
The poor guy! I want to send him a warm coat and a sleeping bag instead of that blanket. And I think he could use a guitar pick. Then I want to slap those sneering faces. So sad to think there are people like that, and they're treated so poorly. Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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The poor guy! I want to send him a warm coat and a sleeping bag instead of that blanket. And I think he could use a guitar pick. Then I want to slap those sneering faces. So sad to think there are people like that, and they're treated so poorly. Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 23-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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Thanks Cindy. Jčn
Comment from lyenochka
I like how you describe this street musician to create this empathy for him in the reader and an admiration for his devotion to his music.
One comment:
"but are unnoticed by he" (grammatically, it should be 'him' not 'he' but I know you needed it for the rhyme.)
Perhaps: unaffected is he
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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I like how you describe this street musician to create this empathy for him in the reader and an admiration for his devotion to his music.
One comment:
"but are unnoticed by he" (grammatically, it should be 'him' not 'he' but I know you needed it for the rhyme.)
Perhaps: unaffected is he
Comment Written 23-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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Thanks so much Helen for the review and the suggestion. Jen. X
Comment from Robert Zimmerman
Hello Jen. This is a beautiful verse describing a street musician that is living on his memories waiting for something good to happen for him. I really like the subtlety of the language and the sensitivity you penned the verse with. My empathy grew for the player as I read on. Good luck in the contest. Robert
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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Hello Jen. This is a beautiful verse describing a street musician that is living on his memories waiting for something good to happen for him. I really like the subtlety of the language and the sensitivity you penned the verse with. My empathy grew for the player as I read on. Good luck in the contest. Robert
Comment Written 22-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2019
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Thanks Robert
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You're welcome!
