Wednesday, January 13, 2010

A Lady with Flourish and Flair



I don't remember the specifics, but I came across this painting some time ago, somewhere, somehow. Like so many others pieces of art by which I am completely enchanted, it compelled me to find out more about its creator, Fleur Cowles.


And, oh,what an incredible lady she was! The original bright young thing, Cowles accomplished more in her one lifetime than some might complete in ten. Of course there was her magazine, Flair, an absolute pioneer in its time and still a beacon for many in magazine publishing.


Cowles had a penchant for connecting with people and counted as dear friends everyone from the Queen Mother to Cary Grant.


Besides taking ambassadorships and lending support to several presidents, Cowles piloted planes, sailed boats and decorated cheerful and flamboyant interior spaces.


As if all that wasn't enough, she was also a prolific author and artist and even made some of her own clothes and jewelry. She died just last year at 101, and now, as when I first learned of her, I am incredibly inspired by all that she accomplished.

Fleur Cowles Tiger Painting, Estate Of Beverly Sills


Images: (1) "Tiger, Flowers in the Moonlight" via artnet.de, (2) Via Vanity Fair, (3) Via Refinery 29, (4) Via dailymail.co.uk, (5) Via littleaugury.blogspot.com, (6) "Little Tiger", via Malleries.com