when i first saw the work of Liz Markus i immediately thought of the portraiture of Slim Aarons, known for photographing the lifestyles of the rich and famous. and i wasn’t wrong, many of the paintings reference Aaron’s own photographs. they form part of her collection Town & Country. Markus applies acrylic wash to unprimed canvas, meaning the paint spreads as it dries – an unpredictable method of painting.
With her signature drips and washes and an eye for finely calibrated color, Markus thoughtfully renders this elite group of women who, through their innovation and intense ambition, have forever altered the course of American culture. This list includes such luminaries as Babe Paley, Nancy “Slim” Keith, and Aerin Lauder among others. While these women were often casually described as socialites, in reality, they used their position to manage a powerful network of people across the arts, fashion, and beauty industries.
her work is absolutely beautiful. i will just have to forever alter the course of American culture so that i, too, may have my portrait painted.