All about each artwork
1 - CARMEN MIRANDA’S BLOOMING | VERY PERI
The inspiration: To create an image that brings joy in a wide open mouth laughing. In a world surrounded by much pain, art needs to bring #GoodVibesOnly.
The choice for the background color refers to Pantone Very Peri color, based on the periwinkle flower.
In the language of flowers, periwinkles carry the symbolic meaning of faith, trust, and everlasting love. Notice that there is only one periwinkle flower on the head arrangement (left, near her cheeks) surrounded by other flowers that can be sometimes in dark colors, like the one on the top left side of her forehead. Flowers can be beautiful and also mysterious... There’s also a white orchid aligned to the mouth, which is a symbol of femininity.
The technique I developed for this kind of portrait is: mixing acrylic colors to match the desired Very Peri Pantone Color 2022. I cover the background first with acrylic colors, painting the face and all other elements in oil. The sketch is done first in a computer, experimenting with composition in many ways and elements, then transferred to canvas later in pencil sketch. It’s a lot of pleasure since the creation of the computer, until the last brushstroke.
While I’m working I listen to music all the time: the playlist is very eclectic and includes: Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa, Rita Lee, Gilberto Gil, Tim Maia, Madonna, Talking Heads, Amy Winehouse, MPeople, Elton John, Dua Lipa, Marilyn Monroe, Donna Summer... and also songs sung by Carmen Miranda, sometimes recorded by other artists.
This painting was exhibited at Chelsea Metaverse Masters, Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, February 2022, New York.
2 - TROPICARMEN
The inspiration: How would be the interaction between a Macaw (Arara in Portuguese language) and a human being? Well, if this human being was Carmen Miranda they certainly would develop an amazing connection like in the painting. Macaws like bananas and other fruits, and so does Carmen Miranda with her turbans/tutti-frutti hat, bringing her brilliant and exotic vibration of happiness to the world.
The message is full of Tropicalism and colors with a contemporary detail in particular: the pitaya or dragon fruit is a kind of fruit that has gained prominence in recent years, but practically didn’t exist on 40’s and 50’s. That means that the iconic figure of the singer is still alive in the Third Century.
For the background a dark purple color customized in acrylics, creates a dramatic contrast with the figure and elements.
This painting was created especially for the exhibition Maurício Porto at Vila Ventura Eco Resort, 2019 - the place is located in the midst of an exuberant natural landscape outside the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, in a natural preservation area.
The painting also participated in Chelsea Metaverse Masters, Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, February 2022, New York.
3 - CARMEN “WILD” MIRANDA
The inspiration: the intention for this painting was to play with elements and colors around this always amazing expression of Carmen Miranda, bringing enchantment with a fashion touch. The Fashion World loves animal prints, so do we.
The message: We can be poetic and fierce at the same time, without losing our charm. Living as survivors in this modern jungle called the world. a camouflage with pheasant feathers and foliage, over a jaguar turban, also alluding to the need to preserve nature and its beauty.
For the background the choice was customized acrylic color in a mustard tone, making a combination with the yellow colors from the other elements.
This painting was exhibited at Elite Design Show - an Interior Design Show - and at Vila Ventura Eco Resort, 2018 / 2019, Brazil, and also at Chelsea Metaverse Masters, Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, February 2022, New York.
4 - CARMEN MIRANDA SPRING
The inspiration: I was born and grew up in a small town surrounded by beautiful nature. I spent many vacations and weekends on farms, running in green fields and landscapes. Birds singing are in my memories. This exact kind of yellow flower tree is part of my memories as a child. I recall it either in my parents house or in my gramma’s house, in the gardens sometimes hosting bird nests.
Why do I put it all over Carmen Miranda’s portrait? It’s because my first feelings of admiration of someone famous who achieved dreams, came from stories my mother told me in my childhood about this famous actress/singer, who was a pioneer in representing Brazil and it’s culture to the world in a unique style. “She travelled to the United States and became the biggest success On Broadway ''- my mom used to say.
The message is reminiscent of my childhood, an expression of love for my mother who left me when I was eighteen, by her own decision to leave the world. She is gone, but she left the legacy of encouraging the arts and my talent as an artist. I painted many Carmens Mirandas and will continue painting. They all bring a little bit of everything I love: nature, my country, colors, flowers, fruits and... my dear Mother.
For the background color: I chose dark brown as the color of fertile soils where plants grow, bringing flowers and fruits to feed the birds. The ground where you can step in bare feet with that great sensation of belonging here. Above everything we need to protect Nature.
This painting was exhibited: at Elite Design Show - an Interior Design Show - and at Vila Ventura Eco Resort, 2018 / 2019, Brazil.
5 - AQUARIUS MEDITATION
The inspiration: Movies, music, books, magazines and astrology are some of my passions. One of the remarkable movies I watched as a teenager was Hair, by Milos Forman. Still living in my hometown, I recall leaving the theater with that good sensation that the world could be better somehow and somewhere. The singer Renn Woods' opening scene singing Aquarius is a classic. The hippies dancing Twyla Tharp’s choreography in Central Park stayed in my mind since then.
The message: I made this painting during the Covid pandemic. The woman’s figure in profile position feels like inhaling in a deep meditation, like she is hoping and meditating for a better future.
Note: I was born in February under the sign of Aquarius, later in life when I did my birth chart I discovered that my rising sign is also Aquarius. So I’m doubly Aquarius and I like it.
This painting was not exhibited to the public yet. It’s in my home studio and I love to see it.
6 - TUCANO | TOUCAN
The inspiration: I was commissioned to do this painting alive during a gastronomic event in Brazil called Fartura Festival, (the word fartura means abundance in Portuguese language). It was a big challenge, since I use to do my paintings alone at my studio, never being surrounded by people. So, there I was with my easel and listening to people’s good reactions behind me watching.
The message: The Fartura event managers gave me total freedom to create the theme. The event was held as a show by several chefs from different parts of the country, who bring to the public the typical foods of their regions, states and cities. So I gathered for the sketch all the elements that can season and bring flavor to a delicious dish, such as lemons, cashews, peaches and cocoa - a typical fruit from northeast Brazil. Along with the fruits, we have the flowers to decorate and the contemplative Toucan, a typical bird from tropical fauna.
For the background: I chose acrylic brown color mixed with a touch of red.
The painting was displayed during the Fartura Festival,
Porto Alegre, 2019, Brazil.
7 - MADONNA ICONIC
The inspiration: What to say about Madonna? The Queen of Pop, the Queen of Marketing Strategy. She brings a combination of artistic creation, rhythm and audacious intelligence based on pure provocation. How not to surrender? Madonna poses and the world stops to watch, the entire planet surrenders to Madonna. How can I not be inspired by this artist and portray her image immortalizing once again a truly Icon.
About the painting: I was preparing an exhibition and looking for some celebrities to portray, when I found these pictures of the MDNA Tour, showing Madonna intense and mysterious. I surrendered to the pose, it’s a great pleasure to portray such a personality, who carries that sparkle in her eyes. This was not my first portrait of her.
For the background: The dark red rose in the background refers to the burning passion for art and romance, so evident in her musical poetry. The background was painted with acrylic colors, for the face and hair was used oil.
The painting was shown in the solo exhibition called Happiness, Sheraton Hotel, Porto Alegre, 2018, Brazil.
8 - MADONNA MARIA ANTONIETA VOGUE | MTV AWARDS 1990
The inspiration: “We know historically that the French were the biggest posers and it’s the whole idea of voguing and posing.” - that said, Madonna’s costume designer Marlene Stewart dressed her as Marie Antoinette for the 1990 MTV Awards. That performance was my inspiration for this painting - Madonna playing Marie Antoinette, two audacious women ahead of their time, causing controversy about themselves and making history at two different times. Just “strike a pose” and let me paint you, Madonna “Antoinette”.
The message: Just watch the video, MTV Vogue 1990, when Madonna shows her dancing qualities in a provocative choreography together with her dancers, posing and taunting against a still surviving morality, teasing with a fan and fierce gaze, striking a pose to an amazed audience and the whole world.
The background is fire and ascension. Madonna reigning atop a bonfire called show business, and still burning in flames.
The painting was shown in a solo exhibition called Madonna Like a Painting, Porto Alegre, 2012, Brazil.
"When I’m painting a portrait I get really fascinated by the expression of the eyes, because it’s from them that the sense of the soul of the person portrayed comes. If the painter makes a mistake in the brightness of the eyes the personality is not manifested in the painting.”
9 - MADONNA LISA
The inspiration: The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is a worldwide art icon, Madonna is a worldwide pop icon. The intention here was to play with these two icons.
The message: I’ve watched Madonna performing twice, once at Madison Square Garden, NY, and once in Porto Alegre, Brazil, when I made a dedicated exhibition inspired by her. The exhibition took place simultaneously with the date of her concert in town, and was publicized in the local newspapers, I hope she or someone on her crew has seen it. I sent an image of the painting to Madonna’s official website when I made the painting in New York, 2004, but never got a return. Not a problem :)
The background: It was very interesting to follow Leonardo da Vinci’s brushstrokes on that background, which is such a mysterious landscape. It was fun also to put Madonna’s face over Mona Lisa’s.
The painting was shown in a solo exhibition called Madonna Like a Painting, Porto Alegre, 2012, Brazil, together with other paintings, including small size portraits of Grace Kelly, Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich, Marlon Brando and James Dean - some of the names mentioned on Vogue lyrics.
10 - MADONNA LIKE A BRITISH
The inspiration: The year was 2004. Madonna was married to the British movie director Guy Ritchie. She was living in London, the songs from her album American Life were a success on the parades, but somehow she was talking and singing with a strong British accent. I went to see her at Madison Square Garden, NY, on the Re-Invention Tour. I was thrilled of course, and decided to make this portrait Madonna Like a British.
The message: An American Pop Star with a British influence and romance deserves the United Kingdom flag! The title I gave to the work brings a bit of irony as a reference to its first great success Like a Virgin.
The background: The background alludes to the British flag, not intended to be identical. Some stars from the USA flag are also around.
The painting was shown in a solo exhibition called Madonna Like a Painting, Porto Alegre, 2012, Brazil.
11 - RITA LEE ROCK STAR
The inspiration: Rita Lee is one of the biggest names in the Brazilian music scene. Daughter of an American father, she was born in Brazil, but was the first Brazilian singer to venture into the rhythm of rock and roll, a field dominated only by male singers at her time. Rita broke sales records with her songs that practically all Brazilians sing to this day.
The message: Rita Lee’s irreverence has always been present in her behavior and personality. In the 1960s, when she emerged as the lead singer of an extinct band called Os Mutantes (The Mutants), she was then a young blonde girl. Later her appearance gained auburn red hair, matching her freckles. She pursues a solo career in partnership with her husband Roberto de Carvalho, also a musician. Last year they released a single called Change, when she sings in English with some parts in French.
Currently, Rita Lee is 74 years old, lives in seclusion with her husband of 40 years of marriage, in a paradisiacal place in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The singer has just recovered from lung cancer. God bless Rita Lee!
The background: All the songs by the duo Rita Lee and her husband Roberto de Carvalho bring joy and are often dancing hits. The colorful content of their music, combined with their irreverence, inspired me to put psychedelic flowers (oil) as a background, and a floral print T-shirt, as a touch of the hippie era.
The painting was shown in a solo exhibition called Happiness, Sheraton Hotel - Porto Alegre, 2018, Brazil. The exhibition also included a portrait of Audrey Hepburn.
12 - AUDREY HEPBURN and the Humming Bird
The inspiration: Audrey Hepburn was one of the world’s most photographed women. Her image and beauty inspires delicacy along with the strength of a cinematic icon. I thought to myself: what would match such a delicate and slender image of this movie star? A hummingbird as delicate and fascinating as she, along with some orchids completed the visual poetry.
The message: A painting to bring serenity to those who appreciate and seek peace of mind. Audrey had a stance of defense of many humanitarian causes during her life, this is beautiful and will forever be linked to her beautiful image. Note the long neck. Audrey could be a bird also admiring another bird in perfect harmony.
The background: The color is clearly related to the blue tone of the Tiffany’s brand, as one of Audrey Hepburn’s established successes was the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
The painting was shown in a solo exhibition called Happiness, Sheraton Hotel - Porto Alegre, 2018, Brazil.
12 / 13 - A TRIBUTE TO ANDY WARHOL
The inspiration: As an admirer of Pop Art and its master, it was inevitable to want to paint Andy Warhol. Andy’s Campbells was painted live in 1999, during an interview in my home studio for Globo TV, a Brazilian broadcaster based in New York.
The message: A complete tribute to the mind of this controversial and genius artist, owner of a unique personality and who started his career in advertising, just like me.
The background: The thick brushstrokes were characteristic of a phase of my paintings, before opting for backgrounds with plain colors.
The painting was shown in the solo exhibition called Pop Art, Porto Alegre, 2009, Brazil.
14 - BREAKFAST IN AMERICA
The inspiration: The American flag colors as a basis for fried eggs on top. Some people may have different reactions to this painting, some may see political overtones. But, as the name implies, it’s just a typical American breakfast with eggs and bacon. I love America and I love breakfasts!
The message: I was on my first stay in New York and I was invited to do an exhibition in Brazil. I chose Pop Art as theme thinking about Andy Warhol and his repetitions. So I decided to paint a total of eight canvases with elements repeated in all of them. I titled the exhibition as Odd Repetitions.
The background: I really wanted to “portray” an American breakfast. It was then that my husband came up with the idea of using the colors of the USA flag as a base, as if they were strips of bacon and adding the eggs.
The painting was shown in a solo exhibition called Odd Repetitions, Porto Alegre, 2000, Brazil. The exhibition included more paintings with elements repeated, like Banana Republic* and Acid Rain*, shown below.
15 - ILLUSION
The inspiration: This painting was also part of Odd Repetitions exhibition. If the idea was to repeat things, why don’t repeat the eyes? Some people see this work as if the figure is removing a mask from the face.
The message: This was just a way of playing with the faces and eyes that I enjoy painting. But the viewer can interpret it in different ways, such as someone taking off the mask, other people have fun looking and saying that it’s double vision like when you drink too much alcohol and start seeing double. At the opening of the exhibition, many commented jokingly if they had drunk too much wine or champagne or if the painting was really like that?
The background: This was oil on cavas, I used the bold brushstrokes as I was doing more that time. The background brings movement also like a delusion of thought or a dream.
The painting was shown in the solo exhibition Odd Repetitions, Porto Alegre, 2000, Brazil.
16 - GAÚCHO POP
The inspiration: After living in New York for a period, I went back to Brazil to live in Porto Alegre. The city, which is also my husband’s hometown is full of local traditions, for exemple, people use to drink a hot tea with herbs in this kind of cup made with calabash. The beverage is known as chimarrão, and they say it’s good for your digestion, being also a reason to gather people in a circle like a ritual and just chat friendly. Any similarity with Coca-Cola? Look at the shapes.
The message: I was coming from a period in New York. The most famous beverage in the world is Coca-Cola, and the most popular in the town of Porto Alegre and state of Rio Grande do Sul is “chimarrão”. My intention was to play with both shapes of the calabash and the bottle of Coca-Cola.
The background: You can enjoy both the chimarrão and a Coca-Cola by the beach just relaxing, so I chose blue color related to the sky or sea, and the yellow / beige for the sand. Even though chimarrão is a hot tea, the local people like to drink it in the summer.
The painting was shown in the solo exhibition Summertime, Porto Alegre, 2005, Brazil.
Note: the word “gaúcho” is how they call people born in Rio Grande do Sul - an estate in the south of Brazil, almost border with Argentina.
17 - O SABIÁ
The inspiration: I always get inspired by the nature, flowers and birds. This painting was from an exact scene I registered with my camera while I was leaving home in Porto Alegre, Brazil, early morning to do a graphic designer job.
I had spent weeks listening to this bird singing around my house all the time. Sabiá is how these birds are known and they sing a very particular song easily recognizable. So, in that morning I turned on my car and saw that scene of that bird posing among the leaves of a neighbor’s garden. I opened the window of the car slowly and took the picture (shown right) to paint later. Seemed like the bird was posing to me :)
The message: “Sabiá” is also name of a famous song from Tom Jobim - the Brazilian Bossa Nova Singer, who achieve international recognition living in New York, becoming Frank Sinatra’s friend. So, I found an opportunity to somehow give Tom Jobim a tribute.
The background: I brought to the painting the color similar to the wall behind the bird.
The painting was shown at solo exhibition Maurício Porto at Vila Ventura Eco Resort, Porto Alegre, 2019, Brazil.
18 - ELTON JOHN
The inspiration: This painting was a demonstration of love to our pet, the adorable Elton John - we named him on the British singer’s name regarding to the “sunglasses”. We adopted him in Port Washington North Shore Animal League, later he came with me to Brazil and lived around for happy years, until he passed away.
The message: Elton John (the dog) was a mixed breed - Pointer and Beagle - even born in United States, his name was inspired on Elton John, the singer, it inspired to paint the background with Burberry’s brand patterns.
The background: It was made with tapes crossing, painted in acrylic in Burberry’s colors.
The painting was shown at Summertime solo exhibition in Porto Alegre, 2005, Brazil. I got also a commission to make a similar painting of a Weimaraner dog - see below.
19 - CHICA CHICA BOOM
The inspiration: Chica Chica Boom is the name of one of the most successful songs of Carmen Miranda’s musical career, having already been covered by several other singers. The poster was a welcome image for the exhibition and it was displayed on the entrance wall with a text on the side saying about her trajectory.
The message: Carmen Miranda became the highest paid Hollywood singer and movie star from the 40’s and 50’s, getting even more recognition than the American and European actors from that time. At that point of her career she also recorded another big success called “They Said I Came Back Americanized”, which lyrics says:
“They said I came back Americanized
With the money donkey, that I’m very rich
They said that with my hands I’m worried
And run around that I know right zum zum
That I no longer have sauce, rhythm, or anything
And of the balangandans there is no longer any”
The song was written especially for her by a Brazilian composer friend of hers, and was a kind of ironic response to the Brazilian press that criticized her American success, perhaps with a certain jealousy.
The background: Clearly inspired by the Pop Art aesthetic, the background shows the song’s name in onomatopoeia format.
The poster was shown: in the exhibition Carmen Miranda - The Brazilian Bombshell, at Casa de Cultura Mario Quintana, Porto Alegre, 2016, Brazil.
1 - CARMEN MIRANDA’S BLOOMING | VERY PERI
The inspiration: To create an image that brings joy in a wide open mouth laughing. In a world surrounded by much pain, art needs to bring #GoodVibesOnly.
The choice for the background color refers to Pantone Very Peri color, based on the periwinkle flower.
In the language of flowers, periwinkles carry the symbolic meaning of faith, trust, and everlasting love. Notice that there is only one periwinkle flower on the head arrangement (left, near her cheeks) surrounded by other flowers that can be sometimes in dark colors, like the one on the top left side of her forehead. Flowers can be beautiful and also mysterious... There’s also a white orchid aligned to the mouth, which is a symbol of femininity.
The technique I developed for this kind of portrait is: mixing acrylic colors to match the desired Very Peri Pantone Color 2022. I cover the background first with acrylic colors, painting the face and all other elements in oil. The sketch is done first in a computer, experimenting with composition in many ways and elements, then transferred to canvas later in pencil sketch. It’s a lot of pleasure since the creation of the computer, until the last brushstroke.
While I’m working I listen to music all the time: the playlist is very eclectic and includes: Caetano Veloso, Gal Costa, Rita Lee, Gilberto Gil, Tim Maia, Madonna, Talking Heads, Amy Winehouse, MPeople, Elton John, Dua Lipa, Marilyn Monroe, Donna Summer... and also songs sung by Carmen Miranda, sometimes recorded by other artists.
This painting was exhibited at Chelsea Metaverse Masters, Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, February 2022, New York.
2 - TROPICARMEN
The inspiration: How would be the interaction between a Macaw (Arara in Portuguese language) and a human being? Well, if this human being was Carmen Miranda they certainly would develop an amazing connection like in the painting. Macaws like bananas and other fruits, and so does Carmen Miranda with her turbans/tutti-frutti hat, bringing her brilliant and exotic vibration of happiness to the world.
The message is full of Tropicalism and colors with a contemporary detail in particular: the pitaya or dragon fruit is a kind of fruit that has gained prominence in recent years, but practically didn’t exist on 40’s and 50’s. That means that the iconic figure of the singer is still alive in the Third Century.
For the background a dark purple color customized in acrylics, creates a dramatic contrast with the figure and elements.
This painting was created especially for the exhibition Maurício Porto at Vila Ventura Eco Resort, 2019 - the place is located in the midst of an exuberant natural landscape outside the city of Porto Alegre, Brazil, in a natural preservation area.
The painting also participated in Chelsea Metaverse Masters, Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, February 2022, New York.
3 - CARMEN “WILD” MIRANDA
The inspiration: the intention for this painting was to play with elements and colors around this always amazing expression of Carmen Miranda, bringing enchantment with a fashion touch. The Fashion World loves animal prints, so do we.
The message: We can be poetic and fierce at the same time, without losing our charm. Living as survivors in this modern jungle called the world. a camouflage with pheasant feathers and foliage, over a jaguar turban, also alluding to the need to preserve nature and its beauty.
For the background the choice was customized acrylic color in a mustard tone, making a combination with the yellow colors from the other elements.
This painting was exhibited at Elite Design Show - an Interior Design Show - and at Vila Ventura Eco Resort, 2018 / 2019, Brazil, and also at Chelsea Metaverse Masters, Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, February 2022, New York.
4 - CARMEN MIRANDA SPRING
The inspiration: I was born and grew up in a small town surrounded by beautiful nature. I spent many vacations and weekends on farms, running in green fields and landscapes. Birds singing are in my memories. This exact kind of yellow flower tree is part of my memories as a child. I recall it either in my parents house or in my gramma’s house, in the gardens sometimes hosting bird nests.
Why do I put it all over Carmen Miranda’s portrait? It’s because my first feelings of admiration of someone famous who achieved dreams, came from stories my mother told me in my childhood about this famous actress/singer, who was a pioneer in representing Brazil and it’s culture to the world in a unique style. “She travelled to the United States and became the biggest success On Broadway ''- my mom used to say.
The message is reminiscent of my childhood, an expression of love for my mother who left me when I was eighteen, by her own decision to leave the world. She is gone, but she left the legacy of encouraging the arts and my talent as an artist. I painted many Carmens Mirandas and will continue painting. They all bring a little bit of everything I love: nature, my country, colors, flowers, fruits and... my dear Mother.
For the background color: I chose dark brown as the color of fertile soils where plants grow, bringing flowers and fruits to feed the birds. The ground where you can step in bare feet with that great sensation of belonging here. Above everything we need to protect Nature.
This painting was exhibited: at Elite Design Show - an Interior Design Show - and at Vila Ventura Eco Resort, 2018 / 2019, Brazil.
5 - AQUARIUS MEDITATION
The inspiration: Movies, music, books, magazines and astrology are some of my passions. One of the remarkable movies I watched as a teenager was Hair, by Milos Forman. Still living in my hometown, I recall leaving the theater with that good sensation that the world could be better somehow and somewhere. The singer Renn Woods' opening scene singing Aquarius is a classic. The hippies dancing Twyla Tharp’s choreography in Central Park stayed in my mind since then.
The message: I made this painting during the Covid pandemic. The woman’s figure in profile position feels like inhaling in a deep meditation, like she is hoping and meditating for a better future.
Note: I was born in February under the sign of Aquarius, later in life when I did my birth chart I discovered that my rising sign is also Aquarius. So I’m doubly Aquarius and I like it.
This painting was not exhibited to the public yet. It’s in my home studio and I love to see it.
6 - TUCANO | TOUCAN
The inspiration: I was commissioned to do this painting alive during a gastronomic event in Brazil called Fartura Festival, (the word fartura means abundance in Portuguese language). It was a big challenge, since I use to do my paintings alone at my studio, never being surrounded by people. So, there I was with my easel and listening to people’s good reactions behind me watching.
The message: The Fartura event managers gave me total freedom to create the theme. The event was held as a show by several chefs from different parts of the country, who bring to the public the typical foods of their regions, states and cities. So I gathered for the sketch all the elements that can season and bring flavor to a delicious dish, such as lemons, cashews, peaches and cocoa - a typical fruit from northeast Brazil. Along with the fruits, we have the flowers to decorate and the contemplative Toucan, a typical bird from tropical fauna.
For the background: I chose acrylic brown color mixed with a touch of red.
The painting was displayed during the Fartura Festival,
Porto Alegre, 2019, Brazil.
7 - MADONNA ICONIC
The inspiration: What to say about Madonna? The Queen of Pop, the Queen of Marketing Strategy. She brings a combination of artistic creation, rhythm and audacious intelligence based on pure provocation. How not to surrender? Madonna poses and the world stops to watch, the entire planet surrenders to Madonna. How can I not be inspired by this artist and portray her image immortalizing once again a truly Icon.
About the painting: I was preparing an exhibition and looking for some celebrities to portray, when I found these pictures of the MDNA Tour, showing Madonna intense and mysterious. I surrendered to the pose, it’s a great pleasure to portray such a personality, who carries that sparkle in her eyes. This was not my first portrait of her.
For the background: The dark red rose in the background refers to the burning passion for art and romance, so evident in her musical poetry. The background was painted with acrylic colors, for the face and hair was used oil.
The painting was shown in the solo exhibition called Happiness, Sheraton Hotel, Porto Alegre, 2018, Brazil.
8 - MADONNA MARIA ANTONIETA VOGUE | MTV AWARDS 1990
The inspiration: “We know historically that the French were the biggest posers and it’s the whole idea of voguing and posing.” - that said, Madonna’s costume designer Marlene Stewart dressed her as Marie Antoinette for the 1990 MTV Awards. That performance was my inspiration for this painting - Madonna playing Marie Antoinette, two audacious women ahead of their time, causing controversy about themselves and making history at two different times. Just “strike a pose” and let me paint you, Madonna “Antoinette”.
The message: Just watch the video, MTV Vogue 1990, when Madonna shows her dancing qualities in a provocative choreography together with her dancers, posing and taunting against a still surviving morality, teasing with a fan and fierce gaze, striking a pose to an amazed audience and the whole world.
The background is fire and ascension. Madonna reigning atop a bonfire called show business, and still burning in flames.
The painting was shown in a solo exhibition called Madonna Like a Painting, Porto Alegre, 2012, Brazil.
"When I’m painting a portrait I get really fascinated by the expression of the eyes, because it’s from them that the sense of the soul of the person portrayed comes. If the painter makes a mistake in the brightness of the eyes the personality is not manifested in the painting.”
9 - MADONNA LISA
The inspiration: The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is a worldwide art icon, Madonna is a worldwide pop icon. The intention here was to play with these two icons.
The message: I’ve watched Madonna performing twice, once at Madison Square Garden, NY, and once in Porto Alegre, Brazil, when I made a dedicated exhibition inspired by her. The exhibition took place simultaneously with the date of her concert in town, and was publicized in the local newspapers, I hope she or someone on her crew has seen it. I sent an image of the painting to Madonna’s official website when I made the painting in New York, 2004, but never got a return. Not a problem :)
The background: It was very interesting to follow Leonardo da Vinci’s brushstrokes on that background, which is such a mysterious landscape. It was fun also to put Madonna’s face over Mona Lisa’s.
The painting was shown in a solo exhibition called Madonna Like a Painting, Porto Alegre, 2012, Brazil, together with other paintings, including small size portraits of Grace Kelly, Bette Davis, Marlene Dietrich, Marlon Brando and James Dean - some of the names mentioned on Vogue lyrics.
10 - MADONNA LIKE A BRITISH
The inspiration: The year was 2004. Madonna was married to the British movie director Guy Ritchie. She was living in London, the songs from her album American Life were a success on the parades, but somehow she was talking and singing with a strong British accent. I went to see her at Madison Square Garden, NY, on the Re-Invention Tour. I was thrilled of course, and decided to make this portrait Madonna Like a British.
The message: An American Pop Star with a British influence and romance deserves the United Kingdom flag! The title I gave to the work brings a bit of irony as a reference to its first great success Like a Virgin.
The background: The background alludes to the British flag, not intended to be identical. Some stars from the USA flag are also around.
The painting was shown in a solo exhibition called Madonna Like a Painting, Porto Alegre, 2012, Brazil.
11 - RITA LEE ROCK STAR
The inspiration: Rita Lee is one of the biggest names in the Brazilian music scene. Daughter of an American father, she was born in Brazil, but was the first Brazilian singer to venture into the rhythm of rock and roll, a field dominated only by male singers at her time. Rita broke sales records with her songs that practically all Brazilians sing to this day.
The message: Rita Lee’s irreverence has always been present in her behavior and personality. In the 1960s, when she emerged as the lead singer of an extinct band called Os Mutantes (The Mutants), she was then a young blonde girl. Later her appearance gained auburn red hair, matching her freckles. She pursues a solo career in partnership with her husband Roberto de Carvalho, also a musician. Last year they released a single called Change, when she sings in English with some parts in French.
Currently, Rita Lee is 74 years old, lives in seclusion with her husband of 40 years of marriage, in a paradisiacal place in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The singer has just recovered from lung cancer. God bless Rita Lee!
The background: All the songs by the duo Rita Lee and her husband Roberto de Carvalho bring joy and are often dancing hits. The colorful content of their music, combined with their irreverence, inspired me to put psychedelic flowers (oil) as a background, and a floral print T-shirt, as a touch of the hippie era.
The painting was shown in a solo exhibition called Happiness, Sheraton Hotel - Porto Alegre, 2018, Brazil. The exhibition also included a portrait of Audrey Hepburn.
12 - AUDREY HEPBURN and the Humming Bird
The inspiration: Audrey Hepburn was one of the world’s most photographed women. Her image and beauty inspires delicacy along with the strength of a cinematic icon. I thought to myself: what would match such a delicate and slender image of this movie star? A hummingbird as delicate and fascinating as she, along with some orchids completed the visual poetry.
The message: A painting to bring serenity to those who appreciate and seek peace of mind. Audrey had a stance of defense of many humanitarian causes during her life, this is beautiful and will forever be linked to her beautiful image. Note the long neck. Audrey could be a bird also admiring another bird in perfect harmony.
The background: The color is clearly related to the blue tone of the Tiffany’s brand, as one of Audrey Hepburn’s established successes was the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
The painting was shown in a solo exhibition called Happiness, Sheraton Hotel - Porto Alegre, 2018, Brazil.
12 / 13 - A TRIBUTE TO ANDY WARHOL
The inspiration: As an admirer of Pop Art and its master, it was inevitable to want to paint Andy Warhol. Andy’s Campbells was painted live in 1999, during an interview in my home studio for Globo TV, a Brazilian broadcaster based in New York.
The message: A complete tribute to the mind of this controversial and genius artist, owner of a unique personality and who started his career in advertising, just like me.
The background: The thick brushstrokes were characteristic of a phase of my paintings, before opting for backgrounds with plain colors.
The painting was shown in the solo exhibition called Pop Art, Porto Alegre, 2009, Brazil.
14 - BREAKFAST IN AMERICA
The inspiration: The American flag colors as a basis for fried eggs on top. Some people may have different reactions to this painting, some may see political overtones. But, as the name implies, it’s just a typical American breakfast with eggs and bacon. I love America and I love breakfasts!
The message: I was on my first stay in New York and I was invited to do an exhibition in Brazil. I chose Pop Art as theme thinking about Andy Warhol and his repetitions. So I decided to paint a total of eight canvases with elements repeated in all of them. I titled the exhibition as Odd Repetitions.
The background: I really wanted to “portray” an American breakfast. It was then that my husband came up with the idea of using the colors of the USA flag as a base, as if they were strips of bacon and adding the eggs.
The painting was shown in a solo exhibition called Odd Repetitions, Porto Alegre, 2000, Brazil. The exhibition included more paintings with elements repeated, like Banana Republic* and Acid Rain*, shown below.
15 - ILLUSION
The inspiration: This painting was also part of Odd Repetitions exhibition. If the idea was to repeat things, why don’t repeat the eyes? Some people see this work as if the figure is removing a mask from the face.
The message: This was just a way of playing with the faces and eyes that I enjoy painting. But the viewer can interpret it in different ways, such as someone taking off the mask, other people have fun looking and saying that it’s double vision like when you drink too much alcohol and start seeing double. At the opening of the exhibition, many commented jokingly if they had drunk too much wine or champagne or if the painting was really like that?
The background: This was oil on cavas, I used the bold brushstrokes as I was doing more that time. The background brings movement also like a delusion of thought or a dream.
The painting was shown in the solo exhibition Odd Repetitions, Porto Alegre, 2000, Brazil.
16 - GAÚCHO POP
The inspiration: After living in New York for a period, I went back to Brazil to live in Porto Alegre. The city, which is also my husband’s hometown is full of local traditions, for exemple, people use to drink a hot tea with herbs in this kind of cup made with calabash. The beverage is known as chimarrão, and they say it’s good for your digestion, being also a reason to gather people in a circle like a ritual and just chat friendly. Any similarity with Coca-Cola? Look at the shapes.
The message: I was coming from a period in New York. The most famous beverage in the world is Coca-Cola, and the most popular in the town of Porto Alegre and state of Rio Grande do Sul is “chimarrão”. My intention was to play with both shapes of the calabash and the bottle of Coca-Cola.
The background: You can enjoy both the chimarrão and a Coca-Cola by the beach just relaxing, so I chose blue color related to the sky or sea, and the yellow / beige for the sand. Even though chimarrão is a hot tea, the local people like to drink it in the summer.
The painting was shown in the solo exhibition Summertime, Porto Alegre, 2005, Brazil.
Note: the word “gaúcho” is how they call people born in Rio Grande do Sul - an estate in the south of Brazil, almost border with Argentina.
17 - O SABIÁ
The inspiration: I always get inspired by the nature, flowers and birds. This painting was from an exact scene I registered with my camera while I was leaving home in Porto Alegre, Brazil, early morning to do a graphic designer job.
I had spent weeks listening to this bird singing around my house all the time. Sabiá is how these birds are known and they sing a very particular song easily recognizable. So, in that morning I turned on my car and saw that scene of that bird posing among the leaves of a neighbor’s garden. I opened the window of the car slowly and took the picture (shown right) to paint later. Seemed like the bird was posing to me :)
The message: “Sabiá” is also name of a famous song from Tom Jobim - the Brazilian Bossa Nova Singer, who achieve international recognition living in New York, becoming Frank Sinatra’s friend. So, I found an opportunity to somehow give Tom Jobim a tribute.
The background: I brought to the painting the color similar to the wall behind the bird.
The painting was shown at solo exhibition Maurício Porto at Vila Ventura Eco Resort, Porto Alegre, 2019, Brazil.
18 - ELTON JOHN
The inspiration: This painting was a demonstration of love to our pet, the adorable Elton John - we named him on the British singer’s name regarding to the “sunglasses”. We adopted him in Port Washington North Shore Animal League, later he came with me to Brazil and lived around for happy years, until he passed away.
The message: Elton John (the dog) was a mixed breed - Pointer and Beagle - even born in United States, his name was inspired on Elton John, the singer, it inspired to paint the background with Burberry’s brand patterns.
The background: It was made with tapes crossing, painted in acrylic in Burberry’s colors.
The painting was shown at Summertime solo exhibition in Porto Alegre, 2005, Brazil. I got also a commission to make a similar painting of a Weimaraner dog - see below.
19 - CHICA CHICA BOOM
The inspiration: Chica Chica Boom is the name of one of the most successful songs of Carmen Miranda’s musical career, having already been covered by several other singers. The poster was a welcome image for the exhibition and it was displayed on the entrance wall with a text on the side saying about her trajectory.
The message: Carmen Miranda became the highest paid Hollywood singer and movie star from the 40’s and 50’s, getting even more recognition than the American and European actors from that time. At that point of her career she also recorded another big success called “They Said I Came Back Americanized”, which lyrics says:
“They said I came back Americanized
With the money donkey, that I’m very rich
They said that with my hands I’m worried
And run around that I know right zum zum
That I no longer have sauce, rhythm, or anything
And of the balangandans there is no longer any”
The song was written especially for her by a Brazilian composer friend of hers, and was a kind of ironic response to the Brazilian press that criticized her American success, perhaps with a certain jealousy.
The background: Clearly inspired by the Pop Art aesthetic, the background shows the song’s name in onomatopoeia format.
The poster was shown: in the exhibition Carmen Miranda - The Brazilian Bombshell, at Casa de Cultura Mario Quintana, Porto Alegre, 2016, Brazil.